Hebrews 5:1

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} every {G3956} high priest {G749} taken {G2983} from among {G1537} men {G444} is ordained {G2525} for {G5228} men {G444} in things pertaining to {G4314} God {G2316}, that {G2443} he may offer {G4374} both {G5037} gifts {G1435} and {G2532} sacrifices {G2378} for {G5228} sins {G266}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.

American Standard Version

For every high priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 5:1 introduces the foundational qualifications and duties of the Old Covenant high priest, serving as a crucial backdrop for the author's subsequent argument concerning the unparalleled superiority of Jesus Christ as the ultimate and eternal High Priest. This verse meticulously outlines that every high priest, chosen from humanity, is divinely appointed to represent people before God, primarily through the offering of gifts and sacrifices for the expiation of sins, thus establishing the essential mediatorial role within the Levitical system.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a pivotal transition in the book of Hebrews. Having just concluded a profound discussion on Christ's empathetic high priesthood in [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Christ Our Sympathetic High Priest"), the author now systematically lays out the characteristics of the Levitical high priesthood. This detailed description of the Old Covenant office is not merely an academic exercise but a strategic rhetorical move. By first establishing the familiar framework of the human high priest, the author prepares the readers to fully grasp the radical and superior nature of Christ's priesthood, which is introduced in [Hebrews 5:5-10](/hebrews/5-5-10 "Hebrews 5:5-10 - Christ's Appointment as High Priest") and further elaborated in subsequent chapters, particularly [Hebrews 7](/hebrews/7 "Hebrews 7 - Christ's Priesthood after the Order of Melchizedek"). This verse, therefore, functions as a comparative baseline, highlighting the commonalities (chosen from men, appointed for men, offering sacrifices) before revealing the profound differences and Christ's ultimate fulfillment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The high priest in ancient Israel held the most esteemed and sacred office within the Jewish religious system, particularly during the Second Temple period, which is the immediate cultural backdrop for the book of Hebrews. This office was hereditary, passed down through the lineage of Aaron, and its occupant served as the sole mediator between God and the nation of Israel. The high priest's duties were extensive, culminating in the annual Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), when he alone was permitted to enter the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people and himself. This system, with its elaborate rituals, animal sacrifices, and designated priestly class, was central to Jewish identity and worship. For the Jewish Christians addressed by the author of Hebrews, the Temple, its priesthood, and its sacrifices represented a deeply ingrained heritage, and the temptation to revert to these familiar forms of worship was a significant challenge, making the author's detailed comparison of priesthoods highly relevant and persuasive.

* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 5:1 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **representation and mediation**, establishing the high priest as the essential bridge between a holy God and sinful humanity. This verse highlights the necessity of an appointed intermediary "in things pertaining to God," setting the stage for Christ's perfect mediation. Secondly, the phrase "taken from among men" introduces the theme of **humanity and relatability** in the priestly office, emphasizing that the mediator must share in the human condition. This quality is crucial for the high priest's ability to sympathize with those he serves, a characteristic that the author later attributes supremely to Christ in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ's Empathy as High Priest"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **divine appointment and authorization**, noting that the high priest "is ordained." This highlights that legitimacy in ministry comes from God's sovereign choice, not human ambition, a point critical for understanding Christ's own divine appointment in [Hebrews 5:4-6](/hebrews/5-4-6 "Hebrews 5:4-6 - Christ's Divine Call"). Finally, the mention of "gifts and sacrifices for sins" introduces the central theme of **atonement through sacrifice**, revealing the temporary and repetitive nature of the Old Covenant system, which constantly pointed to the need for a more perfect, once-for-all sacrifice—the very sacrifice Christ offered, as elaborated in chapters like [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - The Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **high priest (Greek, _archiereús'_):** (G749) This term refers to the chief priest, the highest priestly office in Israel. The high priest served as the head of the Aaronic priesthood and held unique responsibilities, including officiating on the Day of Atonement and entering the Holy of Holies. The use of this specific title immediately invokes the established, revered, and central figure of Israelite worship, setting the stage for a direct comparison with Jesus.
* **ordained (Greek, _kathístēmi'_):** (G2525) This verb signifies "to appoint," "to establish," "to constitute." It conveys the idea of a formal, authoritative designation to a specific office or function, emphasizing that the high priest's role was not self-assumed but divinely sanctioned. This divine appointment is crucial for the legitimacy and efficacy of the high priest's mediatorial work.
* **sins (Greek, _hamartía'_):** (G266) This word denotes "sin" in its abstract sense, encompassing both individual acts of transgression and the inherent human condition of sinfulness. The high priest's primary duty was to address this fundamental problem of human sin before a holy God through prescribed sacrifices, highlighting the pervasive need for atonement under the Old Covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For every high priest taken from among men":** This opening clause establishes the essential humanity of the Old Covenant high priest. He is not a divine being or an angel, but a mortal man, sharing in the weaknesses, limitations, and temptations common to all humanity. This shared humanity is crucial for his ability to represent and sympathize with the people he serves.
* **"is ordained for men in things pertaining to God":** This phrase defines the high priest's divinely appointed role and the scope of his ministry. He is "ordained" (formally appointed by God) to serve "for men," acting on their behalf. His sphere of operation is "in things pertaining to God," meaning he deals with sacred matters directly related to humanity's relationship with the divine, such as worship, atonement, and access to God's presence.
* **"that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins":** This final clause specifies the primary function of the high priest: to present offerings to God. "Gifts" (dōra) could refer to various offerings, while "sacrifices for sins" (thysias peri hamartion) specifically points to the expiatory animal sacrifices required for the forgiveness or covering of transgressions. This highlights the core purpose of the Levitical system—to address the problem of sin through ritualistic atonement.

