Hebrews 5:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Because he too is weak, the high priest must offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as for the people's.
What Does Hebrews 5:3 Mean?
This verse completes the thought begun in verse 2. The ordinary high priest's solidarity with sinners has a humbling side: he is himself a sinner. Before he can bring offerings for the people, he must bring them for his own sins, as the law required on the Day of Atonement.
This limitation quietly magnifies the greatness to come. Every earthly priest had to atone for himself first, a steady reminder that he was not the final answer. The reader is being led to long for a priest who needs no sacrifice for Himself, who can give His whole offering to us. That longing will be answered in Jesus.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hebrews 5:3
What does Hebrews 5:3 mean?
Because he too is weak, the high priest must offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as for the people's.