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.
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Qualifications of the Earthly High Priest

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: ​
2
Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. ​
3
And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. ​
4
And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. ​

Christ's Appointment as High Priest

5
So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. ​
6
As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. ​
7
Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; ​
8
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; ​
9
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; ​
10
Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. ​

Warning Against Spiritual Immaturity

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Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. ​
12
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. ​
13
For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. ​
14
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and 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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