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.

Hebrews 8:3 (KJV)

Context

The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament sacrificial system. The author explains the superiority of Jesus Christ and His role as the ultimate high priest who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin.

Meaning

In Hebrews 8:3, the author draws a parallel between the function of earthly high priests and Jesus as the ultimate high priest. Under the Old Covenant, the high priest was appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices on behalf of the people to atone for their sins. These offerings were made regularly in the tabernacle or the temple. The phrase “this man” refers to Jesus, who is described in Hebrews as our high priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:10). The Greek text reads “this one” or “this person,” since the word “man” is not in the original. This detail matters because it was His human nature that He had to offer; as the eternal Son of God, He had nothing to offer, but as man, He could offer Himself.

The necessity of Jesus having something to offer is rooted in the very definition of a high priest: a priest must have a gift or sacrifice to present. The earthly priests needed offerings to make atonement for sins, and in the same way, Jesus needed a sacrifice. His sacrifice was Himself, which fulfilled the requirements of the Law and brought about a new covenant between God and humanity. Unlike the earthly high priests who offered animal sacrifices, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His sacrifice on the cross was a once-for-all offering that accomplished eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12).

Biblical connections

This verse sets up the argument that Jesus, as our high priest, had to offer a sacrifice, a point developed in the following verses. The author’s reasoning is straightforward: since every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices, and Jesus is a high priest, it was necessary for Him to have something to offer. This necessity points to the central act of Christ’s priesthood: His self-offering.

Application

Hebrews 8:3 highlights the unique and unparalleled role of Jesus Christ as our high priest. His sacrifice far surpasses the offerings made by the earthly priests. As the perfect Lamb of God, Jesus offered Himself to reconcile us to God and provide forgiveness for our sins. This verse reminds us of the depth of God’s love and the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. It also highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus as our high priest and embracing His sacrifice as the only means of salvation. We no longer need to rely on the temporary and repetitive sacrifices of the Old Covenant. Instead, we can place our faith in Jesus, who has provided a way for us to have a personal and eternal relationship with God. As believers, we are called to respond to Jesus’ sacrifice by offering ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). We are to dedicate our lives to God, serving Him wholeheartedly and sharing the good news of salvation through Christ with others.

Reflection

Hebrews 8:3 emphasizes the unique role of Jesus as the ultimate high priest and His perfect sacrifice for our sins. It invites us to appreciate the significance of His sacrifice and respond with lives dedicated to serving Him.