The Meaning of Hebrews 7:27 Explained

Hebrews 7:27

KJV: 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.

YLT: who hath no necessity daily, as the chief priests, first for his own sins to offer up sacrifice, then for those of the people; for this he did once, having offered up himself;

Darby: who has not day by day need, as the high priests, first to offer up sacrifices for his own sins, then for those of the people; for this he did once for all in having offered up himself.

ASV: 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.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does Hebrews 7:27 Mean?

Study Notes

sins
Sin.
sinned
Sin, Summary: The literal meanings of the Heb. and (Greek - ἀλεκτοροφωνία sin," "sinner," etc)., disclose the true nature of sin in its manifold manifestations. Sin is transgression, an overstepping of the law, the divine boundary between good and evil Psalms 51:1 ; Luke 15:29 , iniquity, an act inherently wrong, whether expressly forbidden or not; error, a departure from right; Psalms 51:9 ; Romans 3:23 , missing the mark, a failure to meet the divine standard; trespass, the intrusion of self-will into the sphere of divine authority Ephesians 2:1 , lawlessness, or spiritual anarchy 1 Timothy 1:9 , unbelief, or an insult to the divine veracity John 16:9 .
Sin originated with Satan Isaiah 14:12-14 , entered the world through Adam Romans 5:12 , was, and is, universal, Christ alone excepted; Romans 3:23 ; 1 Peter 2:22 , incurs the penalties of spiritual and physical death; Genesis 2:17 ; Genesis 3:19 ; Ezekiel 18:4 ; Ezekiel 18:20 ; Romans 6:23 and has no remedy but in the sacrificial death of Christ; Hebrews 9:26 ; Acts 4:12 availed of by faith Acts 13:38 ; Acts 13:39 . Sin may be summarized as threefold: An act, the violation of, or want of obedience to the revealed will of God; a state, absence of righteousness; a nature, enmity toward God.

Verse Meaning

In Israel"s daily sacrifices, the priest had to offer a sacrifice for his own sins before he could offer one for the sins of others ( Exodus 29:38-46; Leviticus 4:3-12). Also on the Day of Atonement the high priest would offer a sin offering for expiation for himself and then another one for the sins of the people ( Leviticus 16:6-10). Jesus Christ does not need to offer up periodic sacrifices to atone for sin either for His own sins or for those of His people. His one sacrifice of both worship and expiation on the cross completely satisfied God. No subsequent sacrifices are necessary for that purpose. The writer proceeded to develop this thought more fully in Hebrews 9:11-14 and Hebrews 10:1-15, after introducing it initially here.

Context Summary

Hebrews 7:11-28 - Our Ever-Living And All-Sufficient Intercessor
If, as we saw in our last reading, the Levitical priests have been superseded, clearly the whole order of things-that is, the Mosaic covenant under which these priests were appointed-has been superseded also. The law of the carnal-that is, the outward ritual-has passed away in favor of a new dispensation which deals with the heart and character. It served a temporary purpose, but we are living in an eternal order which is steadfast and abiding.
Our Lord's priesthood is unchangeable and indissoluble. His blood and righteousness, His mediation for us, His loving understanding of us, will be a joy and comfort in the unending ages. We shall always be specially associated with Him-the brethren of the King, the sheep of the Divine Shepherd. Each priest of Aaron's line had to vacate his office; but our Lord's priesthood will never pass to another; and therefore to the uttermost lapse of time and to the farthest demand of circumstance, He will save and help all that come to Him. No infirmity weakens Him, no stain or sin unfits Him-above the heavens and from the throne He exercises His ministry. [source]

Chapter Summary: Hebrews 7

1  Christ Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek;
11  and so far more excellent than the priests of Aaron's order

