Hebrews 5:3 – “This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse continues explaining the responsibilities of the high priest under the old system. It says that because the priest is also a sinner, he must make sacrifices for himself, not just for the people. He’s not above them-he’s one of them, with the same weaknesses, temptations, and failures.
Before a high priest could go before God on behalf of others, he had to be made right with God himself. That meant offering sacrifices for his own sins first. Only then could he turn and offer sacrifices for the people’s sins. This shows us both the seriousness of sin and the importance of being clean before God.
This verse also hints at something deeper: that the old system wasn’t complete. If the high priest had to deal with his own sin, then he couldn’t be the perfect mediator between God and man. He could only do so much.
Historical Context
In the Old Testament, God gave Israel a system of sacrifices to deal with sin. The high priest played a central role, especially on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). On that day, he would enter the Most Holy Place and offer the blood of an animal to atone for sins. But before he could do that for the people, he had to sacrifice a bull for his own sin (Leviticus 16:6).
This was a regular reminder that even the priest needed mercy. The people could not look to him as their savior-he was in the same boat as they were. That’s how God designed it, to point forward to the day when a better high priest would come-one who had no sin of His own to deal with.
Theological Implications
This verse shows that no human being, no matter how religious or important, can stand before God without first being cleansed from sin. It reminds us that sin is a universal problem. Even the high priest, chosen by God and set apart for holy work, was a sinner in need of forgiveness.
It also teaches that sacrifice is necessary to deal with sin. The cost of sin is high-it demands blood. But the old sacrifices had to be repeated year after year because they could never fully remove sin (Hebrews 10:1-4). This sets the stage for understanding why Jesus came: to offer a once-for-all sacrifice that didn’t need to be repeated.
Literary Analysis
This verse uses plain, direct language to make a powerful point. The phrase “this is why” connects it directly to the verse before, where the high priest is said to be weak. Because of that weakness-because of his own sinfulness-he must offer sacrifices for himself and others.
The verse also uses repetition for emphasis: “for his own sins” and “for the sins of the people.” It makes clear that he is no different from those he represents. This repetition highlights the need for something greater, someone without sin.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 16:6 – “Aaron is to offer the bull for his own sin offering to make atonement for himself and his household.”
- Hebrews 7:27 – “Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day… He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.”
- Hebrews 10:11-12 – The old priests offered sacrifices repeatedly, but Jesus offered one perfect sacrifice.
- Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that no one is righteous on their own-not even religious leaders. We all need forgiveness. It also teaches us that we shouldn’t put our hope in people. No pastor, priest, or spiritual leader can take away sin. Only Jesus can do that.
It also shows us the beauty of what Jesus has done. Unlike the old priests, He didn’t need to offer a sacrifice for His own sins-because He had none. That means His sacrifice was entirely for us. And it was enough.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He provided a way for sin to be dealt with. Even though the old system was temporary, it was still a way for people to come near to God. He didn’t leave them in their guilt. He gave them a priest who could represent them-even if he wasn’t perfect.
But God’s love goes even further. He didn’t stop with a human priest. He sent His own Son to be the perfect High Priest and the perfect sacrifice. That’s the heart of God-always making a way for us to be forgiven and brought close.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is completely different from the Old Testament high priests in one huge way-He had no sin. That means He never had to offer a sacrifice for Himself. So when He went to the cross, His sacrifice was pure and powerful enough to cover the sins of the whole world.
- Hebrews 4:15 – Jesus was tempted in every way, just as we are, yet He did not sin.
- Hebrews 7:26-27 – Jesus is holy, blameless, pure, and set apart from sinners.
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us…”
This verse reminds us why we need Jesus-and why He is better than any priest, past or present.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why did the high priest have to offer sacrifices for himself before he could help others?
- What does this verse teach us about the seriousness of sin?
- How does Jesus being without sin make His sacrifice different from the ones before?
- Why is it important to remember that no human leader is without sin?
- How can this verse lead us to be more grateful for what Jesus has done?