King James Version

What Does Hebrews 4:15 Mean?

Hebrews 4:15 in the King James Version says “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempte...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 4:15 · KJV

Context

13

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

14

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

15

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.

16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Read Hebrews 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents Christ's perfect qualification as High Priest through His genuine humanity and sympathetic understanding. The Greek construction 'ou gar echomen' (οὐ γὰ ρ ἔχομεν, 'for we have not') establishes a negation that is immediately reversed—we do not have an unsympathetic High Priest, but rather one who fully understands our weaknesses. The word 'sumpathēsai' (συμπαθῆσαι, 'be touched with the feeling' or 'sympathize') means to suffer together with, indicating Christ's experiential knowledge of human struggle rather than mere intellectual awareness. 'Astheneias' (ἀσθενείας, 'infirmities') encompasses not just sickness but all human weaknesses, limitations, temptations, and trials inherent in embodied existence. The phrase 'pepeirasmenos kata panta' (πεπειρασμένος κατὰ πάντα, 'tempted in all points') uses the perfect tense to indicate that Christ's testing was thorough and complete, covering every category of human temptation. The crucial qualifier 'chōris hamartias' (χωρὶς ἁμαρτίας, 'without sin') distinguishes Christ from fallen humanity—He experienced genuine temptation's full force yet never yielded, maintaining perfect holiness. This sinlessness paradoxically qualifies rather than disqualifies Him from sympathy, for only one who resisted every temptation to the uttermost understands its full weight.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The author of Hebrews wrote to Jewish Christians familiar with the Levitical priesthood, where high priests offered sacrifices for their own sins before interceding for the people (Hebrews 5:3). These earthly priests shared the people's moral failures, creating solidarity through common sinfulness but also compromising their mediatorial effectiveness. In contrast, Christ's priesthood according to Melchizedek's order (Hebrews 5:6, 7:1-28) combines genuine humanity with absolute sinlessness. The incarnation narratives (Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13) demonstrate Christ's authentic temptation—He experienced hunger, weariness, emotional distress, and satanic assault. The Gethsemane agony (Matthew 26:36-46) reveals the intensity of His human struggle, sweating blood under the weight of impending crucifixion while perfectly submitting to the Father's will. For first-century Jewish Christians facing persecution, this verse provided profound comfort—their High Priest knew experientially what they suffered and could intercede effectively because He had walked the same path without stumbling. Unlike earthly priests who might be callous or compromised, Christ combines perfect sympathy with perfect holiness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's sinlessness enhance rather than diminish His ability to sympathize with our temptations?
  2. What comfort does this verse provide when facing temptation or weakness that seems overwhelming?
  3. In what ways does understanding Christ's full humanity affect your confidence in approaching Him?
  4. Why is it essential that our High Priest experienced 'all points' of temptation rather than just some?
  5. How should Christ's sympathetic high priesthood shape the way we pray during trials?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
οὐ1 of 18

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γὰρ2 of 18

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἔχομεν3 of 18

“we have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἀρχιερέα4 of 18

“an high priest”

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

μὴ5 of 18

“which cannot”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

δυνάμενον6 of 18
G1410

to be able or possible

συμπαθῆσαι7 of 18

“be touched with the feeling”

G4834

to feel "sympathy" with, i.e., (by implication) to commiserate

ταῖς8 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀσθενείαις9 of 18

“infirmities”

G769

feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty

ἡμῶν10 of 18

“of our”

G2257

of (or from) us

πεπειρασμένον11 of 18

“tempted”

G3985

to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline

δὲ12 of 18

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

καθ'13 of 18

“in”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

πάντα14 of 18

“all points”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καθ'15 of 18

“in”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ὁμοιότητα16 of 18

“as”

G3665

resemblance

χωρὶς17 of 18

“we are yet without”

G5565

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

ἁμαρτίας18 of 18

“sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 4:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 4:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 2:17-182 Corinthians 5:21Isaiah 53:4-51 Peter 2:221 John 3:5Philippians 2:7-8

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