Hebrews 5:3

3 That is why he must offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as theirs.

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 Every high priest is a man chosen to represent other people in their dealings with God. He presents their gifts to God and offers sacrifices for their sins.

2 And he is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because he himself is subject to the same weaknesses.

3 That is why he must offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as theirs.

4 And no one can become a high priest simply because he wants such an honor. He must be called by God for this work, just as Aaron was.

5 That is why Christ did not honor himself by assuming he could become High Priest. No, he was chosen by God, who said to him, “You are my Son. Today I have become your Father. ”