What does Hebrews 10:19 mean?

This verse begins a transition between the main content of the book of Hebrews and its final applications. The writer has just completed a long, detailed explanation of how the new covenant, through Jesus, is superior to the old covenant, through animal sacrifices. This included references to many Old Testament Scriptures, as well as various arguments and proofs. Here, having given all of this support, the writer once again encourages readers to be confident in their faith.

The original audience of this letter was persecuted Jewish Christians of the early church. This entire writing is meant to motivate these believers. The writer wants them to be more diligent, more confident, and more proactive in their faith. The reference here to "brothers" emphasizes the fact that all of these words are written to saved Christians. Those who are saved have every reason to be confident in approaching God with their prayers (Hebrews 6:19–20), since Jesus fully understands what it means to be human (Hebrews 4:15–16).

Earlier passages pointed out that aspects of the old covenant were meant to symbolize its own limitations. Those symbols, themselves, were meant to foreshadow the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The next verse will highlight a potent symbol of the old covenant: a curtain which formed a barrier between the people and God.