The verse highlights that the high priest isn't just an intermediary; he's "appointed for men." This means his entire existence and function are oriented towards serving the people's needs in their relationship with God, not just performing rituals in isolation. It emphasizes that the priesthood is fundamentally about human benefit and connection to the divine.
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. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author is introducing the topic of the priesthood, specifically highlighting the qualifications and duties of the Old Testament high priest. He explains that a high priest is chosen from among men to mediate between God and people, offering both symbolic gifts and actual sacrifices for sins on their behalf. This sets the stage to compare this earthly priesthood with Jesus' own heavenly priesthood, which the author will argue is far superior.
Before a high priest could stand before God, he had to be one of us. What does this tell us about God's desire for connection?
The very first thing the writer of Hebrews emphasizes about the high priest is that he is 'taken from among men.' This isn't just a biographical detail; it's foundational to his role. He's not some distant, detached being. He shares our humanity, our limitations, and our experiences.
Why does this matter?
The high priest’s job wasn't just about rituals; it was about bridging the chasm between God and people. What does this say about our access to the Divine?
Ask a follow-up
The high priest is 'appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God.' This phrase, 'on behalf of men' (or 'for men'), is key. He doesn't just perform actions for God; his primary function is to represent us to God. He's the designated intermediary.
The Priest's Dual Focus:
The high priest's offerings weren't just ceremonial; they were essential for dealing with the reality of human sin. What's the significance of these 'gifts and sacrifices'?
Hebrews 5:1 mentions the priest’s role is 'to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.' This highlights the comprehensive nature of the atoning work required under the Old Covenant.
Understanding the Offerings:
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.
agnoeo · Greek Adjective/Participle
Those who are lacking knowledge or understanding, specifically regarding the truth and requirements of God. In a biblical context, it often refers to those who have wandered from the path of righteousness due to a lack of spiritual discernment.
astheneia · Greek Noun
A state of spiritual or physical frailty, infirmity, or lack of strength. It highlights human limitation and our total dependence on God's grace and intervention.
The author of Hebrews is writing at a time when the Temple and its sacrificial system were still functional, but Jesus's sacrifice had already rendered it obsolete in God's eyes. By emphasizing that every earthly high priest was chosen from humanity to offer sacrifices for sins, the author sets the stage to reveal Jesus as the superior, heavenly High Priest who offered Himself once for all.
c. 1445 BC
The Law of Moses Instituted
Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites receive the Law from God, which includes detailed instructions for the Levitical priesthood and their sacrificial system.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
The united monarchy under David solidifies the religious and political structures, with the High Priest playing a crucial role in national worship and counsel.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Babylonian forces destroy Jerusalem and the First Temple. The sacrificial system ceases, and the Levitical priesthood's public function is interrupted, marking a period of exile and yearning for restoration.
c. 516 BC
Rebuilding of the Temple
The Second Temple is completed in Jerusalem, allowing for the re-establishment of Temple worship and the continuation of the sacrificial system and the role of the high priest, albeit under foreign rule.
c. 1st century BC - 1st century AD
Hasmonean and Roman Periods
The office of the High Priest becomes increasingly politicized, with appointments sometimes influenced by political powers like the Hasmonean dynasty and later, the Roman rulers.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus, who the author of Hebrews will argue is the ultimate High Priest, is crucified. This event marks the central atonement for sins, rendering the Levitical sacrifices obsolete.
AD 70
Destruction of the Second Temple
Roman legions destroy the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This event permanently ends the sacrificial system and the Levitical priesthood as instituted by the Mosaic Law, underscoring the finality and sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.
This passage describes God's direct appointment of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood, highlighting that even earthly priests were chosen and set apart by divine authority, a principle echoed in the appointment of the ultimate High Priest.
Leviticus 16:3This chapter details the specific rituals the high priest must perform on the Day of Atonement, emphasizing his role in offering sacrifices for his own sins and for those of the people, underscoring the sacrificial aspect of his office described in Hebrews 5:1.
Isaiah 53:10This prophecy speaks of the 'offspring' (a servant who makes himself an offering for sin) and directly connects his sacrifice to the 'pleasure of the Lord,' illuminating the sacrificial purpose for sins that the high priest in Hebrews 5:1 fulfills through Christ.
Luke 1:5This verse introduces Zechariah, a priest from the division of Abijah, showing the lineage and order of Levitical priests who served 'before God,' providing context for the human, appointed nature of the high priests described in Hebrews 5:1.
Romans 15:16Paul refers to himself as a priest to the Gentiles, offering them as a 'sacrifice,' which echoes the concept of offering 'gifts' and 'sacrifices' for sins, albeit in a spiritual, New Covenant sense fulfilled by Christ.
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 verse highlights that the high priest isn't just an intermediary; he's "appointed for men." This means his entire existence and function are oriented towards serving the people's needs in their relationship with God, not just performing rituals in isolation. It emphasizes that the priesthood is fundamentally about human benefit and connection to the divine.
The author is introducing the topic of the priesthood, specifically highlighting the qualifications and duties of the Old Testament high priest. He explains that a high priest is chosen from among men to mediate between God and people, offering both symbolic gifts and actual sacrifices for sins on their behalf. This sets the stage to compare this earthly priesthood with Jesus' own heavenly priesthood, which the author will argue is far superior.
The author is introducing the topic of the priesthood, specifically highlighting the qualifications and duties of the Old Testament high priest. He explains that a high priest is chosen from among men to mediate between God and people, offering both symbolic gifts and actual sacrifices for sins on their behalf. This sets the stage to compare this earthly priesthood with Jesus' own heavenly priesthood, which the author will argue is far superior.
"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. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because…" — The verse highlights that the high priest isn't just an intermediary; he's "appointed for men." This means his entire existence and function are oriented towards serving the people's needs in their…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
