Hebrews 5:3

KJV

And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} by reason {G1223} hereof {G5026} he ought {G3784}, as {G2531} for {G4012} the people {G2992}, so {G3779} also {G2532} for {G4012} himself {G1438}, to offer {G4374} for {G5228} sins {G266}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also, because of this weakness, he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as those of the people.

Berean Standard Bible

That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.

American Standard Version

and by reason thereof is bound, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 5:3 elucidates a critical aspect of the Old Covenant high priest's role: his own inherent sinfulness necessitated that he offer sacrifices not only on behalf of the people but also for his personal transgressions. This verse highlights the fundamental imperfection of the Levitical priesthood, underscoring its temporary nature and setting the stage for the profound contrast with the perfect, sinless, and eternally sufficient priesthood of Jesus Christ, which is the central theological argument of the book of Hebrews.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct continuation and logical extension of the author's argument in [Hebrews 5:1-2](/hebrews/5-1-2 "Hebrews 5:1-2 - Qualifications of the High Priest"). Having established that every high priest is "taken from among men" and appointed to offer "gifts and sacrifices for sins," and that such a priest, being subject to human weaknesses, can "deal gently with the ignorant and wayward," [Hebrews 5:3](/hebrews/5-3 "Hebrews 5:3 - The High Priest's Own Sin") then draws the inevitable conclusion: because the high priest shares in human frailty and sin, he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins just as he does for the people. This self-sacrifice requirement immediately sets up the profound distinction between the Old Covenant priesthood and the coming discussion of Jesus's perfect and sinless high priesthood, which will be elaborated upon in [Hebrews 7](/hebrews/7 "Hebrews 7 - The Superiority of Christ's Priesthood"). The author meticulously builds this case to demonstrate Christ's superiority.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical and cultural backdrop for [Hebrews 5:3](/hebrews/5-3 "Hebrews 5:3 - The High Priest's Own Sin") is the Levitical priesthood and its sacrificial system, as prescribed in the Mosaic Law. Central to this system was the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), detailed in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement"). On this most solemn day of the year, the high priest entered the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sins of the nation. Crucially, before he could perform this sacred duty for the people, he first had to offer a sin offering for himself and his household ([Leviticus 16:6](/leviticus/16-6 "Leviticus 16:6 - High Priest's Sin Offering")). This practice vividly illustrated the high priest's own humanity and sinfulness, emphasizing that even the most revered spiritual leader was not exempt from the universal need for divine forgiveness. The Jewish audience would have been intimately familiar with these rituals, making the author's point about the high priest's personal need for atonement immediately understandable and impactful.

* **Key Themes:** [Hebrews 5:3](/hebrews/5-3 "Hebrews 5:3 - The High Priest's Own Sin") contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Hebrews. Firstly, it highlights **the flawed nature of the Old Covenant priesthood**. Unlike the sinless Christ, the Levitical high priest was himself a sinner, necessitating a continuous cycle of sacrifices, including one for his own sins, before he could intercede for the people. This inherent imperfection underscored the temporary and preparatory nature of the Old Covenant system. Secondly, the verse vividly portrays **the universal need for atonement**. It demonstrates that sin is a universal human condition, affecting even those divinely appointed to mediate between God and humanity. The high priest's personal need for atonement powerfully illustrates the biblical truth that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," as declared in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"). Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this verse serves as a crucial point of **preparation for Christ's superiority**. By meticulously highlighting the limitations and temporary nature of the earthly high priest, the author prepares the reader to grasp the profound and eternal superiority of Jesus Christ, whose perfect, once-for-all sacrifice eliminates the need for repeated offerings, distinguishing Him as a High Priest "who has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people," as later detailed in [Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ought (Greek, _opheílō'_):** This word (G3784) carries the meaning of being "under obligation," "must," or "should." It denotes a moral or financial debt, or a duty that one is bound to fulfill. In the context of [Hebrews 5:3](/hebrews/5-3 "Hebrews 5:3 - The High Priest's Own Sin"), it emphasizes the high priest's inescapable requirement to offer sacrifices for himself, not as an option, but as a necessary duty stemming from his own sinful nature.
* **himself (Greek, _heautoû'_):** This reflexive pronoun (G1438) stresses the personal nature of the high priest's sin and the corresponding need for his own atonement. It highlights that the high priest is not an exception to the rule of human sinfulness; he is subject to the same fallen condition as the people he serves. The inclusion of "himself" underscores the universal scope of sin, reaching even into the highest echelons of religious office.
* **sins (Greek, _hamartía'_):** This term (G266) refers to "sin" in its abstract sense, denoting a missing of the mark, a failure to conform to God's standard, or an offense against divine law. The plural form "sins" indicates the multitude and variety of transgressions committed. Its presence here confirms that the high priest, despite his sacred office, was not immune to personal moral failings, requiring specific atonement for these "sins."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And by reason hereof he ought":** This phrase links directly to the preceding verses, establishing the high priest's inherent human weakness and susceptibility to sin. "By reason hereof" indicates that his obligation stems directly from his shared humanity with the people he represents, as described in [Hebrews 5:1-2](/hebrews/5-1-2 "Hebrews 5:1-2 - Qualifications of the High Priest"). The word "ought" (Greek, _opheílō_) signifies a moral necessity or obligation, underscoring that this act is not optional but a fundamental requirement of his office due to his own fallen nature.
* **"as for the people, so also for himself":** This clause draws a direct parallel and comparison. Just as the high priest is appointed to offer sacrifices "for the people" to atone for their sins, he is equally bound to offer sacrifices "for himself." This parallelism powerfully emphasizes the high priest's shared sinful condition with the very people he mediates for, highlighting his lack of inherent moral superiority and his inclusion in the universal need for atonement.
* **"to offer for sins":** This concluding phrase specifies the purpose of the offering: atonement for "sins" (Greek, _hamartía_). It refers to the ritualistic act of bringing a sacrifice to God to cover or expiate transgressions. The repetition of "for sins" for both the people and the high priest himself reinforces the universal nature of sin and the necessity of a blood sacrifice under the Old Covenant to address it.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices in [Hebrews 5:3](/hebrews/5-3 "Hebrews 5:3 - The High Priest's Own Sin") to convey his theological message. Foremost is **Contrast**, which is central to the entire book. Here, the contrast is implicitly drawn between the flawed, human high priest and the perfect, sinless High Priest, Jesus Christ, who will be the focus of subsequent chapters. The very necessity for the earthly high priest to offer for his own sins highlights his imperfection, setting the stage for the unparalleled perfection of Christ. There is also evident **Parallelism** in the phrase "as for the people, so also for himself," which structurally and conceptually links the high priest's personal need for atonement with that of the community. This rhetorical balance underscores the universal impact of sin. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, subtly preparing the reader for the radical superiority of Christ's priesthood. By emphasizing the limitations of the old system, the author creates a theological vacuum that only Christ's perfect sacrifice can fill, thereby building anticipation for the full revelation of Christ as the ultimate High Priest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Hebrews 5:3](/hebrews/5-3 "Hebrews 5:3 - The High Priest's Own Sin") serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and the inherent limitations of human mediation before a holy God. The requirement for the Old Covenant high priest to offer sacrifices for his own sins underscores the theological truth that no human being, regardless of their sacred office or perceived piety, is exempt from the universal fallen condition. This truth magnifies the absolute necessity of a perfect, sinless mediator, as only such a one could truly bridge the chasm between a righteous God and sinful humanity without needing to first address their own shortcomings. This verse thus lays foundational groundwork for understanding the unique and unparalleled efficacy of Jesus Christ's priesthood, which is the ultimate solution to humanity's sin problem.

