Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 6:19

"which we have as an anchor of the soul, [a hope] both sure and stedfast and entering into that which is within the veil;" — Hebrews 6:19 (ASV)

While the metaphor of the anchor is widely used in antiquity, it occurs only here in the NT. A ship firmly anchored is safe from idle drifting. Its position and safety are sure. So hope is a stabilizing force for the Christian. “Soul” (GK 6034) is a general word that probably means the “life” of a human being. The author is not saying simply that hope secures the “spiritual” aspect of a person; he is affirming that hope forms an anchor for the whole of life. Those with a living hope have a steadying anchor in all they do, giving them a solid footing and security. And there is something more: hope “enters the inner sanctuary.” The imagery takes us back to the tabernacle, with its “curtain” shutting off the Most Holy Place. That little room symbolized the very presence of God, but people were not allowed to enter it. But hope can, says the author. The Christian hope is not exhausted by what it sees of earthly possibilities. It reaches into the very presence of God.