Hebrews 8:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer.

NIV: 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.

NASB: For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer.

CSB: For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; therefore, it was necessary for this priest also to have something to offer.

NLT: And since every high priest is required to offer gifts and sacrifices, our High Priest must make an offering, too.

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.

NKJV: For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer.

Earlier passages referred to Jesus' role as a priest, offering sacrifice on behalf of mankind (Hebrews 6:19–20). This was part of an explanation of how Jesus' priesthood, symbolized by Melchizedek, is superior to that of the Levitical priests. Here, in chapter 8, the idea is being applied to the new covenant, as opposed to the old covenant of the Levitical priesthood. Interestingly, the sacrifices of the existing Levitical priests are described as plural: "gifts and sacrifices." As a priest, Jesus must have "something"—translated "somewhat" in the KJV—to offer God. This word, however, is singular. This implies a difference between the two, namely that Jesus' sacrifice for sin is a once-and-for-all action. This is a distinction the writer of Hebrews will make again, later in the letter (Hebrews 9:24–26; 10:12).

Along those same lines, the action Jesus takes is described using the word prosenenkē. This is in a Greek tense which implies a past, once-for-all, completed action. The reference to Levitical priests, earlier in the verse, uses the same root word, but with a different tense. That word is prospherein, which is an active, present action.

Putting these two ideas together makes the intent of the original Greek wording that much clearer. Levitical priests "are offering" repeated sacrifices, while Jesus "has offered" a single sacrifice. This passage will continue by providing more details as to why Jesus' sacrifice, and His covenant, are therefore better than the system of Old Testament Law.

Hebrews 8:1–6 foreshadows the idea that earthly things, such as the tabernacle, are meant to be symbols of heavenly things. In particular, Christ's role as priest is superior to the Old Testament system because it occurs in the ''true tent'' which God has arranged, rather than the earthly tent made by man. God's words to Moses prove this symbolic nature of the tabernacle. This also leads into a new reference from Jewish Scripture, proving that this was God's intention all along.

Hebrews chapter 8 indicates that the temples, rituals, and objects of the old covenant were always meant to be symbolic. They were real, and valuable, but their ultimate worth was in their symbolism. Those were always intended by God to point towards a better covenant. Rather than something repetitive, earthly, and limited, God planned to offer something completed, personal, and eternal through Jesus Christ. As further proof of this, the writer of Hebrews offers yet another quotation from the Jewish Scriptures, this time from the prophet Jeremiah.

Hebrews chapter 8 builds on the points made in chapter 7. Jesus' service as High Priest is superior, since He is given a better position and serves in a better location than the priests of the Old Covenant. This chapter sets up the idea of earthly things being shadows of heavenly things, especially when it comes to the temple and sacrifices. This leads into the focus of chapter 9, which is the superiority of Christ's sacrifice compared to those of the Levitical system.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.