Greek Commentary for Hebrews 7:27

First [προτερον]
Regular adverb for comparison between two, though πρωτον — prōton often occurs also (John 1:41), with επειτα — epeita (then) following. For the sins Only the article in the Greek with repetition of υπερ — huper or of αμαρτιων — hamartiōn When he offered up himself First aorist active participle of αναπερω — anapherō to offer up. See same idea in Hebrews 9:14 where εαυτον προσηνεγκεν — heauton prosēnegken is used. Old verb for sacrifice to place on the altar (1 Peter 2:5, 1 Peter 2:24). [source]
Who needeth not daily [καθ ' ἡμέραν]
Apparently inconsistent with Hebrews 9:7: but the sense is, “who hath no need day by day as the high priest had (year by year) to offer sacrifices,” etc. The great point is repetition, whether daily or yearly. [source]
Once [ἐφάπαξ]
Rend. once for all. Contrasted with daily. [source]
When he offered up himself [ἑαυτὸν ανενέγκας]
A new thought. For the first time Christ appears as victim. Comp. Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:14; Ephesians 5:2. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Hebrews 7:27

Romans 6:10 Once [ἐφάπαξ]
More literally, as Rev., in margin, once for all. Compare Hebrews 7:27; Hebrews 9:12; Hebrews 10:10. [source]
Galatians 4:13 At the first [τὸ πρότερον]
Either generally, at an earlier time than the present (as John 6:62; John 9:8; 1 Timothy 1:13), or the first time (as Hebrews 7:27). Here in the latter sense. Paul had visited the Galatians twice before he wrote this letter. [source]
Ephesians 4:10 Far above [υπερανω]
See note on Ephesians 1:21. All the heavens (παντων των ουρανων — pantōn tōn ouranōn). Ablative case after υπερανω — huperanō For the plural used of Christ‘s ascent see note on Hebrews 4:14 and note on Hebrews 7:27. Whether Paul has in mind the Jewish notion of a graded heaven like the third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2 or the seven heavens idea one does not know. That he might fill all things This purpose we can understand, the supremacy of Christ (Colossians 2:9.). [source]
Ephesians 4:10 All the heavens [παντων των ουρανων]
Ablative case after υπερανω — huperanō For the plural used of Christ‘s ascent see note on Hebrews 4:14 and note on Hebrews 7:27. Whether Paul has in mind the Jewish notion of a graded heaven like the third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2 or the seven heavens idea one does not know. [source]
Hebrews 7:28  []
d Summarizing the contents of Hebrews 7:26, Hebrews 7:27. - The law constitutes weak men high priests. God's sworn declaration constitutes a son, perfected forevermore. Ἀνθρώπους menmany in number as contrasted with one Son. Ἔχοντας ἀσθένειαν havinginfirmity, stronger than ἀσθενεῖς weakwhich might imply only special exhibitions of weakness, while having infirmity indicates a general characteristic. See on John 16:22. [source]
Hebrews 13:12 That he might sanctify the people [ἵνα ἁγιάσῃ τὸν λαόν]
Ἁγιάζειν tosanctify had a peculiar significance to Jews. It meant to set them apart as holy. Hence, the Israelites were called ἅγιοι , as separated from other nations and consecrated to God. Our writer extends the application of the word to Christians. For Christ's work he claims the same efficacy which the Jew claimed for the special call of God to Israel, and for the operation of the Jewish sacrificial system. The office of his atoning work is to sanctify; to make for himself a holy nation ( ἔθνος ἅγιον ), a people “prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17); a true Israel of God. Ὁ λαός thepeople, or λαός mypeople, occurs constantly in O.T. as a designation of Israel, and also in N.T. See, in this epistle, Hebrews 5:3; Hebrews 7:5, Hebrews 7:11, Hebrews 7:27; Hebrews 9:7, Hebrews 9:19. The N.T. extends the title to all who, under the new dispensation, occupy the position of Israel. See 1 Peter 2:10; Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:10; Hebrews 4:9; Hebrews 8:10; Hebrews 10:30; Hebrews 11:25. [source]
Hebrews 5:1 In things pertaining to God [τα προς τον τεον]
Accusative of general reference as in Hebrews 2:17 (Romans 15:17). The two essential points about any high priest are human sympathy (Hebrews 5:1-3) and divine appointment (Hebrews 5:4). He is taken from men and appointed in behalf of men. That he may offer Purpose clause with ινα — hina and present active subjunctive of προσπερω — prospherō “that he keep on offering (from time to time).” Both gifts General term For sins His own included (Hebrews 7:27) except in the case of Jesus. [source]
