📖 Biblical Definition
The Great High Priest is Jesus Christ, who "is passed into the heavens" and "ever liveth to make intercession" for His people (Hebrews 4:14; 7:25). He is the fulfillment and termination of the Aaronic order — sinless, eternal, holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners (Hebrews 7:26) — and the priest forever after the order of Melchizedek by divine oath (Hebrews 7:21). Where Aaron offered repeated sacrifices for himself and the people, Christ offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 9:12, 26-28). Where Aaron’s priesthood ended at death, Christ’s continues forever in resurrection life. Every Christian who comes to the Father comes through this priest — and may come with boldness, because the throne is now a throne of grace.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Webster 1828: the supreme Mediator and Intercessor before the throne of God.
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Hebrews holds Jesus as the Priest who needed no sacrifice for Himself, who offered His own blood once for all, and who now appears in heaven on behalf of His people.
📖 Key Scripture
Hebrews 4:14 — "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."
Hebrews 7:25 — "He ever liveth to make intercession for them."
Hebrews 9:11 — "Christ being come an high priest of good things to come."
Hebrews 10:21 — "Having an high priest over the house of God."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity needs no priest because it minimizes sin; the Great High Priest is wasted on the unconvicted.
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If sin is small, a priest is unnecessary. Therapeutic religion has rendered the priesthood obsolete by redefining the disease.
The Great High Priest is for sinners who know they are sinners. Hold fast your profession, says Hebrews, because He still bleeds and pleads.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek archiereus (high priest) and megas (great).
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G749 — Archiereus — high priest, chief priest
G3173 — Megas — great, large
Usage
"We have a Great High Priest passed into the heavens."
"He ever lives to intercede; the work is not done."
"Hold fast—the Great High Priest holds you."