Hebrews 5:4
And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἑαυτῷ
unto himself
G1438
ἑαυτῷ
unto himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
3 of 17
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τιμήν
this honour
G5092
τιμήν
this honour
Strong's:
G5092
Word #:
7 of 17
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καλούμενος
he that is called
G2564
καλούμενος
he that is called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
10 of 17
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
11 of 17
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
13 of 17
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Exodus 28:1And 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 16:40To 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.1 Chronicles 23:13The 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.2 Chronicles 26:18And 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.Numbers 16:5And 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.John 3:27John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.Numbers 16:35And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.
Historical Context
Aaron's appointment is recorded in Exodus 28:1. The Aaronic priesthood was hereditary and exclusive to one family line. False priests like Korah (Numbers 16) who presumed the office faced divine judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding ministry as divine calling rather than human achievement change your view of service?
- In what areas might you be tempted to presume roles God has not called you to fill?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The divine calling ('called of God') distinguishes legitimate priesthood from self-appointment. Aaron represents the OT pattern where God sovereignly chose priests from Levi's tribe. No one could presume to take this honor upon himself. This principle establishes that priestly ministry requires divine appointment, not human ambition or qualification, pointing to Christ's superior appointment.