What does Hebrews 8:3 mean?

For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. Hebrews 8:3

Explanation

Hebrews 8:3 emphasizes the primary role of a high priest in the context of religious duties, specifically in the realm of sacrifices and offerings. In Jewish tradition, the high priest was responsible for performing important sacrifices on behalf of the people, particularly on the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur. This verse draws a parallel between the Levitical priesthood and Jesus’ role in Christian theology. It suggests that, just as the high priests of the Old Testament were required to have something to offer, so too must Jesus have something to offer in His priestly role. This is part of the larger argument in the Book of Hebrews that presents Jesus as a superior high priest who offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to a group of early Jewish Christians, likely before the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 AD. Its authorship is anonymous but traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul, though some scholars suggest other possible authors. The epistle was written during a time when Christians were grappling with their identity in relation to Jewish traditions and the Levitical priesthood. Hebrews addresses these concerns by emphasizing the fulfillment and transformation of the Jewish sacrificial system in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Hebrews 8:3 is part of the epistle’s broader argument that Jesus is the ultimate high priest, surpassing the priesthood as described in the Old Testament. While traditional high priests offered animal sacrifices that needed to be repeated, Jesus offered Himself once and for all. This view aligns with the Christian doctrine of the atonement, affirming that Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient for the forgiveness of sins. Some theological perspectives might also stress the incarnational aspect of Jesus’ priesthood, viewing His ability to offer something of value as rooted in His divine-human personhood.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Hebrews 8:3 can inspire believers to reflect on the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice and the obsolescence of trying to earn salvation through personal efforts or repeated religious rituals. Christians are called to live in the freedom and gratitude of this completed sacrifice, approaching God with confidence through the mediating role of Jesus. The verse also encourages believers to present themselves as living sacrifices in service to God, as instructed in Romans 12:1, motivated by God’s mercy rather than a sense of religious obligation.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 9:11-14: But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands… neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place…
• Hebrews 4:14-15: Seeing then that we have a great high priest… Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
• Romans 12:1: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice…
• Leviticus 16: The chapter details the responsibilities of the high priest on the Day of Atonement.

Language Study

In the original Greek of this passage, particular attention should be given to the phrase “high priest” (ἀρχιερεῖς, archiereis) which implies a chief priest with special duties. The term “ordained” (καθίσταται, kathistatai) carries the implication of being appointed or established for a role. “Gifts” (δῶρα, dora) and “sacrifices” (θυσίας, thusias) refer to the offerings brought to God, with sacrifices typically implying blood offerings. “Necessity” (ἀνάγκην, anagkēn) denotes a compelling need or requirement in the context of religious duty.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a high priest who mediates between the divine and humanity is not unique to Judaism or Christianity. In many ancient religions, including those of Egypt, Babylon, and Greece, priestly figures played a similar role, conducting rituals and offering sacrifices to appease or commune with gods. However, the distinction in Christianity is the belief that Jesus, as high priest, offers a final, efficacious sacrifice—Himself—contrasting with the repetitive sacrifices in other religious systems.

Scientific Perspectives

Hebrews 8:3 is a theological and religious statement, not one that has direct overlap or contradiction with scientific perspectives as it speaks to matters of faith and religious practice rather than empirical observation. However, the concept of sacrifice may be explored in an anthropological and sociological context to understand how religious rituals fulfill psychosocial functions within human communities.

Commentaries

Commentators on Hebrews 8:3 discuss the theological transition from the Old Covenant, symbolized by the Levitical priesthood and its sacrifices, to the New Covenant, instituted by Jesus’ sacrifice. Matthew Henry’s Commentary, for instance, outlines this transition and highlights Jesus’ unique offering. The Expositor’s Greek Testament discusses the high priest’s necessities according to the order of Melchizedek, contrasting this with the order of Aaron in the Old Testament. Modern scholars, such as those contributing to the New International Commentary on the New Testament, analyze the Greek language and cultural context to enrich understanding of the text and its broader implications for both the original audience and modern readers.