Hebrews 5:4

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as [was] Aaron.

Complete Jewish Bible:

And no one takes this honor upon himself, rather, he is called by God, just as Aharon was.

Berean Standard Bible:

No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.

American Standard Version:

And no man taketh the honor unto himself, but when he is called of God, even as was Aaron.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} no^{G3756} man^{G5100} taketh^{G2983} this honour^{G5092} unto himself^{G1438}, but^{G235} he that is called^{G2564} of^{G5259} God^{G2316}, as^{{G2509}{G2532}} was Aaron^{G2}.

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Commentary for Hebrews 5:4

Hebrews 5:4 is part of a larger discourse in the Epistle to the Hebrews that discusses the role and qualifications of a high priest. This verse specifically addresses the theme of divine calling and authority in the priesthood. In the historical context of the Old Testament, Aaron, the brother of Moses, was appointed by God as the first high priest of Israel (Exodus 28:1). The verse emphasizes that the honor of the priesthood, particularly the high priesthood, is not something one can assume on their own initiative; rather, it is a position bestowed by God's calling, as was the case with Aaron.

The author of Hebrews uses this historical precedent to illustrate a broader theological point about Jesus Christ, who is presented as the ultimate High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:10, Psalm 110:4). This verse serves to contrast the Levitical priesthood, which was hereditary and based on human lineage, with the priesthood of Christ, which is eternal and based on God's definitive call and the power of an indestructible life (Hebrews 7:16).

In summary, Hebrews 5:4 underscores the principle that true spiritual authority comes from God's calling, not human ambition or self-appointment. It reflects on the divine appointment of Aaron to affirm the legitimacy of Jesus' high priesthood, which transcends and fulfills the Old Testament priesthood. This verse is part of the author's argument to demonstrate the superiority of Christ's priestly ministry, which provides a better hope and access to God for believers (Hebrews 7:19, 22).

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G3756
   There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐ
   Transliteration: ou
   Pronunciation: ookh
   Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
   
3. Strong's Number: G5100
   There are 419 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: τὶς
   Transliteration: tìs
   Pronunciation: tis
   Description: an enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object:--a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), X wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever).
   
4. Strong's Number: G2983
   There are 248 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: λαμβάνω
   Transliteration: lambánō
   Pronunciation: lam-ban'-o
   Description: a prolonged form of a primary verb, which is use only as an alternate in certain tenses; to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively (properly objective or active, to get hold of; whereas δέχομαι is rather subjective or passive, to have offered to one; while αἱρέομαι is more violent, to seize or remove)):--accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up).
   
5. Strong's Number: G5092
   There are 42 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: τιμή
   Transliteration: timḗ
   Pronunciation: tee-may'
   Description: from τίνω; a value, i.e. money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself:--honour, precious, price, some.
   
6. Strong's Number: G1438
   There are 312 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἑαυτοῦ
   Transliteration: heautoû
   Pronunciation: heh-ow-too'
   Description: from a reflexive pronoun otherwise obsolete and the genitive case (dative case or accusative case) of αὐτός; him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other persons) my-, thy-, our-, your-) self (selves), etc.:--alone, her (own, -self), (he) himself, his (own), itself, one (to) another, our (thine) own(-selves), + that she had, their (own, own selves), (of) them(-selves), they, thyself, you, your (own, own conceits, own selves, -selves).
   
7. Strong's Number: G235
   There are 635 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀλλά
   Transliteration: allá
   Pronunciation: al-lah'
   Description: neuter plural of ἄλλος; properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations):--and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet.
   
8. Strong's Number: G2564
   There are 138 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καλέω
   Transliteration: kaléō
   Pronunciation: kal-eh'-o
   Description: akin to the base of κελεύω; to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise):--bid, call (forth), (whose, whose sur-)name (was (called)).
   
9. Strong's Number: G5259
   There are 211 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὑπό
   Transliteration: hypó
   Pronunciation: hoop-o'
   Description: a primary preposition; under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (underneath) or where (below) or time (when (at)):--among, by, from, in, of, under, with. In the comparative, it retains the same general applications, especially of inferior position or condition, and specially, covertly or moderately.
   
10. Strong's Number: G2316
    There are 1172 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: θεός
    Transliteration: theós
    Pronunciation: theh'-os
    Description: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
    
11. Strong's Number: G2509
    There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: καθάπερ
    Transliteration: katháper
    Pronunciation: kath-ap'-er
    Description: from καθά and περ; exactly as:--(even, as well) as.
    
12. Strong's Number: G2
    There are 7729 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Ἀαρών
    Transliteration: Aarṓn
    Pronunciation: ah-ar-ohn'
    Description: of Hebrew origin (אַהֲרוֹן); Aaron, the brother of Moses:--Aaron.