What does Hebrews 5:1 mean?

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: Hebrews 5:1

Explanation

Hebrews 5:1 suggests that every high priest is selected from among the people to act on their behalf concerning spiritual matters. These high priests are entrusted with the responsibility of presenting offerings and sacrifices to God as atonement for sins. The verse underscores the humanity of the high priest, emphasizing that they are not separate from the people but share in their weaknesses and are thus able to understand the people’s spiritual needs. On another level, this verse can also be seen as setting the stage for introducing Jesus Christ as the ultimate high priest who surpasses the capabilities and functions of human high priests.

Historical Context

Hebrews is a New Testament book that addresses Jewish Christians who might have been considering a return to Judaism due to persecution. During the time it was written, high priests played a crucial role in Jewish religious life, especially in the temple rituals and sacrifices. These priests mediated between God and Israel and were essential for maintaining the religious aspects of the Law of Moses. The historical context is important as it shapes the comprehension of the priesthood’s role and provides a contrast to the priesthood of Jesus Christ, a central theme in the Book of Hebrews.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse foreshadows the unique and supreme priesthood of Jesus Christ. Unlike ordinary human high priests who must offer sacrifices for their sins before interceding for the people, Christ is sinless and thus does not need to make atonement for Himself. Theologically, this verse points to the insufficiency of the old Levitical priesthood and the establishment of a new priesthood under Christ. This viewpoint may differ in Jewish theological interpretation, where the high priest remains a significant figure, but not as a precursor to any messianic fulfillment.

Practical Applications

The teachings of Hebrews 5:1 can inspire believers to recognize the human element in religious leadership. Leaders are chosen from among the people and should be empathetic and understanding toward those they lead. This verse can also encourage individuals to appreciate and respect the role of intermediaries who serve and guide them in spiritual matters, while ultimately looking to Christ as the perfect high priest and mediator.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 4:15: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
• Hebrews 7:27: “Who 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 9:11-12: “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us].”

Language Study

Key words in this verse merit further study in the original Greek language:

• “High Priest” (Archierus): Refers to the chief priest who has the highest rank and performs the most important rituals.
• “Ordained” (Kathistatai): Translates to being appointed or set in place.
• “Gifts” (Dora): Pointing to offerings that were not sacrifices for sin, such as thank offerings.
• “Sacrifices for sins” (Husia): Refers to offerings made specifically as atonement for sins.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions, such as those in Egypt or Mesopotamia, the concept of a high priest or intermediary was common. These priests often performed rituals and sacrifices to appease their gods, similar to the Jewish high priesthood. Unlike the Hebrew concept where the high priest is “taken from among men,” in some cultures, priests were seen as semi-divine or as possessing a unique status that detached them from ordinary people.

Scientific Perspectives

Generally, Hebrews 5:1 does not explicitly intersect with scientific understandings; it speaks to religious and theological concepts rather than empirical science. However, modern psychological studies on the roles of empathy and shared experience in leadership may indirectly relate to the idea of a high priest who shares in the humanity of their community and can thus lead effectively.

commentaries

Commentaries on Hebrews 5:1 provide various insights:

• Mathew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the compassion a high priest must have because they are “compassed with infirmity.”
• The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary notes the distinction between gifts and sacrifices, marking the various offerings brought before God.
• In the Expositor’s Greek Testament, it is acknowledged that the role of the high priest is essentially mediatory, and the human character of this role under the old covenant is key in understanding the superior mediatory role of Christ under the new covenant.