New International Reader's Version NIRV
New International Version NIV
13 When God made his promise to Abraham, he took an oath to keep it. But there was no one greater than himself to take an oath by. So he took his oath by making an appeal to himself.
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When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself,
14 He said, "I will certainly bless you. I will give you many children."(Genesis 22:17)
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saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”
15 Abraham was patient while he waited. Then he received what God promised him.
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And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
16 People take oaths by someone greater than themselves. An oath makes a promise certain. It puts an end to all arguing.
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People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument.
17 So God took an oath when he made his promise. He wanted to make it very clear that his purpose does not change. He wanted those who would receive what was promised to know that.
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Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.
18 God took an oath so we would have good reason not to give up. We have run away from everything else to take hold of the hope offered to us in God's promise. So God gave his promise and his oath. Those two things can't change. He couldn't lie about them.
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God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.
19 Our hope is certain. It is something for the soul to hold on to. It is strong and secure. It goes all the way into the Most Holy Room behind the curtain.
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We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,
20 That is where Jesus has gone. He went there to open the way ahead of us. He has become a high priest forever, just like Melchizedek.
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where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.