Hebrews 5:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Hebrews 5:1
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:
Chapter Context
Hebrews 5 is a homiletical epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, love, wisdom. Written during before Jerusalem's destruction (c. 60-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Jewish Christians faced persecution pressure to return to Judaism's legal protections.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-14: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Hebrews and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Hebrews 5:1
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:
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Sacrifice: θυσία (Thusia) G2378 - Sacrifice, offering
Cross-References
- Sacrifice: Hebrews 8:3, 9:9, 11:4
- Sin: Hebrews 2:17, 7:27, 10:11, Leviticus 8:2, 9:7