“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 6:19-20).
An anchor is a weighted device that enables a sailing vessel to remain stationary or maintain stability in rough sea conditions. Thus, it serves as an excellent illustration for this portion of Scripture.
Consider the word-picture behind this passage: “…an anchor of the soul.” If we drop an anchor from a sailing vessel, it falls to the bottom of the water and out of sight. In most instances, we can’t see the anchor below the surface, but we can gauge its effectiveness by the stability of the vessel to which it is attached.
This analogy applies to our spiritual lives as well. In this illustration, our lives are the sailing vessels and the sea represents the world in which we live. God is the unseen seabed below the surface of the water and the anchor is Christ. Thus, if the vessels of our lives are tossed like a ship at sea, we must prayerfully ensure that we are tethered to our Anchor.
This brings us to a practical discussion regarding this reference to the soul from Hebrews 6:19. As mentioned previously, the New Testament word for soul is psuche in the original language of this passage. This word survives today as the root of such modern-day words as psychology or psychoanalysis. In this context, the soul refers to the human being as an individual personality. It also conveys an emotional component that encompasses the things we love, hate, or feel indifferent about.
In light of this, we may further associate this illustration with the worries and anxieties of daily life. One of the best ways to anchor our lives in this regard involves Jesus’ counsel from Matthew 6:33-34…
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (NIV).
As one source concludes…
“Throughout history, anchors have served as a much-needed device for sailors. In the Bible, an anchor is used as a symbol of our hope in Jesus that gives us stability and steadfastness in life. In ancient days, the anchor was used in artwork and engravings as a symbol of Christianity. Anchors appear in the Roman catacombs on the tombs of Christians, showing the Christians’ steadfast hope in eternal life.” (1)
(1) GotQuestions.org, What is the significance of the anchor in the Bible? Retrieved 26 May, 2022 from https://www.gotquestions.org/anchor-in-the-Bible.html