Devine Scripture

Hebrews 4:15

What does Hebrews 4:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 4:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 4:15 means

Our high priest is not distant or indifferent. He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses because He has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. His temptations were real; His obedience was perfect. This qualifies Him to represent us faithfully and to supply the help we need. He knows the pull of trial and the cost of obedience from the inside, not by observation alone. The combination of sinless purity and compassionate understanding makes Him the mediator our hearts require—both able to save and eager to comfort those who are tested and weary.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For we have not a high priest who is not able to be touched by the feelings of our feeble flesh; but we have one who has been tested in all points as we ourselves are tested, but without sin.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for we have not a chief priest unable to sympathise with our infirmities, but <FI>one<Fi> tempted in all things in like manner--apart from sin;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For we have not a high priest who cannot have compassion on our infirmities: but one tempted in all things like as we are, without sin.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For we have not a high priest not able to sympathise with our infirmities, but tempted in all things in like manner, sin apart.

Context

Having affirmed Jesus’ heavenly greatness (v. 14), verse 15 assures readers of His human sympathy. This guards against the fear that exaltation means remoteness. The flow prepares for the climactic invitation of verse 16: because our priest is both great and gracious, we should approach God’s throne with boldness. The balance of majesty and mercy is the chapter’s pastoral answer to the earlier warnings and exposures.

v.14Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

v.15This passage

v.16Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 8:46

    Which of you convicteth me of sin? If I say truth, why do ye not believe me?

  • Exodus 23:9

    And a sojourner shalt thou not oppress: for ye know the heart of a sojourner, seeing ye were sojourners in the land of Egypt.

  • Hebrews 5:2

    who can bear gently with the ignorant and erring, for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity;

  • Hebrews 4:14

    Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

  • Philippians 2:7

    but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;

  • Hebrews 7:26

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

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