Hebrews 7:26
New International Version
Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.

New Living Translation
He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven.

English Standard Version
For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

Berean Standard Bible
Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

Berean Literal Bible
For such a high priest indeed was fitting for us, holy, innocent, undefiled, having been separated from sinners, and having become higher than the heavens,

King James Bible
For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

New King James Version
For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens;

New American Standard Bible
For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens;

NASB 1995
For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens;

NASB 1977
For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens;

Legacy Standard Bible
For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens;

Amplified Bible
It was fitting for us to have such a High Priest [perfectly adapted to our needs], holy, blameless, unstained [by sin], separated from sinners and exalted higher than the heavens;

Christian Standard Bible
For this is the kind of high priest we need: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For this is the kind of high priest we need: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

American Standard Version
For such a high priest became us, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Contemporary English Version
Jesus is the high priest we need. He is holy and innocent and faultless, and not at all like us sinners. Jesus is honored above all beings in heaven,

English Revised Version
For such a high priest became us, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We need a chief priest who is holy, innocent, pure, set apart from sinners, and who has the highest position in heaven.

Good News Translation
Jesus, then, is the High Priest that meets our needs. He is holy; he has no fault or sin in him; he has been set apart from sinners and raised above the heavens.

International Standard Version
We need such a high priest—one who is holy, innocent, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.

Majority Standard Bible
Such a high priest truly befits us?One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

NET Bible
For it is indeed fitting for us to have such a high priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, separate from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

New Heart English Bible
For such a high priest was indeed fitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Webster's Bible Translation
For such a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Weymouth New Testament
Moreover we needed just such a High Priest as this--holy, guileless, undefiled, far removed from sinful men and exalted above the heavens;

World English Bible
For such a high priest was fitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For also such a Chief Priest was fitting for us—holy, innocent, undefiled, separate from the sinners, and having become higher than the heavens,

Berean Literal Bible
For such a high priest indeed was fitting for us, holy, innocent, undefiled, having been separated from sinners, and having become higher than the heavens,

Young's Literal Translation
For such a chief priest did become us -- kind, harmless, undefiled, separate from the sinners, and become higher than the heavens,

Smith's Literal Translation
For such a chief priest became us, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and being higher than the heavens;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Catholic Public Domain Version
For it was fitting that we should have such a High Priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted higher than the heavens.

New American Bible
It was fitting that we should have such a high priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, higher than the heavens.

New Revised Standard Version
For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For this is the kind of high priest proper for us; pure, without evil, and undefiled, far away from sin, and made higher than the heavens;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For because this Priest also was right for us: pure, without malice and without defilement, who is separate from sin and exalted higher than Heaven,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For such a high priest is suited to us, who is holy, harm less, undefiled, separate from sinners, and exalted above the heavens;

Godbey New Testament
For such a high priest was indeed appropriate unto us, holy, free from sin, undefiled, having been separated from the sinners, and being higher than the heavens;

Haweis New Testament
For such an high-priest was suitable to us, holy, inoffensive, spotless, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens:

Mace New Testament
and indeed we wanted an high priest of such a character, one that is holy, innocent, undefiled, one that is separated from sinful men, and exalted above the heavens; one who was under no necessity,

Weymouth New Testament
Moreover we needed just such a High Priest as this--holy, guileless, undefiled, far removed from sinful men and exalted above the heavens;

Worrell New Testament
For such a High Priest was befitting us, holy, harmless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Worsley New Testament
For such an high-priest was meet for us, who was holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and higher than the heavens;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Superior Priesthood
25Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them. 26Such a high priest truly befits us— One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself.…

Cross References
Psalm 110:4
The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Isaiah 53:9
He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.

1 Peter 2:22
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.”

1 John 3:5
But you know that Christ appeared to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin.

Philippians 2:9-11
Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, / that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

2 Corinthians 5:21
God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.

Hebrews 9:14
how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!

Hebrews 10:10
And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Hebrews 10:12
But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.

Hebrews 10:14
because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.

Matthew 5:48
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Luke 1:35
The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.

John 8:46
Which of you can prove Me guilty of sin? If I speak the truth, why do you not believe Me?

John 14:30
I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming, and he has no claim on Me.


Treasury of Scripture

For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

such.

Hebrews 7:11
If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

Hebrews 8:1
Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

Hebrews 9:23-26
It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these…

became.

Hebrews 2:10
For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

Luke 24:26,46
Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? …

holy.