1 Peter 2:5 Are built up a spiritual house [οικοδομειστε οικος πνευματικος]
Present passive indicative second person plural of οικοδομεω — oikodomeō the very verb used by Jesus to Peter in Matthew 16:18 This “spiritual house” includes believers in the five Roman provinces of 1 Peter 1:1 and shows clearly how Peter understood the metaphor of Christ in Matthew 16:18 to be not a local church, but the church general (the kingdom of Christ).To be a holy priesthood (εις ιερατευμα αγιον — eis hierateuma hagion). Late word (from ιερατευω — hierateuō to serve as priest, Luke 1:8 alone in N.T.), in lxx (Exodus 19:6), in N.T. only here and 1 Peter 2:9, either the office of priest (Hort) or an order or body of priests. At any rate, Peter has the same idea of Revelation 1:6 (ιερεις — hiereis priests) that all believers are priests (Hebrews 4:16) and can approach God directly.To offer up First aorist active infinitive (of purpose here) of αναπερω — anapherō the usual word for offering sacrifices (Hebrews 7:27). Only these are “spiritual” Late (Plutarch) double compound verbal adjective (ευ προσ δεχομαι — euprosdechomai) as in 2 Corinthians 6:2. [source]
1 Peter 2:5 To offer up [ανενεγκαι]
First aorist active infinitive (of purpose here) of αναπερω — anapherō the usual word for offering sacrifices (Hebrews 7:27). Only these are “spiritual” Late (Plutarch) double compound verbal adjective (ευ προσ δεχομαι — euprosdechomai) as in 2 Corinthians 6:2. [source]
1 John 2:2 The propitiation [ιλασμος]
Late substantive from ιλασκομαι — hilaskomai (Luke 18:13; Hebrews 2:17), in lxx, Philo, Plutarch, in N.T. only here and 1 John 4:10. Christ himself is the means of propitiation for It is possible to supply the ellipsis here of των αμαρτιων — tōn hamartiōn (the sins of) as we have it in Hebrews 7:27, but a simpler way is just to regard “the whole world” as a mass of sin (1 John 5:19). At any rate, the propitiation by Christ provides for salvation for all (Hebrews 2:9) if they will only be reconciled with God (2 Corinthians 5:19-21). [source]
1 John 2:2 For the whole world [περι ολου του κοσμου]
It is possible to supply the ellipsis here of των αμαρτιων — tōn hamartiōn (the sins of) as we have it in Hebrews 7:27, but a simpler way is just to regard “the whole world” as a mass of sin (1 John 5:19). At any rate, the propitiation by Christ provides for salvation for all (Hebrews 2:9) if they will only be reconciled with God (2 Corinthians 5:19-21). [source]
Jude 1:3 All diligence [πασαν σπουδην]
As in 2 Peter 1:5.Of our common salvation (περι της κοινης ημων σωτηριας — peri tēs koinēs hēmōn sōtērias). See this use of κοινος — koinos (common to all) in Titus 1:4 with πιστις — pistis while in 2 Peter 1:1 we have ισοτιμον πιστιν — isotimon pistin which see.I was constrained “I had necessity” like Luke 14:18; Hebrews 7:27.To contend earnestly (επαγωνιζεσται — epagōnizesthai). Late and rare (in Plutarch, inscriptions) compound, here only in N.T. A little additional (επι — epi) striving to the already strong αγωνιζεσται — agōnizesthai (αγων — agōn contest). Cf. 1 Timothy 6:12 αγωνιζου τον καλον αγωνα — agōnizou ton kalon agōna the faith (τηιπιστει — tēi- απαχ παραδοτεισηι — pistei). Dative of advantage. Here not in the original sense of trust, but rather of the thing believed as in Judges 1:20; Galatians 1:23; Galatians 3:23; Philemon 1:27.Once for all delivered First aorist passive participle feminine dative singular of paradidōmi for which see 2 Peter 2:21. See also 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 11:2; 1 Timothy 6:20. [source]
Jude 1:3 I was constrained [αναγκην εσχον]
“I had necessity” like Luke 14:18; Hebrews 7:27.To contend earnestly (επαγωνιζεσται — epagōnizesthai). Late and rare (in Plutarch, inscriptions) compound, here only in N.T. A little additional (επι — epi) striving to the already strong αγωνιζεσται — agōnizesthai (αγων — agōn contest). Cf. 1 Timothy 6:12 αγωνιζου τον καλον αγωνα — agōnizou ton kalon agōna the faith (τηιπιστει — tēi- απαχ παραδοτεισηι — pistei). Dative of advantage. Here not in the original sense of trust, but rather of the thing believed as in Judges 1:20; Galatians 1:23; Galatians 3:23; Philemon 1:27.Once for all delivered First aorist passive participle feminine dative singular of paradidōmi for which see 2 Peter 2:21. See also 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 11:2; 1 Timothy 6:20. [source]

