Hebrews 5:1
For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text emphasizes that the high priest is "taken from among men," highlighting that their mediation for us stems from a shared human experience. This means the priest understands our struggles, not from an aloof position, but from within them, making their offering for sins deeply personal and effective.
The author of Hebrews is about to present Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, so he begins by explaining the role and function of the earthly high priests under the Old Covenant. These priests were chosen from among people to represent humanity before God, offering sacrifices and gifts for the sins of the people. This sets the stage for showing how Jesus, though uniquely divine, also shares in humanity and fulfills this priestly role in a far superior way.
Ever feel like God is too far away, or that religious leaders are out of touch? The Bible starts by describing the high priest as one of us.
Hebrews 5:1 immediately grounds the concept of a high priest in human experience. 'For every high priest chosen from among men...' This isn't just a technicality; it's foundational. The high priest wasn't plucked from heaven but was 'taken from among men.' This means he shared their human condition, their struggles, and their perspective.
What does it truly mean to mediate between God and people? It's more than just delivering messages; it's about facilitating access and atonement.
The verse states the high priest is 'appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God.' This highlights his crucial role as a mediator. His entire purpose was to stand in the gap between the human community and the divine.
Understand the original words
archiereus · Greek Noun
A mediator between God and humanity who serves to represent people before God, typically through the offering of sacrifices. In the Old Testament, this role was held by the Aaronic priesthood; in the New Testament, it is fulfilled perfectly by Jesus Christ.
thusia · Greek Noun
Ritual offerings presented to God for the purpose of worship, thanksgiving, or, most critically, atonement for sins. These acts were central to the Old Testament sacrificial system, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
hamartia · Greek Noun
Any thought, action, or state of being that falls short of God's holy standard or violates His law. It represents a state of alienation from God that requires atonement and reconciliation.
The verse describes the function of the Levitical High Priest under the Old Covenant, serving as a vital, yet earthly, mediator for Israel's sins. Understanding this historical context highlights the radical newness of Jesus' eternal priesthood, where He, as both sacrifice and High Priest, offers Himself 'once for all' without the need for earthly rituals or a physical temple.
c. 1446 BC
The Mosaic Covenant Established
God establishes His covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai, giving them the Law, including detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and the Levitical priesthood, which sets the stage for the role of the High Priest.
c. 1446-586 BC
The Levitical Priesthood Serves
For over a thousand years, the High Priest, chosen from Aaron's lineage, serves as the mediator between God and Israel, performing rituals in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, especially on the Day of Atonement.
c. 1st century BC - 1st century AD
Roman Influence on High Priesthood
During the Second Temple period, the Roman authorities exert considerable influence, often appointing or deposing High Priests, which sometimes led to the office being held by individuals not strictly from the Aaronic line or not for life.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Crucifixion and Death
This passage directly relates to the institution of the high priesthood among the Israelites, outlining the selection of Aaron and his sons for this sacred role, which underpins the context of Hebrews 5:1 describing a high priest chosen from among men.
Leviticus 16:6This verse details the specific sin offering the high priest was to make for himself and for his household, highlighting the 'sacrifices for sins' aspect mentioned in Hebrews 5:1 and emphasizing the high priest's role in atonement.
Isaiah 53:10This prophetic passage speaks of a 'servant' who 'makes himself an offering for guilt,' foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice for sins, which is the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system described in Hebrews 5:1.
Romans 8:3Paul explains that God sent His Son in human likeness to be a sin offering, directly connecting the concept of God providing a sacrifice for sin through a chosen representative, mirroring the function of the high priest in Hebrews 5:1.
1 Peter 3:18This verse declares Christ suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, which is the ultimate fulfillment of the 'sacrifices for sins' that the Levitical high priests could only prefigure, as described in Hebrews 5:1.
wesleyHebrews 5:1: "For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:"
5:1 For every high priest being taken from among men - Is, till he is taken, of the same rank with them. And is appointed - That is, is wont to be appointed. In things pertaining to God - To bring God near to men, and men to God. That he may offer both gifts - Out of things inanimate, and animal sacrifices.
ellicottHebrews 5:1: "For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:"
(1) Taken. —Rather, being taken, since he is taken, from among men. Gifts and sacrifices.—The former is in itself perfectly general; but when thus contrasted with “sacrifices” it denotes the “unbloody offerings” of the Law. On the Day of Atonement (which, as we shall see, is almost always in the writer’s thoughts as he refers to the fun…
The text emphasizes that the high priest is "taken from among men," highlighting that their mediation for us stems from a shared human experience. This means the priest understands our struggles, not from an aloof position, but from within them, making their offering for sins deeply personal and effective.
The author of Hebrews is about to present Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, so he begins by explaining the role and function of the earthly high priests under the Old Covenant. These priests were chosen from among people to represent humanity before God, offering sacrifices and gifts for the sins of the people. This sets the stage for showing how Jesus, though uniquely divine, also shares in humanity and fulfills this priestly role in a far superior way.
The author of Hebrews is about to present Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, so he begins by explaining the role and function of the earthly high priests under the Old Covenant. These priests were chosen from among people to represent humanity before God, offering sacrifices and gifts for the sins of the people. This sets the stage for showing how Jesus, though uniquely divine, also shares in humanity and fulfills this priestly role in a far superior way.
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Why did the Old Testament system involve so many 'gifts and sacrifices'? Understanding their purpose reveals the depth of human sin and God's provision.
Hebrews 5:1 specifies the high priest's duty: 'to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.' This points to the core function of the Levitical priesthood and, by extension, the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
Jesus, the ultimate High Priest, is crucified. His death is understood as the once-for-all sacrifice that atones for the sins of humanity, fulfilling the purpose of the Old Testament sacrificial system.
c. AD 64-70
Destruction of the Second Temple
The Romans destroy the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This event signifies the end of the Levitical sacrificial system and the Aaronic priesthood as it had been practiced for centuries.
"For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins." — The text emphasizes that the high priest is "taken from among men," highlighting that their mediation for us stems from a shared human experience. This means the priest understands our struggles, not…
