What does Hebrews 7:27 mean?

Who 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. Hebrews 7:27

Explanation

Hebrews 7:27 highlights the key difference between the high priest of the old covenant and Jesus Christ under the new covenant. While the former needed to offer sacrifices on a daily basis for his own sins as well as for the sins of the people, Christ made a one-time sacrifice of Himself that was sufficient for all time. This verse underscores the completeness and perfection of Jesus’ sacrifice, which, unlike the repetitive sacrifices of the high priests, did not need to be renewed.

This offering up of himself refers to Jesus’ crucifixion, which is presented as a sacrificial act, akin to the high priests’ offerings, but one that is unique, final, and all-encompassing. The verse points out that Jesus’ sacrifice is both sufficient and effective; it does not need to be repeated, and it sanctifies believers fully.

Historical Context

The book of Hebrews was written to a community likely familiar with Jewish traditions and the priestly system of the Old Testament. The Levitical priesthood (descendants of Levi) would regularly offer sacrifices for their sins and the sins of the people. In the historical context, sacrifices were an integral part of religious observance and were conducted in the temple.

This verse compares the old sacrificial system with the ministry of Jesus Christ. At the time Hebrews was written, the early Christians, many of whom were Jewish converts, were understanding their new faith in the context of their Jewish heritage. The author of Hebrews seeks to explain and affirm the new covenant as superior to the old, with Jesus as a High Priest who supersedes the Levitical priesthood.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints might emphasize various aspects of Hebrews 7:27:

• Traditional Christian theology sees this verse as confirmation of the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood according to the order of Melchizedek (a figure from Genesis) over the Aaronic priesthood.
• Reformed theology may focus on the “once for all” nature of Christ’s sacrifice as foundational for doctrines such as justification by faith alone.
• Catholic theology might emphasize the ongoing application of this one-time sacrifice in the celebration of the Eucharist, wherein the sacrifice of Christ is made present for believers.
• Liberation theology could interpret the verse as not just spiritual liberation but also as a call for social liberation from the recurring sacrifices of trying to attain justice on one’s own, highlighting the provision of ultimate justice through Christ.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Hebrews 7:27 reassures believers that they are fully forgiven and need not seek continual atonement. It encourages a relationship with God not based on fear of constant judgment but on the security of Christ’s completed work.

• For daily living, this provides a foundation for overcoming guilt and allows believers to live in the confidence of salvation.
• It also molds the spiritual practice away from ritualistic observance towards a more personal and relational faith.
• The notion that the sacrifice is “once for all” can also promote inclusivity, suggesting that Christ’s sacrifice covers all of humanity without distinction.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 9:12 – “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”
• Hebrews 9:26 – “For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”
• Hebrews 9:28 – “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”
• Hebrews 10:10 – “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
• 1 Peter 3:18 – “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:”

Language Study

Key words from the original Greek text of Hebrews 7:27 include:

• ἀνάγκη (anagke) [needeth] — here meaning “necessity” or “compulsion”; indicating an obligation.
• καθ’ ἡμέραν (kath’ hēmeran) [daily] — “each day” or “day by day”, emphasizing the regularity of the Levitical priests’ sacrifices.
• πρὸ (pro) [first] — in this context, meaning “for the sake of”; indicating the priest had to address his own sins before acting on behalf of the people.
• ἅπαξ (hapax) [once] — “once for all”, indicating something done once with lasting result or effect, as opposed to repeatedly.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons to other ancient cultures and religions show similarities and differences with the concept of sacrifice:

• In pagan traditions, sacrifices were commonly performed to appease deities, much like the Old Testament sacrifices, but typically without a notion of an ultimate, once-and-for-all sacrifice for sin.
• In Judaism, the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, involved a high priest making sacrifices for the nation’s sins. Hebrews is directly contrasting Jesus’ work with this tradition.
• In some strands of Hinduism, the concept of a “yajna” or sacrifice is more symbolic, involving self-discipline and spiritual practices rather than physical offerings.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspective generally does not address theological claims directly. However, scientific disciplines may offer insights into:

• The psychology of religious rituals, including the human need for symbols and rites to make abstract principles tangible and psychologically effective.
• The anthropology and sociology of religious sacrifice, examining how such practices evolved in human cultures and their role in social cohesion and cultural identity.

While these disciplines can inform our understanding of why and how religious practices develop, they remain silent on the spiritual and divine truth claims of religious texts like Hebrews.

Commentaries

Scholars and theologians have offered various interpretations and insights regarding Hebrews 7:27:

• The Pulpit Commentary emphasizes Jesus’ unique role as both High Priest and sacrifice, unlike any Levitical priest, thus showcasing His unique and exalted role in salvation history.
• Matthew Henry’s Commentary highlights that Christ’s sacrifice is the fulfillment and end of all the Old Testament sacrifices, which were but shadows of the one true sacrifice to come.
• The Expositor’s Greek Testament points out the contrast between the repeated and daily sacrifices of priests and the single efficacious sacrifice of Christ, which is sufficient for all time.
• John Calvin, in his commentaries, describes this verse as evidence of the perfection of Christ’s priestly office, that by His sacrifice He has made satisfaction for our sins, an office that is not transferable to any other.