Hebrews 4:15

15 For we do not have a high priest 1who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been 2tempted as we are, 3yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:15 Meaning and Commentary

Hebrews 4:15

For we have not an high priest
That is cruel and unmerciful; the saints have an high priest, but not such an one:

which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
such as bodily diseases and wants, persecutions from men, and the temptations of Satan; under all which Christ sympathizes with his people; and which sympathy of his arises from his knowledge and experience of these things, and the share he has had of them, and from that union there is between him and his people: and it is not a bare sympathy, but is attended with his assistance, support, and deliverance; and the consideration of it is of great comfort to the saints:

but was in all points tempted like as we are:
of the temptations of Christ, and of the saints, (See Gill on Hebrews 2:18)

yet without sin;
there was no sin in his nature; though he was encompassed about with infirmities, yet not with sinful infirmities, only sinless ones; nor was there any sin in his temptations; though he was solicited to sin by Satan, yet he could find none in him to work upon; nor could he draw him into the commission of any sin.

Hebrews 4:15 In-Context

13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Cross References 3

  • 1. [Hebrews 5:2; Isaiah 53:3]
  • 2. [See ver. 14 above]
  • 3. Hebrews 9:28; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5; [Hebrews 7:26; John 8:46; John 14:30]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.