What does Hebrews 5:4 mean?

And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. Hebrews 5:4

Explanation

The verse Hebrews 5:4 highlights a principle of divine appointment concerning roles within spiritual service, particularly focusing on the office of the high priest in the context of Jewish tradition. The author of Hebrews states that nobody can take the honor of the high priesthood upon themselves; this position can only be occupied by someone called by God. This reflects the idea that sacred roles are not to be self-assumed but are a matter of divine calling. The latter part of the verse, “as was Aaron,” refers to the Old Testament account of Aaron, the brother of Moses, who was chosen by God to be the first high priest of the Israelites.

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to a predominantly Jewish audience who had accepted Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Their background in Jewish customs gave them familiarity with the Levitical priesthood and the role of the high priest. Historically, Aaron, the first high priest, was called by God during the time of the Exodus, and his descendants were set apart for the priestly office. The author of Hebrews uses the historical precedent of Aaron’s calling to underline the importance of a divine call for the role in the new Christian context.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives approach this verse through the lens of high priesthood under the New Covenant. Some Christian traditions may see it as a reference to Christ Himself, who is considered our High Priest called by God—a theme Hebrews develops in the subsequent verses (Hebrews 5:5-10). Other interpretations might apply this verse to the calling and ordination of church leaders in general, emphasizing the need for a sense of divine calling rather than self-appointment or mere institutional nomination.

Practical Applications

In a contemporary context, Hebrews 5:4 can be applied to underscore the importance of spiritual discernment in leadership within the church. It exhorts believers to seek God’s guidance when stepping into roles of spiritual responsibility rather than relying on personal ambition. It can also encourage those who feel a divine calling to trust in that calling and not to self-doubt when they lack self-appointment.

Cross-References

• Exodus 28:1: “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…”
• Numbers 16:5: “…even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him…”
• John 15:16: “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you…”
• Hebrews 5:10: “Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.”

Language Study

In the original Greek, the word for “honor” (τιμήν, timēn) conveys the idea of a valued office. The phrase “taketh this honour unto himself” (οὐχ ἑαυτὸν λαμβάνει, oukh heauton lambanei) implies that the office of high priest is not something to be grasped or seized based on personal merit or desire. The term “called” (καλούμενος, kaloumenos) used here indicates a divine invitation or appointment rather than a human decision.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, the priesthood was often a position inherited through family lineage or seized through power. The concept of a divine calling separating the Israelite priesthood from these practices was distinctive. Comparatively, in Egyptian religion, the pharaoh was seen as a god-king and the ultimate priest, where the position was gained through lineage and assumed divine appointment by birth.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse doesn’t have a direct relation to scientific understanding, as it primarily deals with the concept of spiritual calling and religious office. The interpretation of spiritual experiences and callings lies outside the scope of empirical scientific study but remains an area of interest in the psychological understanding of religious belief and experience.

Commentaries

Commentators on the Book of Hebrews, such as Matthew Henry and Adam Clarke, have linked this verse to the Christian understanding of Jesus Christ as the High Priest, called by God in the order of Melchizedek. They note the contrast between Aaron’s priesthood and Jesus’ priesthood, as Hebrews later develops. Other scholars, like F.F. Bruce, have highlighted the significance of the verse in the context of understanding early Christian perspectives on ordained ministry and church leadership.