Hebrews 8:3

KJV

For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore [it is] of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} every {G3956} high priest {G749} is ordained {G2525} to {G1519} offer {G4374} gifts {G1435} and {G5037}{G2532} sacrifices {G2378}: wherefore {G3606} it is of necessity {G316} that this man {G5126} have {G2192} somewhat {G5100} also {G2532} to {G3739} offer {G4374}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For every cohen gadol is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so this cohen gadol too has to have something he can offer.

Berean Standard Bible

And since every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, it was necessary for this One also to have something to offer.

American Standard Version

For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is necessary that thishigh priestalso have somewhat to offer.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 8:3 articulates a foundational principle of priesthood: every high priest, by divine appointment, is designated to present gifts and sacrifices. This verse then immediately applies this universal truth to Jesus Christ, asserting the theological necessity for "this man" (Christ) to also have something to offer. It serves as a crucial logical bridge in the epistle's argument, establishing the indispensable role of an offering for any high priest, thereby setting the stage for the profound revelation of Christ's unique and perfect sacrifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 8:3 is situated within a sustained theological argument in the book of Hebrews, which meticulously presents Jesus Christ as the superior High Priest of a superior covenant. The preceding verses (Hebrews 8:1-2) declare Christ's current ministry in the heavenly sanctuary, contrasting it with the earthly tabernacle. Verse 1 is the thesis statement: Christ is seated at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven, a minister of the true tabernacle. Verse 2 elaborates on His heavenly ministry. Hebrews 8:3 then acts as a crucial logical premise, explaining *why* Christ's heavenly high priestly role *must* include an offering, thereby anticipating the detailed exposition of His sacrifice in subsequent chapters (especially [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - The Blood of Christ") and [Hebrews 10](/hebrews/10 "Hebrews 10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). It connects the established understanding of priesthood from the Old Covenant to the new reality in Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original audience of the book of Hebrews was primarily Jewish Christians, likely facing persecution or temptation to revert to Judaism. They were deeply familiar with the Levitical priesthood, the tabernacle/temple system, and the continuous cycle of sacrifices prescribed by the Mosaic Law. For them, the concept of a high priest was inextricably linked to the act of offering gifts and sacrifices for the people's sins. The author of Hebrews leverages this ingrained understanding to build his case for Christ's supremacy. The "gifts and sacrifices" refer to the various offerings under the Old Covenant, such as sin offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings, which served to atone for sin, express devotion, or maintain fellowship with God. The necessity of an offering for a high priest was a self-evident truth within their religious framework.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Hebrews. Firstly, it underscores the **Nature of Priesthood**, reiterating the fundamental, divinely ordained function of a high priest to mediate between God and humanity through offerings. Secondly, it highlights the **Necessity of Christ's Offering**, establishing that His high priestly office inherently requires a sacrifice, which is then revealed to be His own perfect life and atoning death, in stark contrast to the animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant (as further explained in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Transition to a Superior Ministry**, implying that while Christ fulfills the priestly requirement of offering, the nature of His offering and ministry must be of a different, superior order, fitting for His heavenly appointment and the [better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant") He mediates.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **high priest (Greek, _archiereús'_):** From `archē` (chief) and `hiereús` (priest), this term refers to the chief priest, the highest priestly office among the Jews. In the context of Hebrews, it is used both for the Levitical high priests and, preeminently, for Jesus Christ, who holds the ultimate and eternal high priesthood. The author uses this familiar term to draw parallels and then demonstrate Christ's superiority.
* **ordained (Greek, _kathístēmi'_):** This verb means "to place down (permanently)," "to designate," "to constitute," or "to appoint." It emphasizes the formal, authoritative, and divinely instituted nature of the high priest's role. It is not a self-appointed position but one established by God, highlighting the legitimacy and divine sanction behind the priestly function.
* **offer (Greek, _prosphérō'_):** Meaning "to bear towards," "to lead to," or "to tender," especially to God. This term encapsulates the core action of the priest: bringing gifts and sacrifices before God on behalf of the people. It signifies the act of presentation and mediation, which is central to the priestly office. The repetition of this word in the verse underscores its critical importance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices:"** This opening clause states a universal, undeniable truth about the nature of priesthood, particularly as understood by the Jewish audience. The phrase "every high priest" leaves no room for exception, establishing the fundamental duty of the office: to present offerings to God. "Gifts" (δῶρα, _dōra_) generally refers to voluntary offerings, while "sacrifices" (θυσίαι, _thysiai_) specifically denotes blood offerings for atonement or worship. This part of the verse grounds the argument in a familiar theological premise.
* **"wherefore [it is] of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer."** This clause introduces the logical conclusion drawn from the preceding universal truth, applying it directly to Jesus Christ ("this man"). The term "wherefore" (ὅθεν, _hóthen_) indicates a logical consequence, and "of necessity" (ἀναγκαῖον, _anankaîon_) emphasizes that it is a compelling requirement, not an option. If Christ is truly a high priest, then He *must* also have an offering. This statement creates a theological tension and anticipation, as the reader is left to ponder what unique offering this superior High Priest would present, setting the stage for the revelation of Christ's self-sacrifice.

