Hebrews 5:3

περὶ ἁμαρτιῶν אABCD. The ὑπὲρ of the rec. (EKL) is probably due to its occurrence in Hebrews 5:1.

3. διʼ αὐτήν, i.e. because of this moral weakness.

ὀφείλει. He is bound not merely as a legal duty, but as a moral necessity.

καὶ περὶ ἑαυτοῦ. The Law assumed that this would be necessary for every High Priest (Leviticus 4:3-12); for “under the gorgeous robes of office there were still the galling chains of flesh.” Kay. In the High Priest’s prayer of intercession he said, “Oh do thou expiate the misdeeds, the crimes, and the sins, wherewith I have done evil, and have sinned before Thee, I and my house!” Until he had thus made atonement for himself, he was regarded as guilty, and so could not offer any atonement for others who were guilty (Leviticus 4:3; Leviticus 9:7; Leviticus 16:6, and comp. Hebrews 7:27).

προσφέρειν περὶ ἁμαρτιῶν. The word “offer” may be used absolutely for “to offer sacrifices” (Luke 5:14); but the words “for sins” are often an equivalent for “sin-offerings” (see Hebrews 10:6; Leviticus 6:23; Numbers 8:8, &c.).