Hebrews 10:20 — “by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse continues the thought from Hebrews 10:19, where believers are told they can confidently enter the Most Holy Place—God’s presence—because of Jesus. Now it explains how that access was made possible: through a “new and living way” that Jesus opened up by His own body.
In the old covenant, the curtain (or veil) in the temple physically blocked access to the Most Holy Place. It was a thick, heavy barrier that symbolized the separation between God and sinful humanity. But when Jesus died, that barrier was torn—not just the curtain in the temple, but the greater barrier between God and people.
Jesus’ body, given on the cross, became the “curtain” that was torn so that we could come in. His death didn’t just symbolize access—it created it. And because Jesus is alive, this is not a dead tradition—it’s a living way. He continues to give life and access to God for everyone who trusts in Him.
Historical Context
In the Jewish temple, the curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies). Only the high priest could go behind it, and only once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). That curtain was a constant reminder that sin had not been fully dealt with, and that people couldn’t come freely into God’s presence.
When Jesus died, the Gospel of Matthew tells us the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). That was no accident. It was God’s way of showing that the death of Jesus had removed the separation. From that moment forward, access to God was no longer through a priest or a system—it was through Jesus Himself.
For Jewish Christians reading this letter, this was a radical shift from everything they had known. The old covenant was fading. The new covenant had come, and with it, full and free access to God.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches several powerful truths:
- Jesus‘ death opened the way to God. His body was the “curtain” torn so we could come near.
- The way to God is now “new and living.” It’s not based on rituals or repeated sacrifices, but on a once-for-all sacrifice that brings ongoing life.
- Access to God is personal and relational. We don’t go through a system—we go through a person: Jesus.
This verse makes it clear that Christianity isn’t just about believing the right things or doing the right rituals. It’s about knowing the One who opened the way—and walking with Him.
Literary Analysis
This verse is poetic and packed with meaning. The phrase “new and living way” contrasts sharply with the old, lifeless rituals of temple worship. The word “new” here doesn’t just mean recent—it means fresh, unused, a new kind of access that hadn’t existed before.
The image of the curtain points back to the temple and connects deeply with Jewish imagery. And then comes the surprising twist: the curtain is Jesus’ body. That metaphor is both beautiful and profound. Just as the temple curtain was torn to open the way into God’s presence, so Jesus’ body was broken so that we could draw near.
This is careful, thoughtful writing, linking the old system with the new reality in Christ.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 27:51 – “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.”
- John 10:9 – “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.”
- John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
- Hebrews 9:8 – “The Holy Spirit was showing… the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed.”
- 1 Peter 3:18 – “Christ also suffered once for sins… to bring you to God.”
These passages reinforce the idea that Jesus is the one and only way to a restored relationship with God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is an open invitation to intimacy with God. You don’t need a priest, a ritual, or a temple. You don’t need to be perfect or clean yourself up before coming to Him. If you trust in Jesus, the way is already open.
You can pray with boldness. You can walk in peace. You can enjoy fellowship with God every day—not because of what you’ve done, but because of what Jesus did with His body on the cross.
It also reminds you that your faith is not built on a lifeless system, but on a living Savior who continues to give life and lead the way.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse is a clear picture of God’s love in action. He didn’t leave us outside, separated and hopeless. He made a way. And He didn’t make that way easy or cheap. He gave His own Son.
God’s love is seen in the fact that He wants us close. He didn’t settle for long-distance relationship. He opened the door and said, “Come in.” And He paid the highest price to make it possible.
Only a deeply loving God would tear down the barrier with His own hands.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is all about Jesus. He is the way. He is the curtain. He is the sacrifice. He is the risen, living Savior who continues to lead us into the presence of God.
- Hebrews 7:25 – “He is able to save completely those who come to God through him.”
- Ephesians 2:18 – “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”
- Romans 5:2 – “Through him we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.”
Jesus didn’t just open the way—He is the way.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to you that Jesus opened a “new and living way” into God’s presence?
- How does this truth change the way you approach God in prayer or worship?
- Are there barriers you still feel when trying to draw near to God? What would it look like to trust Jesus with those?
- How does the image of Jesus’ body as the torn curtain help you understand the cross more personally?
- How can you live today with the confidence that the way to God is open—and always will be?