#### Literary Devices
The author employs **Logical Argumentation** throughout this verse and the surrounding passage. The verse begins with a universal premise ("For every high priest...") and then draws a necessary conclusion ("wherefore it is of necessity..."). This "if-then" structure (or "since-therefore" structure) is a hallmark of the epistle's method, building a compelling case for Christ's superiority by appealing to established truths and then demonstrating how Christ fulfills and transcends them. There is also an implied **Contrast** at play; while acknowledging the traditional role of "gifts and sacrifices," the author subtly prepares the reader for an offering of a different, superior kind, distinct from the animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant. This sets up the later revelation of Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. Furthermore, the phrase "it is of necessity" highlights **Theological Necessity**, underscoring that Christ's offering is not incidental but an indispensable component of His high priestly office, without which His ministry would be incomplete or invalid.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 8:3 is a pivotal verse that anchors the entire argument for Christ's superior priesthood in the fundamental requirement of an offering. It establishes the theological framework for understanding why Jesus, as the ultimate High Priest, *had* to offer something. This "necessity" is not a deficiency but a fulfillment of divine purpose, leading to the profound truth that Christ's offering was not external or temporary, like the blood of animals, but His own perfect, sinless life. This single, sufficient sacrifice forever resolves the problem of sin, providing a definitive and eternal atonement that the Old Covenant sacrifices could only foreshadow. It underscores the complete and effective nature of Christ's work, making direct access to God possible for all who believe.

* [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")
* [Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Insufficiency of Animal Sacrifices")
* [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctification Through Christ's Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 8:3 invites us to marvel at the intentionality of God's redemptive plan. It reminds us that Christ's sacrifice was not an afterthought but an absolute necessity for Him to fulfill His role as our High Priest. For us, this means that our salvation is not based on arbitrary divine decree but on the perfect, complete, and necessary work of Jesus. We have a High Priest who not only understands our human condition but has also perfectly fulfilled every requirement for our reconciliation with God. This truth should ignite profound gratitude and confidence. We no longer need to strive to earn God's favor through our own "gifts and sacrifices," for Christ has offered the ultimate one. Our access to God is secure, not because of our merit, but because of His perfect offering. This frees us to live in joyful obedience, knowing that our standing before God is grounded in the finished work of our High Priest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "necessity" of Christ's offering deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice?**
* **In what ways does Christ's perfect offering liberate you from the burden of trying to earn God's favor?**
* **How does the truth of Christ as our High Priest, who has offered the ultimate sacrifice, empower your daily walk of faith?**

### FAQ

**What "gifts and sacrifices" did the Old Testament high priests offer, and how do they differ from Christ's offering?**

Answer: Old Testament high priests, particularly on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")), offered various "gifts" (voluntary offerings like grain or peace offerings) and "sacrifices" (blood offerings, especially for sin). These included burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings, typically involving animals like bulls, goats, or lambs. These offerings were prescribed by the Mosaic Law and served to atone for specific sins, express worship, or maintain covenant fellowship. However, they were temporary, symbolic, and had to be repeated annually because they could not truly take away sin ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - The Insufficiency of Animal Sacrifices")). In stark contrast, Christ's offering was Himself—His perfect, sinless life and atoning death on the cross. His sacrifice was "once for all" ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")), eternal in its effect, and perfectly sufficient to cleanse from all sin, establishing a new and better covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 8:3, by asserting the universal requirement for a high priest to offer gifts and sacrifices, powerfully directs our gaze to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of this priestly function. While Old Testament high priests continually offered animal sacrifices that could never truly perfect the worshipper ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law's Imperfection")), Christ's high priesthood demanded a superior offering. The "necessity" highlighted in this verse finds its glorious fulfillment in His self-sacrifice on the cross. He did not offer something external, but rather, He offered Himself—His own body and blood—as the perfect, unblemished Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). This single, perfect offering, made "once for all" ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")), forever put away sin and established an eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). Thus, Hebrews 8:3 is not merely a statement about priestly duty but a profound theological signpost pointing to the unique, all-sufficient, and eternally effective sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we now have confident access to God ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")).

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

Ephesians 5:2

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 5:1

¶ For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things [pertaining] to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

Hebrews 9:14

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?

Hebrews 10:9

Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

Hebrews 10:12

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

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.

Titus 2:14

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