Translation commentary on Hebrews 8:3

The writer has finished outlining his “main point” (verse 1), and he now prepares to develop certain aspects of it in greater detail. This is what Revised Standard Version‘s “For” implies; most common language translations omit it (Bijbel in Gewone Taal has “now”). Before contrasting Jesus with other high priests, the writer briefly states what they have in common. This verse is very similar to 5.1.

The verb for “appoint” is the same as that used in 7.28 and means “appoint to an office.” The passive is appointed is used because the writer is not now emphasizing that the Old Testament high priests were appointed by God. However, the translator may have to make God the explicit subject of the active verb if his own language does not make much use of passives.

The phrase which Good News Bible fourth edition translates sacrifices and offerings in 5.1 and, more precisely, offerings and animal sacrifices here in 8.3 is exactly the same in the Greek. Animal sacrifices in the Greek is a single word, which is sometimes used of sacrifices generally. The whole phrase offerings and animal sacrifices refers to all kinds of gifts made to God in Old Testament worship. Animal is omitted by Bijbel in Gewone Taal, Bible en français courant, and Biblia Dios Habla Hoy, probably correctly, since this verse includes reference to Jesus, who did not offer any animal sacrifice. To present offerings and animal sacrifices may be rendered as “to make gifts and sacrifices.” It would, however, be wrong to suggest that these offerings and sacrifices were at the High Priest’s own expense. His function was to make such gifts and sacrifices on behalf of the people.

The second half of the verse moves from high priests in general to our High Priest (literally “this man” King James Version), referring to Jesus in particular. It is not until 9.12 that the writer specifies what our High Priest has to offer, namely, his own blood.

Must also have something to offer may need to be expanded in some languages to indicate the person to whom the offering is made; for example, “must have something to give to God.”

Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Letter of the Hebrews. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1983. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

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