Hebrews 5:1
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:
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἀρχιερεὺς
high priest
G749
ἀρχιερεὺς
high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
3 of 21
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
ἐξ
from among
G1537
ἐξ
from among
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
λαμβανόμενος
taken
G2983
λαμβανόμενος
taken
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
6 of 21
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
7 of 21
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
καθίσταται
is ordained
G2525
καθίσταται
is ordained
Strong's:
G2525
Word #:
9 of 21
to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
in things pertaining to
G4314
πρὸς
in things pertaining to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
11 of 21
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεόν
God
G2316
θεόν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
13 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
προσφέρῃ
he may offer
G4374
προσφέρῃ
he may offer
Strong's:
G4374
Word #:
15 of 21
to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θυσίας
sacrifices
G2378
θυσίας
sacrifices
Strong's:
G2378
Word #:
19 of 21
sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Hebrews 8:3For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.Hebrews 10:11And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:Hebrews 7:27Who 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 9:9Which 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;Hebrews 11:4By 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 2:17Wherefore 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.Leviticus 9:7And 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.Leviticus 8:2Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread;
Historical Context
The Aaronic priesthood, established in Exodus, provided the framework for understanding Christ's priesthood. The author will show how Christ's priesthood is superior (order of Melchizedek, not Aaron) while fulfilling the same mediatorial function.
Questions for Reflection
- Why was it necessary for Christ to be fully human to serve as our High Priest?
- How does Christ's priesthood provide access to God that the Levitical priesthood could not?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The high priest's humanity ('taken from among men') is essential to his representative function. He is appointed 'for men in things pertaining to God' - a mediator between holy God and sinful people. His function is offering 'gifts and sacrifices for sins.' This establishes the pattern Christ fulfills as the perfect High Priest. Reformed theology emphasizes Christ's genuine humanity as necessary for His mediatorial work.