Hebrews 4:15
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

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?

Exodus 28:36
And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

made.

Hebrews 1:3
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Hebrews 4:14
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

Hebrews 8:1
Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

Jump to Previous
Blameless Evil Exalted Far Fitting Guileless Guiltless Harmless Heavens High Higher Holy Innocent Meets Moreover Need Needed Priest Pure Removed Right Separate Separated Sinful Sinners Undefiled Unstained Wrong
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Blameless Evil Exalted Far Fitting Guileless Guiltless Harmless Heavens High Higher Holy Innocent Meets Moreover Need Needed Priest Pure Removed Right Separate Separated Sinful Sinners Undefiled Unstained Wrong
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.














Such a high priest truly befits us—
This phrase emphasizes the suitability and necessity of Jesus as our high priest. In the context of the Jewish priesthood, the high priest was the mediator between God and the people, offering sacrifices for sins. Jesus, as the ultimate high priest, fulfills this role perfectly. The term "befits" suggests that Jesus is exactly what humanity needs, aligning with the divine plan for redemption. This echoes the Old Testament priesthood but surpasses it, as Jesus' priesthood is eternal and perfect, unlike the temporary and flawed Levitical priesthood.

One who is holy,
The holiness of Jesus is central to His role as high priest. In the Old Testament, priests had to be consecrated and set apart for their duties, but Jesus' holiness is inherent and absolute. This holiness is a reflection of His divine nature, being both fully God and fully man. His holiness is also a fulfillment of the messianic prophecies, such as those found in Isaiah 53, which describe the Messiah as pure and without sin.

innocent,
The innocence of Jesus refers to His sinlessness. Unlike the Levitical priests who had to offer sacrifices for their own sins, Jesus was without sin and therefore did not need to atone for Himself. This innocence is crucial for His role as the perfect sacrifice, as only a spotless offering could atone for the sins of humanity. This connects to 1 Peter 2:22, which states that Jesus "committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth."

undefiled,
Being undefiled means that Jesus was not tainted by sin or corruption. In the cultural context of the time, defilement could come from various sources, including contact with the dead or unclean foods. Jesus remained pure in all aspects, maintaining His purity despite living in a sinful world. This purity is essential for His role as the mediator, as it ensures that He can stand before God on behalf of humanity without blemish.

set apart from sinners,
This phrase highlights Jesus' separation from the sinful nature of humanity. While He lived among sinners and ministered to them, He was not influenced by sin. This separation is both physical and spiritual, as He maintained His divine nature and mission. It also reflects His role as the ultimate sacrifice, as He was set apart to fulfill God's redemptive plan. This is reminiscent of the Old Testament sacrificial system, where offerings had to be set apart for God.

and exalted above the heavens.
The exaltation of Jesus above the heavens signifies His divine authority and position. After His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, as described in Ephesians 1:20-21. This exaltation confirms His victory over sin and death and His role as the eternal high priest. It also fulfills the prophecy in Psalm 110:1, where the Messiah is invited to sit at God's right hand. This exaltation assures believers of His ongoing intercession and sovereign rule.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this verse, described as the perfect high priest who is holy, innocent, and exalted.

2. High Priest
In the context of Hebrews, the high priest is a mediator between God and humanity. Jesus is presented as the ultimate high priest.

3. Heaven
The place where Jesus is exalted, indicating His divine authority and eternal priesthood.

4. Sinners
Humanity, from whom Jesus is set apart due to His sinless nature.

5. The Jewish Priesthood
The Levitical priesthood, which is contrasted with the priesthood of Jesus in the book of Hebrews.
Teaching Points
The Holiness of Christ
Jesus is described as "holy," emphasizing His divine nature and sinlessness. As believers, we are called to pursue holiness, reflecting His character in our lives.

The Innocence of Christ
Jesus is "innocent," meaning He was without sin or guilt. This innocence is what qualifies Him to be our perfect mediator and sacrifice.

The Separation from Sin
Jesus is "undefiled" and "set apart from sinners," highlighting His purity. We are encouraged to live lives that are set apart, avoiding sin and seeking righteousness.

The Exaltation of Christ
Jesus is "exalted above the heavens," signifying His authority and victory over sin and death. This gives us confidence in His power to intercede for us.

