Hebrews 7:26 kjv

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

Hebrews 7:26 nkjv

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

Hebrews 7:26 niv

Such a high priest truly meets our need?one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.

Hebrews 7:26 esv

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

Hebrews 7:26 nlt

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.

Hebrews 7 verses

Hebrews 7 26 Meaning

Hebrews 7:26 declares that Jesus perfectly embodies the necessary qualifications for our High Priest. His character is utterly pure, spotless, and morally distinct from sinful humanity. This verse emphasizes His perfect holiness, untainted by any form of sin or moral imperfection. Furthermore, it highlights His supreme exalted status, having ascended to a position of ultimate authority and honor above all creation in the heavens. This combination of perfect moral purity and ultimate divine exaltation makes Him uniquely suited to intercede and provide lasting salvation for believers.

Hebrews 7 26 Context

Hebrews Chapter 7 rigorously argues for the superiority of Jesus Christ's priesthood over the Levitical priesthood established under the Old Covenant. The author introduces Melchizedek (v. 1-10) as a figure whose priesthood predates and transcends the Aaronic order, pointing to Christ's unique priesthood. Unlike the Levitical priests, who were numerous, mortal, and imperfect, Jesus' priesthood is eternal (v. 23-25). This verse (7:26) summarizes the indispensable moral and positional qualifications of such an eternal, unchangeable High Priest, who alone could offer a perfect and final sacrifice for sins. It directly leads into the comparison of Christ's singular, sufficient sacrifice (v. 27) with the Levitical priests' repeated, imperfect offerings. The historical and cultural context includes addressing Jewish Christians who faced pressure to revert to reliance on the Old Covenant rituals, temple services, and the Levitical priesthood, highlighting Christ as the fulfillment and superior reality.

Hebrews 7 26 Word analysis

• For such (τοιοῦτος - toioutos): This phrase refers back to the kind of High Priest described in the preceding verses, especially in 7:24-25, highlighting His unchangeable and everlasting priesthood, which eternally intercedes and saves. It emphasizes that the unique, ongoing, and perfect work described necessitates a Priest of extraordinary character.
• a high priest (ἀρχιερεύς - archiereus): Denotes the chief or leading priest, responsible for mediatorial and sacrificial duties on behalf of the people. In the Old Covenant, only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place once a year to make atonement.
• was fitting (ἔπρεπεν - eprepen) for us: This is a crucial Greek term, signifying more than just suitability or appropriateness. It implies divine necessity, a moral obligation, or that it was divinely appointed as required for God's redemptive purposes. It was essential for our salvation and the fulfillment of God's plan. "For us" highlights that this perfect High Priest perfectly meets the dire needs of humanity ensnared in sin.
• who is holy (ὅσιος - hosios): This term emphasizes inward piety, devoutness, and righteousness in relation to God and within one's character. It speaks of internal, unblemished sanctity, not merely external ritual purity. This distinct Greek word contrasts with "hagios," which can mean merely "set apart." Jesus' holiness is intrinsic and absolute.
• harmless (ἄκακος - akakos): Literally means "without evil" or "innocent of wrong." It refers to an absence of malice, evil intent, guile, or malicious disposition. Jesus possessed perfect integrity, being free from all moral blemish or deceitful intention.
• undefiled (ἀμίαντος - amiantos): Signifies "unstained," "unspotted," "unpolluted," "pure." It implies complete freedom from ritual impurity (as Levitical priests could be) and, more profoundly, from moral contamination by sin. Jesus was entirely untouched and uncorrupted by sin's defilement.
• separate from sinners (κεχωρισμένος ἀπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτωλῶν - kechōrismenos apo tōn hamartōlōn): This does not mean Jesus avoided contact with sinners socially, as He famously dined with them (e.g., Lk 5:30). Instead, it denotes a moral, spiritual, and essential distinction. He was fundamentally different in nature and character, entirely devoid of sin's guilt or corruption, never partaking in sin. The perfect passive participle ("has been separated") emphasizes His enduring state of absolute purity and moral distinction from all who have sinned.
• and has become (γενόμενος - genomenos) higher than the heavens: This signifies Jesus' ascension and exaltation to the highest position of authority and honor, far surpassing all creation, angels, and even the "heavens" themselves, which represent the dwelling place of God and the cosmos. "Has become" indicates a completed act (His ascension) with continuing effect—His permanent reign at the right hand of God, above all earthly or even heavenly domains, making Him infinitely superior to any earthly priest confined to a physical temple. This position allows Him to perfectly intercede.

Hebrews 7 26 Bonus section

The concept of Jesus being "fitting" (ἔπρεπεν - eprepen) resonates throughout Hebrews (e.g., 2:10), emphasizing divine appropriateness and necessity. It suggests that these specific attributes of Christ were not merely advantageous but were prerequisites for a High Priest who could effectively mediate a New Covenant. Only a High Priest who is without sin could make a once-for-all sacrifice for sin. The meticulous listing of His moral perfections (holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners) also serves as a polemic against any perception that Christ, by living among sinners, became morally tainted. Instead, it reaffirms His unique divine nature and impeccable humanity, setting Him infinitely apart from any earthly high priest who had to first offer sacrifices for their own sins. His ultimate exaltation "higher than the heavens" is key because it places His ministry not in an earthly temple but in the true heavenly sanctuary, where He exercises divine authority.

Hebrews 7 26 Commentary

Hebrews 7:26 provides a concise yet profound summary of Jesus Christ's absolute qualification as our High Priest, standing in stark contrast to the fallible and temporary priests of the Old Covenant. His character is meticulously described through four distinct adjectives—holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners—each building on the concept of His perfect moral purity and complete sinlessness. "Holy" (hosios) points to His inward piety towards God; "harmless" (akakos) signifies His innocent and guileless nature; "undefiled" (amiantos) asserts His absolute freedom from sin's corrupting stain; and "separate from sinners" underscores His unique moral essence, being inherently untainted by the sin that defines humanity. This comprehensive purity is indispensable for one who is to bear the sins of others.

The verse then climaxes with His exalted position: "and has become higher than the heavens." This speaks of His post-resurrection and ascension status, signifying His supreme authority, sovereignty, and placement above all creation, angels, and earthly systems. This supreme exaltation, coupled with His perfect sinlessness, makes Him perfectly "fitting" (eprepen)—divinely necessary and appropriate—to be the eternal mediator for humanity, capable of providing perfect and final salvation through His singular sacrifice and perpetual intercession. His perfections remove any doubt regarding the efficacy of His priestly ministry, making Him fully adequate to approach a holy God on our behalf.