Hebrews5

Hebrews 5 introduces the qualifications of a high priest, emphasizing divine appointment and the ability to empathize with human weakness, offering sacrifices for sins. It then presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest, not self-appointed, but called by God after the order of Melchisedec. Christ learned obedience through suffering, becoming the author of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. The chapter concludes with a sharp rebuke to the readers for their spiritual immaturity, likening them to babes needing milk instead of strong doctrine.

Qualifications of the Earthly High Priest

1
For every cohen gadol taken from among men is appointed to act on people’s behalf with regard to things concerning God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. ​
2
He can deal gently with the ignorant and with those who go astray, since he too is subject to weakness. ​
3
Also, because of this weakness, he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as those of the people. ​
4
And no one takes this honor upon himself, rather, he is called by God, just as Aharon was. ​

Christ's Appointment as High Priest

5
So neither did the Messiah glorify himself to become cohen gadol; rather, it was the One who said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” ​
6
Also, as he says in another place, “You are a cohen forever, to be compared with Malki-Tzedek.” ​
7
During Yeshua’s life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions, crying aloud and shedding tears, to the One who had the power to deliver him from death; and he was heard because of his godliness. ​
8
Even though he was the Son, he learned obedience through his sufferings. ​
9
And after he had been brought to the goal, he became the source of eternal deliverance to all who obey him, ​
10
since he had been proclaimed by God as a cohen gadol to be compared with Malki-Tzedek. ​

Warning Against Spiritual Immaturity

11
We have much to say about this subject, but it is hard to explain, because you have become sluggish in understanding. ​
12
For although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the very first principles of God’s Word all over again! You need milk, not solid food! ​
13
Anyone who has to drink milk is still a baby, without experience in applying the Word about righteousness. ​
14
But solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties have been trained by continuous exercise to distinguish good from evil. ​

Study Notes for Hebrews 5

Verse 1

This verse defines the essential duties of the high priest: mediation between God and humanity, and the offering of sacrifices for sin. The high priest must be human ('taken from among men') to represent people effectively.

Verse 2

A primary qualification for the priest was compassion. He must be able to sympathize with those who err because he himself is limited by human weakness ('compassed with infirmity').

Verse 3

The human priest’s own imperfection meant that he had to offer sacrifices for his own sins before he could mediate for the people (Lev. 9:7). This vulnerability contrasts sharply with the perfection of Christ.

Verse 4

The priesthood is not a self-appointed office but an honor that requires divine legitimation. The example of Aaron ensures that the authority is based solely on God’s sovereign call.

Verse 5

Like Aaron, Christ did not glorify himself; His priesthood is established by the Father’s decree, referencing Psalm 2:7, emphasizing Christ’s divine Sonship as the basis for His authority.

Verse 6

This verse introduces the crucial theological link of Psalm 110:4. Jesus’ priesthood is not Levitical (Aaronic) but belongs to the superior and eternal 'order of Melchisedec,' a key theme developed further in chapter 7.

Verse 7

The description of Christ’s fervent prayer in His earthly life parallels the agony described in Gethsemane (Luke 22:44). This act demonstrates that Christ fully experienced human weakness and thus meets the requirement of compassionate empathy (v. 2).

Verse 8

Though perfectly divine, Christ voluntarily underwent suffering, which served as the means by which He 'learned obedience.' This qualification process perfected His ability to fulfill His high priestly role.

Verse 9

Being 'made perfect' (teleios) refers not to moral improvement, but to the completion of His redemptive mission. Having perfectly obeyed and suffered, Christ is fully qualified as the 'author' (source) of eternal salvation.

Verse 10

This verse concludes the argument begun in v. 5, confirming Jesus’ divine designation as High Priest under the superior, non-Levitical order of Melchizedek.

Verse 11

The author abruptly pauses the discussion on Melchizedek (a complex theological topic) because the readers are struggling with spiritual inertia, having become 'dull of hearing' or sluggish in their understanding.

Verse 12

This is a severe rebuke. The readers, based on the time elapsed since their conversion, should have progressed to the point of teaching others, but instead, they require re-instruction on the 'first principles' (stoicheia) of the faith.

Verse 13

'Milk' represents the basic, foundational teachings of the Gospel. Those who rely solely on milk are considered 'babes' because they are unskilled in applying the deeper truths ('word of righteousness').

Verse 14

'Strong meat' symbolizes mature doctrine and complex theological truths (like the Melchizedekian priesthood). Maturity comes through consistent spiritual practice ('reason of use'), which trains believers to discern good from evil.

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