Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 7:26

"For such a high priest became us, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;" — Hebrews 7:26 (ASV)

This verse (beginning in Greek with the word “for”) gives the basis for the preceding verse. Because Christ is what he is, he intercedes as he does. “Meets our need” implies that even our human sense of the fitness of things is able to recognize Christ’s suitability for his saving work.

“Holy” (GK 4008) signifies the character involved in the separation of human beings from God. Christ is also “blameless” (GK 179) and “pure” (GK 299). “Pure” contains the thought of being undefiled, and there may be a contrast between the ritual purity that the Levitical high priest must be careful to maintain and the complete moral purity of Jesus.

There is probably another contrast in the words “set apart from sinners,” for Jewish tradition prescribed that the Levitical high priest was required to leave his home seven days before the Day of Atonement and live in such a manner as to ensure that he avoided ritual defilement. But Jesus’ separation was not ritual. While these words refer to his spotless character and his contrast with sinful human beings, it is more likely that they should be taken closely with the following. His work on earth is done. He has accomplished his sacrifice. He has been “exalted above the heavens.” This makes him the perfect intercessor.