Hebrews Chapter 8 · Verse 3
For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἀρχιερεὺς
high priest
G749
ἀρχιερεὺς
high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
3 of 19
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσενέγκῃ
offer
G4374
προσενέγκῃ
offer
Strong's:
G4374
Word #:
6 of 19
to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θυσίας
sacrifices
G2378
θυσίας
sacrifices
Strong's:
G2378
Word #:
10 of 19
sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)
καθίσταται·
is ordained
G2525
καθίσταται·
is ordained
Strong's:
G2525
Word #:
11 of 19
to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy
ὅθεν
wherefore
G3606
ὅθεν
wherefore
Strong's:
G3606
Word #:
12 of 19
from which place or source or cause (adverb or conjunction)
ἀναγκαῖον
it is of necessity
G316
ἀναγκαῖον
it is of necessity
Strong's:
G316
Word #:
13 of 19
necessary; by implication, close (of kin)
ἔχειν
have
G2192
ἔχειν
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
14 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦτον
that this man
G5126
τοῦτον
that this man
Strong's:
G5126
Word #:
17 of 19
this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)
Cross References
Hebrews 5:1For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:Ephesians 5:2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.Hebrews 9:14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?Hebrews 7:27Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Historical Context
The Levitical system's central feature was sacrifice. The author demonstrates Christ fulfills this pattern while transcending it - His sacrifice is superior in kind (Himself, not animals) and effect (eternal redemption, not temporary covering).
Questions for Reflection
- Why was it necessary for Christ to offer a sacrifice, and why couldn't He simply forgive by decree?
- How does Christ serving as both priest and sacrifice demonstrate God's love and justice?
Analysis & Commentary
Every high priest is appointed 'to offer both gifts and sacrifices,' therefore Christ 'also must have something to offer.' This establishes the necessity of Christ's sacrifice. A priest without an offering is no priest. Christ's offering is Himself (7:27), the only sacrifice sufficient to remove sin. Reformed substitutionary atonement sees Christ as both priest (offerer) and victim (offering), uniquely qualified to reconcile God and man.