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 4:15KJV
truelightbible.com

Hebrews 4:15 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 4:15 mean?

Hebrews 4:15 teaches that Jesus, described as our high priest, truly understands human weakness because he experienced every kind of temptation we face, yet he never sinned. This verse reassures readers that Jesus is not distant or unfeeling about our struggles, but has personally faced them.

The writer of Hebrews is encouraging Jewish Christians who may feel discouraged or misunderstood. By calling Jesus the "high priest," the writer connects him to the familiar Jewish role of someone who represents the people before God. The verse highlights that Jesus’ empathy is real because he has lived through the same kinds of trials, making him approachable and compassionate.

The Greek behind Hebrews 4:15

  • "ἀρχιερεύς" (archiereus, G749): This word means "high priest." In Jewish tradition, the high priest was the main representative between God and the people. Here, it emphasizes Jesus’ unique role as both fully divine and fully human.
  • "συμπαθῆσαι" (sympathēsai, G4834): This word is often understood as "to feel sympathy with" or "to be touched with the feeling of." It means more than just knowing about suffering; it means sharing in it emotionally.
  • "ἀσθενείαις" (astheneiais, G769): This word means "weaknesses" or "infirmities." It refers to all kinds of human frailty, not just physical sickness, but also moral and emotional struggles.
  • "πειρασθῆναι" (peirasthēnai, G3985): This word means "to be tempted" or "to be tested." The verse stresses that Jesus faced every kind of test or temptation, just as people do, but remained without sin.

Why Hebrews 4:15 matters

  • Hebrews 4:15 clears up the idea that Jesus is too far removed from human experience to understand real struggles; instead, it insists he knows them firsthand.
  • The verse emphasizes that Jesus’ sinlessness does not make him less compassionate, but actually means he faced temptation fully and still overcame it.
  • This statement prepares the reader for the next verse, which encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing they will find understanding and mercy.