Hebrews 5:4
And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as [was] Aaron.
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}.
And no one takes this honor upon himself, rather, he is called by God, just as Aharon was.
No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.
And no man taketh the honor unto himself, but when he is called of God, even as was Aaron.
Cross-References
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Exodus 28:1 (8 votes)
¶ And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, [even] Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. -
Numbers 16:5 (6 votes)
And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who [are] his, and [who is] holy; and will cause [him] to come near unto him: even [him] whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him. -
Numbers 16:40 (6 votes)
[To be] a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which [is] not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses. -
2 Chronicles 26:18 (5 votes)
And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, [It appertaineth] not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither [shall it be] for thine honour from the LORD God. -
1 Chronicles 23:13 (5 votes)
The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever. -
John 3:27 (4 votes)
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. -
Numbers 16:35 (4 votes)
¶ And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.
Commentary
Context
Hebrews 5:4 is part of a larger section (Hebrews 5:1-10) where the author elaborates on the qualifications and nature of the high priesthood, ultimately drawing a comparison between the Old Testament Aaronic priesthood and the superior priesthood of Jesus Christ. This verse specifically addresses the requirement for a priest to be divinely appointed rather than self-appointed. It underscores the sanctity and authority inherent in the priestly office, which was not a position one could simply claim for personal ambition or gain, but one bestowed by God's sovereign choice.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "taketh this honour unto himself" translates the Greek word lambanei (to take, receive) and timēn (honor, dignity, office). The emphasis is on the idea that this sacred office cannot be seized or assumed by personal desire. The term "called" comes from the Greek kaleō, which signifies a divine summons or invitation, emphasizing that the initiative is God's, not man's. This divine calling is what confers true legitimacy and authority.
Related Scriptures
This verse sets the stage for the author to explain how Christ Himself did not glorify Himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by God, just as Aaron was. This establishes Jesus' legitimacy and superiority as the ultimate High Priest, not through self-proclamation but through divine decree.
Practical Application
While directly addressing the priesthood, the principle of Hebrews 5:4 has broad implications for all forms of spiritual leadership and service today. It serves as a reminder that:
Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.