* [Leviticus 16:6](/leviticus/16-6 "Leviticus 16:6 - High Priest's Sin Offering on Yom Kippur")
* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - The Universality of Sin")
* [Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Perfect, Once-for-All Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Hebrews 5:3](/hebrews/5-3 "Hebrews 5:3 - The High Priest's Own Sin") offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that even those in positions of spiritual authority are susceptible to sin and in need of God's grace. It shatters any illusion of human perfection, compelling us to recognize our shared vulnerability and dependence on divine mercy. This verse should cultivate humility within us, preventing us from placing undue trust in human leaders or institutions, and instead directing our faith solely to the one perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ. It deepens our appreciation for the finished work of Christ, whose sacrifice was so complete precisely because He had no sin of His own to atone for. Understanding this truth should lead us to greater confidence in our access to God through Christ and inspire us to live lives that reflect the holiness made possible by His perfect atonement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the high priest's need to offer for his own sins deepen your understanding of the pervasive nature of sin in humanity?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge any tendency to idealize spiritual leaders or place them on a pedestal above the need for grace?**
* **How does the contrast between the Old Covenant high priest and Jesus Christ (as foreshadowed here) impact your appreciation for Christ's unique sacrifice?**

### FAQ

**Why was it necessary for the high priest to offer sacrifices for his own sins?**

Answer: It was necessary for the Old Covenant high priest to offer sacrifices for his own sins because, despite his sacred office, he was still a human being, subject to the same fallen nature, weaknesses, and transgressions as the people he served. The Law, particularly in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement"), explicitly commanded that on the Day of Atonement, the high priest must first make atonement for himself and his household before he could enter the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the nation of Israel. This practice underscored the reality that no human mediator was inherently sinless or perfectly righteous before God, highlighting the temporary and imperfect nature of the Levitical priesthood and the entire Old Covenant system.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Hebrews 5:3](/hebrews/5-3 "Hebrews 5:3 - The High Priest's Own Sin") finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very limitation of the Old Covenant high priest—his inherent sinfulness requiring personal atonement—serves as a stark backdrop against which the perfection of Christ shines. Unlike the Levitical priests, Jesus "had no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people" ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). He was "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - The Holiness of Christ's Priesthood")), meaning He had no personal sins for which to atone. Therefore, His single, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross was entirely for the sins of humanity, making Him the perfect and eternal mediator. This profound distinction reveals that Jesus's priesthood is "not according to a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but according to the power of an indestructible life" ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - Christ's Indestructible Priesthood")), establishing a new and superior covenant based on His perfect righteousness and unending intercession ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 9:7

And Moses said unto Aaron, Go unto the altar, and offer thy sin offering, and thy burnt offering, and make an atonement for thyself, and for the people: and offer the offering of the people, and make an atonement for them; as the LORD commanded.

Hebrews 9:7

But into the second [went] the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and [for] the errors of the people:

Leviticus 16:6

And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which [is] for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.

Hebrews 7:27

Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

Leviticus 16:15

¶ Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that [is] for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:

Exodus 29:12

And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.

Exodus 29:19

And thou shalt take the other ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram.