“For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.”
For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer — the logic of priesthood itself demands a sacrificial function; Christ's priestly office is incomplete without the offering that defines it. The necessity (anankē) here is both theological and liturgical: no priesthood exists without sacrifice. This prepares the introduction of Christ's singular, once-for-all offering.
Church Fathers on Hebrews 8:3
In the next place that you may understand that he used the word “minister” of the manhood, observe how he again indicates it: “For” Hebrews 8:3 (he says) “every high priest is ordained to offer both gifts and sacrifices, wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.” Do not now, because you hear that He sits, suppose that His being called High Priest is mere idle talk. For the former, viz. His sitting, belongs to the dignity of the Godhead, but this…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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