Hebrews 5:3

3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins ¹just as he does for those of the people.

Hebrews 5:3 Meaning and Commentary

Hebrews 5:3

And by reason hereof
Because of his sinful infirmity:

he ought, as for the people, so also for himself to offer for sins;
as he offered sacrifice for the sins of the people, so he was obliged to offer for his own sins; in this Christ differed from the high priest, for he had no sin of his own to offer for, ( Hebrews 7:27 ) but he had, and therefore offered for them, ( Leviticus 16:11 ) and made a confession of them: the form of which, as used on the day of atonement, was this;

``he put both his hands upon the bullock, and confessed, and thus he said: I beseech thee, O Lord, I have done wickedly, I have transgressed, I have sinned before thee, I and my house; I beseech thee, O Lord, pardon the iniquities, transgressions, and sins, which I have done wickedly, transgressed, and sinned before thee, I and my house.''

And this he did a second time on that day ^F26.

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FOOTNOTES:

F26 Misna Yoma, c. 3. sect. 8. & c. 4. sect. 2.

Hebrews 5:3 In-Context

1 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.

2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.

3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.

4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”;

Cross References

• 1. 5:3 ch. 7:27; 9:7; Lev. 4:3; 9:7; 16:6