Hebrews 4:15

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.

For {G1063} we have {G2192} not {G3756} an high priest {G749} which cannot {G3361}{G1410} be touched with the feeling {G4834} of our {G2257} infirmities {G769}; but {G1161} was {G3985} in {G2596} all points {G3956} tempted {G3985}{G3987} like {G2596} as {G3665} we are, yet without {G5565} sin {G266}.

For we do not have a cohen gadol unable to empathize with our weaknesses; since in every respect he was tempted just as we are, the only difference being that he did not sin.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.

For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:15 presents a profound truth about Jesus Christ's role as our ultimate High Priest, emphasizing His unique combination of perfect humanity and divine sinlessness. This verse serves as a tremendous source of comfort and assurance for believers, highlighting Christ's complete understanding of our human struggles.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in the Book of Hebrews that extols the superiority of Jesus Christ over the Levitical priesthood and the Old Covenant. The author has just warned against unbelief and disobedience, urging readers to strive to enter God's rest (Hebrews 4:11). Immediately preceding this verse, Hebrews 4:14 declares Jesus to be "a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens." Verse 15 then explains why He is such a compassionate and effective High Priest, leading naturally into the exhortation to approach God's throne with confidence in Hebrews 4:16.

Key Themes

  • Christ's Empathy and Humanity: The phrase "cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities" is a double negative, meaning that Jesus can indeed be deeply affected by and sympathize with our weaknesses, sufferings, and human limitations. He understands the human experience because He lived it. This isn't theoretical knowledge but experiential understanding.
  • Christ's Temptation and Sinlessness: Jesus "was in all points tempted like as we are." This is a crucial aspect of His humanity. He faced genuine temptations across the spectrum of human experience—physical, emotional, spiritual—just like us. However, the critical distinction is "yet without sin." Unlike humanity, He never yielded to temptation. His perfect obedience and sinlessness are what qualify Him to be the spotless sacrifice and our perfect High Priest.
  • Access to God: Because Jesus fully understands our struggles (having experienced them) and is perfectly sinless (having overcome them), He is uniquely qualified to represent us before God. His empathetic and sinless nature provides the basis for our confident approach to the throne of grace.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "touched with the feeling" is sympatheō (συμπαθέω), from which we get "sympathy." It literally means "to suffer with" or "to feel with," emphasizing a deep, shared experience of feeling. The term "infirmities" (astheneia, ἀσθένεια) refers to weaknesses, feebleness, or sicknesses, encompassing all forms of human vulnerability. "Tempted" (peirazō, πειράζω) denotes being tested or tried, highlighting that Jesus' encounters with temptation were real and intense, not merely a facade.

Practical Application

This verse offers immense encouragement. When we face trials, temptations, or weaknesses, we can be assured that Jesus understands. He is not a distant, unfeeling deity but a compassionate High Priest who has walked in our shoes. This truth empowers us to approach God with confidence, knowing that our High Priest is interceding for us and provides help to those who are tempted (Hebrews 2:18). It underscores the profound availability of God's grace and mercy for all who come to Him through Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 2:17

    Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

  • Hebrews 2:18

    For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21

    For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

  • Isaiah 53:4

    ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

  • Isaiah 53:5

    But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

  • 1 John 3:5

    And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

  • Philippians 2:7

    But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
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