12 For the word of God is (A)living and powerful, and (B)sharper than any (C)two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is (D)a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 (E)And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are (F)naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Our Compassionate High Priest

14 Seeing then that we have a great (G)High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, (H)let us hold fast our confession. 15 For (I)we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but (J)was in all points tempted as we are, (K)yet without sin. 16 (L)Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

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12 God’s word[a] is alive and working. It is sharper than the sharpest sword and cuts all the way into us. It cuts deep to the place where the soul and the spirit are joined. God’s word cuts to the center of our joints and our bones. It judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts. 13 Nothing in all the world can be hidden from God. He can clearly see all things. Everything is open before him. And to him we must explain the way we have lived.

Jesus Christ Is Our High Priest

14 We have a great high priest who has gone to live with God in heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us continue to express our faith in him. 15 Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.

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Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 4:12 God’s word God’s teachings and commands.