Hebrews 8:3 — “Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse helps us understand why Jesus, as our high priest, had to offer something to God. In the Old Testament, high priests didn’t just hold a title—they had a job. Their role involved bringing gifts and sacrifices to God on behalf of the people. That was their main responsibility.
The writer of Hebrews is saying, “Since that’s what every priest is supposed to do, Jesus—being a high priest too—had to offer something as well.” But what Jesus offered wasn’t just another animal sacrifice. He offered Himself. He didn’t bring the blood of goats or bulls—He brought His own blood.
So this verse sets the stage for the bigger truth: Jesus didn’t just take the role of a priest—He fulfilled it completely, offering the one perfect sacrifice that would take away sin for good.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, the high priest had a central role in worship. He offered sacrifices daily, weekly, and especially on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). These offerings were a way for the people to stay in right standing with God, at least temporarily. The people depended on these sacrifices, and on the priest to present them.
The writer of Hebrews is speaking to people who would have understood all this. They knew how important sacrifices were. But he’s showing them that Jesus didn’t come to continue that old system—He came to bring a better offering, one that would never have to be repeated.
Theological Implications
This verse reminds us that Jesus didn’t come to earth just to be a good teacher or a kind example—He came to be a sacrifice. That was necessary because sin separates people from God, and something must be done about it. Jesus’ role as high priest means He didn’t just represent God to people—He also represented people to God.
Jesus offered Himself as a once-for-all sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 10:10). This changes everything. It means that the old way of approaching God through repeated animal sacrifices is over. Now, through Jesus, we have a direct path to God that never closes.
Literary Analysis
This verse continues the logical flow of Hebrews 8. It builds on the idea that Jesus is a high priest who serves in the heavenly sanctuary. The phrase “every high priest is appointed to offer” sets up a consistent expectation—and “so it was necessary” brings Jesus into that framework.
The word “this one” is a humble but powerful way of referring to Jesus, emphasizing His uniqueness while still placing Him in the priestly tradition. The verse is straightforward, but it holds deep truth.
Biblical Cross-References
- Hebrews 5:1 – “Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.”
- Hebrews 9:12 – “He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood.”
- Ephesians 5:2 – “Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
- Isaiah 53:10 – “It was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer… the Lord makes his life an offering for sin.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse shows us that Jesus didn’t leave anything undone. He met every requirement for our salvation. He offered the perfect sacrifice—Himself. That means you don’t need to earn God’s love or forgiveness through rituals, good deeds, or personal sacrifice. Jesus already paid it all.
For the believer today, this is a foundation for peace and confidence. Jesus has already done what was needed. Your salvation is not based on what you offer to God, but on what Jesus offered in your place.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God didn’t demand something from us that we couldn’t give. He provided the offering Himself—through Jesus. That shows us just how much He loves us. He didn’t wait for us to find a way back to Him. He sent His own Son to be the way.
The necessity of an offering didn’t come from a cold or distant God—it came from a just and holy God who also loves deeply and provides freely.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ (with Biblical References)
This verse directly points to Jesus’ role as both priest and offering. He offered not something else—but Himself.
- John 1:29 – “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
- 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.”
- Matthew 20:28 – “The Son of Man came… to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- 1 Peter 3:18 – “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”
Jesus is both the one who gives and the gift that’s given. That’s the heart of the gospel.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why was it necessary for Jesus to offer something as our high priest?
- How does knowing that Jesus offered Himself affect your understanding of God’s grace?
- Are you ever tempted to try and earn God’s favor? How does this verse speak to that?
- What does it mean to you personally that Jesus‘ sacrifice was once for all?
- How can you live in light of the finished work of Jesus today?