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
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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.

Where else these words appear

“feeling” Greek G4834 · used in 2 verses

  • Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

“as” Greek G3665 · used in 2 verses

  • Hebrews 7:15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,

“tempted” Greek G3987 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 9:26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
  • Acts 26:21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

“infirmities” Greek G769 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 8:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
  • Acts 28:9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.