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.

Who {G3739} needeth {G2192}{G318} not {G3756} daily {G2596}{G2250}, as {G5618} those high priests {G749}, to offer up {G399} sacrifice {G2378}, first {G4386} for {G5228} his own {G2398} sins {G266}, and then {G1899} for the people's {G2992}: for {G1063} this {G5124} he did {G4160} once {G2178}, when he offered up {G399} himself {G1438}.

one who does not have the daily necessity, like the other cohanim g’dolim, of offering up sacrifices first for their own sins and only then for those of the people; because he offered one sacrifice, once and for all, by offering up himself.

Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself.

who needeth not daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people: for this he did once for all, when he offered up himself.

Commentary

This verse in Hebrews highlights a crucial distinction between the priesthood of Jesus Christ and the Levitical high priests under the old covenant law. It emphasizes the superiority and finality of Christ's work.

Context

Hebrews chapter 7 argues extensively for the superiority of Christ's priesthood, likening it to the order of Melchizedek (as introduced in Genesis 14 and Psalm 110). The author contrasts Christ, who lives forever and has a permanent priesthood, with the Levitical priests who were mortal and replaced frequently. Verse 27 specifically addresses the sacrificial duties of the high priest, showing how Christ's single offering surpasses their repeated sacrifices.

Key Themes

  • The Inadequacy of Levitical Sacrifices: The daily need for the old covenant high priests to offer sacrifices, even for their own sins (see Leviticus 16:6), demonstrated their imperfection and the temporary nature of their work.
  • Christ's Sinlessness: Unlike the earthly high priests, Jesus had no need to offer sacrifice for His own sins, confirming His perfect, sinless nature.
  • The Finality of Christ's Sacrifice: The central point is that Christ "did once" offer up Himself. This single, perfect sacrifice was sufficient for the sins of the people, eliminating the need for continuous, repeated offerings. This concept is central to the book's argument about the finality and effectiveness of the new covenant.
  • Christ as Both Priest and Sacrifice: Jesus uniquely served as both the high priest making the offering and the offering itself, presenting His own life as the ultimate atonement.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "once" is ephapax (ἐφάπαξ), meaning "once for all," "once only," or "a single time." This word strongly emphasizes the decisive, completed nature of Christ's sacrifice, contrasting sharply with the repeated (daily/yearly) sacrifices of the old covenant system.

Reflection

Hebrews 7:27 offers profound assurance to believers. Because Christ's sacrifice was made "once for all," our salvation is secure and complete through faith in Him. We do not need to make further sacrifices or rituals for atonement. We have direct access to God through our great High Priest, Jesus, whose single offering perfectly and permanently dealt with the sin issue. This truth underscores the immense value and sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 9:12 (13 votes)

    Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us].

  • Hebrews 9:28 (13 votes)

    So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

  • Hebrews 9:14 (8 votes)

    How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

  • Ephesians 5:2 (7 votes)

    And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

  • Hebrews 10:6 (7 votes)

    In burnt offerings and [sacrifices] for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

  • Hebrews 10:12 (7 votes)

    But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

  • Titus 2:14 (6 votes)

    Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.