ἔλεος אABCD, a less correct form than ἔλεον but the one which is most common in the LXX. and N.T. (where ἔλεος is made neut.).

16. προσερχώμεθα οὖν μετὰ παρρησίας, “let us then approach with confidence.” The notion of “approach” to God (προσέρχεσθαι) in the Levitical service (Leviticus 21:17; Leviticus 22:3) is prominent in this Epistle (Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:1; Hebrews 10:22; Hebrews 11:6; Hebrews 12:18-22). In St Paul it only occurs once (1 Timothy 6:13), and then in a different sense. His ideal of the Christian life is not “access to God” (though he does also allude to this in one Epistle, Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12) but “oneness with Christ.”

τῷ θρόνῳ τῆς χάριτος. Comp. Hebrews 8:1. This throne was typified in the mercy-seat above the Ark (Exodus 25:21), over which the Shechinah shone between the wings of the cherubim.

ἔλεος καὶ χάριν. Mercy in our wretchedness, and free favour, though it is undeserved.

εἰς εὔκαιρον βοήθειαν, “for a seasonable succour.” Seasonable because “it is still called to-day” (Hebrews 3:13), and because the help is so deeply needed (Hebrews 2:18).

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Old Testament