Hebrews 8:3
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
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.