#### Literary Devices
The author employs several literary devices in [Hebrews 5:1](/hebrews/5-1 "Hebrews 5:1 - The Role of the High Priest"). **Definition** is prominent, as the verse provides a concise yet comprehensive description of the high priest's role, qualifications, and duties. This serves as a foundational **Exposition** for the subsequent argument. There is also an implicit **Contrast** being set up, as the limitations and characteristics of the human high priest described here will later be juxtaposed with the perfect and eternal nature of Jesus's priesthood. Furthermore, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, as the very need for a mediator and the offering of sacrifices for sins, though imperfect under the Old Covenant, points forward to the ultimate and complete mediation and sacrifice provided by Christ. The language also carries a **Legal or Institutional Tone**, reflecting the formal, divinely established nature of the Levitical priesthood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 5:1 provides the theological bedrock for understanding the necessity and nature of mediation between a holy God and sinful humanity. It reveals God's consistent provision for humanity's access to Him, even if imperfectly realized in the Old Covenant. The human high priest, by virtue of being "taken from among men" and "ordained for men in things pertaining to God," served as a living type, a shadow pointing to the ultimate reality of Christ's perfect priesthood. The repeated need for sacrifices for sins underscored the temporary and insufficient nature of the Old Covenant system, which could only cover, not fully remove, sin. This sets up the profound theological argument that a new and better covenant, with a superior High Priest and a perfect sacrifice, was required to achieve true and lasting reconciliation.

* [Leviticus 16:6-10](/leviticus/16-6-10 "Leviticus 16:6-10 - The Day of Atonement Ritual")
* [Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - The Necessity of Blood for Atonement")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 5:1, while describing an ancient office, profoundly impacts our understanding of salvation and our relationship with God today. It reminds us of the immense chasm that sin creates between humanity and a holy God, a gap so significant that it required a divinely appointed mediator. Reflecting on the Old Covenant high priest's duties—to offer sacrifices for sins and represent the people—deepens our appreciation for the radical and complete work of Jesus Christ. We no longer need a human intermediary, nor do we need repetitive animal sacrifices, because Christ, our perfect High Priest, has offered Himself once for all. This truth should fill us with immense gratitude and confidence. It means we have direct, unhindered access to God's presence through Christ's finished work, allowing us to approach the throne of grace with boldness, knowing we are fully represented and our sins are fully atoned for. This understanding should inspire a life of worship, trust, and joyful obedience, recognizing the unparalleled privilege we have in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the role of the Old Covenant high priest deepen your appreciation for Jesus's unique role as our High Priest?**
* **In what ways does the concept of a high priest "taken from among men" help you relate to Jesus's humanity and His ability to sympathize with your weaknesses?**
* **How does the "once-for-all" nature of Christ's sacrifice, contrasted with the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant, impact your daily walk of faith?**
* **Knowing that you have direct access to God through Christ, how does this empower your prayer life and your confidence in approaching Him?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary purpose of the high priest in the Old Testament?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the high priest in the Old Testament, as outlined in [Hebrews 5:1](/hebrews/5-1 "Hebrews 5:1 - The Role of the High Priest"), was to serve as a divinely appointed mediator between God and humanity. He was "taken from among men" to represent the people "in things pertaining to God," specifically to "offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins." This role was crucial for maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel, providing a means for atonement and access to God's presence through ritual and sacrifice.

**Why was it important that the high priest was "taken from among men"?**

Answer: It was crucial that the high priest was "taken from among men" because it ensured his relatability and capacity for empathy. Sharing in the human condition, including its weaknesses and temptations, allowed him to sympathize with the people he represented. This shared humanity made him a suitable mediator, able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, as further explained in [Hebrews 5:2](/hebrews/5-2 "Hebrews 5:2 - The High Priest's Empathy"). This characteristic also foreshadows Christ's own humanity, which enables Him to be a compassionate and understanding High Priest for us, as highlighted in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ's Empathy as High Priest").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 5:1, by meticulously detailing the qualifications and duties of the Old Covenant high priest, lays the essential groundwork for understanding the profound Christ-centered fulfillment found in Jesus. The human high priest, chosen from among men to mediate and offer sacrifices for sins, serves as a vivid **type** or **shadow** of the ultimate reality. Jesus fulfills this role perfectly, not as a mere successor, but as the quintessential High Priest "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 5:6](/hebrews/5-6 "Hebrews 5:6 - Christ's Priesthood after the Order of Melchizedek")). Unlike the Aaronic priests who were limited by their own sinfulness and mortality, Jesus was sinless ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ's Sinless Priesthood")) and appointed by God with an unchangeable priesthood ([Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Christ's Unchangeable Priesthood")). He did not offer animals, but Himself, as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for the sins of the world ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). Thus, the temporary, repetitive ministry of the Old Covenant high priest, with its constant need for "gifts and sacrifices for sins," finds its complete and eternal cessation in Christ's finished work, providing believers with direct, confident access to God's presence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 8:3

For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore [it is] of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.

Hebrews 10:11

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

Hebrews 11:4

¶ By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

Hebrews 7:27

Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

Hebrews 2:17

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Hebrews 9:9

Which [was] a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

Leviticus 9:7

And Moses said unto Aaron, Go unto the altar, and offer thy sin offering, and thy burnt offering, and make an atonement for thyself, and for the people: and offer the offering of the people, and make an atonement for them; as the LORD commanded.