English Standard Version ESV
New International Version NIV
15 And thus Abraham,having patiently waited, obtained the promise.
15
And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
16 For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation.
16
People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument.
17 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath,
17
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 so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
18
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 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,
19
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,
20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
20
where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
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.