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.

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

  • Divine Appointment: The central message is that spiritual authority, particularly in the priesthood, must originate from a divine call, not human initiative. This principle highlights God's sovereignty in choosing His servants.
  • Legitimacy of Ministry: The verse establishes that the authority and effectiveness of a priest's ministry are tied directly to his legitimate calling by God. Without this calling, the "honour" (Greek: timē, meaning dignity, value, or office) is invalid.
  • Humility in Service: By contrasting self-appointment with divine calling, the verse implicitly teaches humility. True service in God's kingdom is not about seeking personal glory but about responding to God's summons.
  • The Aaronic Priesthood as a Precedent: Aaron's specific appointment by God, as detailed in the Old Testament, serves as the foundational example for all subsequent legitimate priests. You can read about Aaron's divine calling in Exodus 28:1.

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:

  • Ministry is a Divine Trust: Any leadership or service in the church should stem from a genuine sense of God's calling, not from personal ambition, desire for status, or human election alone.
  • Humility is Essential: Those in positions of spiritual authority should continually remember that their role is a gift and a responsibility from God, not a personal achievement. This fosters humility and reliance on God's power.
  • Discernment of True Authority: This verse provides a criterion for evaluating spiritual leadership. True leaders are those who demonstrate a clear calling from God, evidenced by their character, gifting, and fruit, rather than those who merely assert authority.
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Cross-References

  • 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.