The Sufficiency of Christ's Priesthood
Unlike the Levitical priests, Jesus' priesthood is eternal and sufficient. We can trust in His complete work for our salvation and ongoing intercession.(26) For such an high priest.--Better, For such a one also became us as (our) High Priest. Such a priest as has been portrayed was the High Priest that befitted us--no one less exalted could have met our necessities. The added words carry the description farther still. The thought of high priest immediately brings to mind the annual Day of Atonement, to which belonged the characteristic ministration of the high priest. As we read the following words we cannot doubt their direct reference to the ceremonial observances of that day.

Holy.--Not the word of Hebrews 3:1, but a word seldom used in the New Testament (except in quotations), though of frequent occurrence in the LXX. (as in Deuteronomy 33:8; Psalm 4:3; Psalm 16:10; Psalm 132:9; Psalm 132:16): the idea contained is that of holy purity. The next word may denote either freedom from malice or evil, or freedom from guile (Romans 16:18); the former meaning is more likely here. The three words, denoting personal purity and innocence and freedom from all pollution of sin, present the idea of which the ceremonial purity of the high priest was the type. Seven days before the Day of Atonement the high priest left his house and took up his abode in the Temple, that, thus separated from men and things unclean, he might when the day arrived be found free from all defilement; five washings and ten purifications were required of him on the day itself. . . .

Verse 26. - For such a High Priest became us, holy, harmless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens. Such a High Priest, it is said, for us was fitting. The same word ἔπρεπε was used in Hebrews 2:10, where the humiliation of Christ was spoken cf. It was there said that to make the Captain of our salvation perfect through suffering "became" God - was befitting to what we conceive of the Divine nature. It is now said that our High Priest's being such as is here described "became" us - was befitting to our state and needs. That he should be both human and superhuman was in all respects fitting - the one that he might be our sympathizing brother; the other that his intercession might avail. The further description of him in this verse is suggested by the qualifications of the Aaronic high priest, what they typified being realized in Christ. The high priest was by his consecration a holy person, ἅγιος (Leviticus 21:6, 8, etc.); he bore on his miter "Holiness to the Lord" (Exodus 39:30); he must be without personal blemish (Leviticus 21:17, etc.); he must keep himself continually from all ceremonial pollution (Leviticus 21. and 22.); he must purify himself by a sacrifice for himself and by special ablutions before entering the holy of holies (Leviticus 16.); when there, he was conceived as in God's presence, apart from the world of sinners outside. Christ was not only ἅγιος, but ὅσιος, personally and inwardly holy (Christians in the New Testament are all called ἅγιος, but not all ὁσίοι: for the use of which word, el. Titus 1:8; Acts 2:27; Acts 13:34, where it is applied to Christ, τὸν ὅσιον σου: and Revelation 15:4-16:5, where it is applied to God as his special attribute, ὅτι μόνος ὅσιος); Christ was actually free from evil (ἄκακος) and undefiled (ἀμίαντος). by any contact of sin; and as such he has passed to God's actual presence (cf. διελελύθοτα τοὺς οὐρανοὺς, Hebrews 4:14), separated forever from the world of sinners.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Such
Τοιοῦτος (Toioutos)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5108: (including the other inflections); from toi and houtos; truly this, i.e. Of this sort (to denote character or individuality).

a high priest
ἀρχιερεύς (archiereus)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 749: High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.

truly
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

befits
ἔπρεπεν (eprepen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4241: It becomes, is fitting to, is right. Apparently a primary verb; to tower up, i.e. to be suitable or proper.

us—
ἡμῖν (hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

[One who is] holy,
ὅσιος (hosios)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3741: Holy, pious, godly, beloved of God. Of uncertain affinity; properly, right, i.e. Hallowed.

innocent,
ἄκακος (akakos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 172: Innocent, guileless, simple. Not bad, i.e. innocent or unsuspecting.

undefiled,
ἀμίαντος (amiantos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 283: Undefiled, untainted, free from contamination. Unsoiled, i.e. pure.

set apart
κεχωρισμένος (kechōrismenos)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5563: From chora; to place room between, i.e. Part; reflexively, to go away.

from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

sinners,
ἁμαρτωλῶν (hamartōlōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 268: Sinning, sinful, depraved, detestable. From hamartano; sinful, i.e. A sinner.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

exalted
γενόμενος (genomenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

above
ὑψηλότερος (hypsēloteros)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 5308: High, lofty. From hupsos; lofty.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

heavens.
οὐρανῶν (ouranōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.


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NT Letters: Hebrews 7:26 For such a high priest was fitting (Heb. He. Hb)
Hebrews 7:25
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