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)
What's easy to miss is that the high priest's role is "for men," highlighting that this mediatorial service exists because of humanity's need for connection to God. The text also distinguishes between "gifts" (unbloody offerings like grain) and "sacrifices" (bloody animal offerings), emphasizing the comprehensive nature of what the priest was appointed to present before God on behalf of the people.
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)
The author is building a case for Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, contrasting him with the earthly Levitical priests. He begins by defining the role of a human high priest: chosen from among people, acting on their behalf to offer sacrifices to God. This sets the stage for introducing Jesus' superior, eternal priesthood, which will be explained in more detail.
Why does the author of Hebrews emphasize that the high priest is 'taken from among men'? What does this reveal about God's approach to humanity?
The very first thing the author highlights about the high priest is that he is 'taken from among men.' This isn't just a detail; it's foundational. It means the one representing humanity before God wasn't an outsider, but one of us.
A Shared Identity
This shared humanity was crucial. It meant the high priest understood the struggles, the weaknesses, and the very real problems of the people he represented. He wasn't distant or detached; he was intimately familiar with their condition.
God's Relational Design
This principle speaks volumes about God's heart. He didn't choose to interact with humanity through an angelic being or a remote deity. Instead, He designed a system where representation came from within humanity itself. This shows God’s desire to connect with us on our level, using someone who could truly empathize and bridge the gap.
What was the high priest actually doing before God? It involved more than just showing up.
The high priest’s role was active and functional: he was appointed 'to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.' This was his primary duty, acting as the crucial link between the people and God.
The Purpose of Offerings
Ask a follow-up
Bridging the Divide
Imagine the chasm created by sin between a holy God and sinful humanity. The high priest, by presenting these offerings, was literally bridging that gap. He brought the people’s tangible expressions of devotion and repentance before God, seeking forgiveness and favor on their behalf. Without this priestly mediation, the people could not approach God acceptably.
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 speaks to the established Levitical high priesthood of ancient Israel, a system deeply intertwined with the Temple in Jerusalem, which had a long and complex history involving construction, destruction, and political influence, all culminating in its final abolition with the destruction of the Second Temple.
c. 1445 BC
Mosaic Law Promulgated
Following the Exodus from Egypt, God gave the Israelites the Law, including detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and the Levitical priesthood, establishing the system of sacrifices and offerings.
c. 1075 BC
Davidic Monarchy Established
The establishment of the monarchy under David brought a greater sense of national identity and centralized religious practice, with the Ark of the Covenant brought to Jerusalem and preparations made for the Temple.
c. 960 BC
Solomon's Temple Completed
The construction and dedication of the First Temple in Jerusalem provided a permanent, magnificent center for Israel's worship and the high priestly functions.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonian conquest led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple, ending the line of Davidic kings and the continuity of the Levitical sacrificial system in its established form.
c. 516 BC
Second Temple Completed
After the Babylonian exile, the Jewish people returned and rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem, restoring the Levitical priesthood and sacrificial system, albeit on a smaller scale.
c. 20 BC - AD 39— this verse
Herodian Temple Reconstruction
King Herod the Great undertook a massive renovation and expansion of the Second Temple, making it a grand edifice that stood during Jesus' ministry. This period saw the office of High Priest often influenced by political powers, including Rome.
c. AD 70
Destruction of the Second Temple
The Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple marked the definitive end of the Levitical sacrificial system and the role of the earthly high priest as described in the Old Testament.
This passage describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, highlighting that they were chosen 'from among men' to serve God, directly paralleling the description of the high priest in Hebrews 5:1.
Leviticus 16:1-34This chapter details the specific duties of the high priest on the Day of Atonement, the most solemn day of the year, emphasizing his role in offering sacrifices 'for sins' on behalf of the people, which is a core function mentioned in Hebrews 5:1.
Isaiah 53:12This prophecy speaks of the Suffering Servant 'making intercession for the transgressors,' pointing to a priestly role of bearing sins and advocating for people before God, foreshadowing the ultimate high priestly work described in Hebrews.
Romans 8:34This verse states that Christ 'is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us,' directly echoing the priestly function of acting 'on behalf of men in relation to God' and offering atonement 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…
What's easy to miss is that the high priest's role is "for men," highlighting that this mediatorial service exists because of humanity's need for connection to God. The text also distinguishes between "gifts" (unbloody offerings like grain) and "sacrifices" (bloody animal offerings), emphasizing the comprehensive nature of what the priest was appointed to present before God on behalf of the people.
The author is building a case for Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, contrasting him with the earthly Levitical priests. He begins by defining the role of a human high priest: chosen from among people, acting on their behalf to offer sacrifices to God. This sets the stage for introducing Jesus' superior, eternal priesthood, which will be explained in more detail.
The author is building a case for Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, contrasting him with the earthly Levitical priests. He begins by defining the role of a human high priest: chosen from among people, acting on their behalf to offer sacrifices to God. This sets the stage for introducing Jesus' superior, eternal priesthood, which will be explained in more detail.
"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." — What's easy to miss is that the high priest's role is "for men," highlighting that this mediatorial service exists because of humanity's need for connection to God. The text also distinguishes betw…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026