What do the individual words in Hebrews 7:27 mean?

who not has every day need as the high priests first for the own sins sacrifices to offer up then for those of the people this for He did once for all Himself having offered up
ὃς οὐκ ἔχει καθ’ ἡμέραν ἀνάγκην ὥσπερ οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς πρότερον ὑπὲρ τῶν ἰδίων ἁμαρτιῶν θυσίας ἀναφέρειν ἔπειτα τῶν τοῦ λαοῦ τοῦτο γὰρ ἐποίησεν ἐφάπαξ ἑαυτὸν ἀνενέγκας

καθ’  every 
Parse: Preposition
Root: κατά 
Sense: down from, through out.
ἡμέραν  day 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἡμέρα  
Sense: the day, used of the natural day, or the interval between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from and contrasted with the night.
ἀνάγκην  need 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἀνάγκη  
Sense: necessity, imposed either by the circumstances, or by law of duty regarding to one’s advantage, custom, argument.
ἀρχιερεῖς  high  priests 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀρχιερεύς  
Sense: chief priest, high priest.
πρότερον  first 
Parse: Adverb, Comparative
Root: πρότερος  
Sense: before, prior.
ἰδίων  own 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Feminine Plural
Root: ἴδιος  
Sense: pertaining to one’s self, one’s own, belonging to one’s self.
ἁμαρτιῶν  sins 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Plural
Root: ἁμαρτία  
Sense: equivalent to 264.
θυσίας  sacrifices 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Plural
Root: θυσία  
Sense: a sacrifice, victim.
ἀναφέρειν  to  offer  up 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active
Root: ἀναφέρω  
Sense: to carry or bring up, to lead up.
τῶν  for  those 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
τοῦ  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
λαοῦ  people 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: λαός  
Sense: a people, people group, tribe, nation, all those who are of the same stock and language.
τοῦτο  this 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: οὗτος  
Sense: this.
ἐποίησεν  He  did 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ποιέω  
Sense: to make.
ἐφάπαξ  once  for  all 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ἐφάπαξ  
Sense: once, at once.
ἑαυτὸν  Himself 
Parse: Reflexive Pronoun, Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἑαυτοῦ  
Sense: himself, herself, itself, themselves.
ἀνενέγκας  having  offered  up 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἀναφέρω  
Sense: to carry or bring up, to lead up.