What does Hebrews 5:5 mean?

So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. Hebrews 5:5

Explanation

Hebrews 5:5 discusses the appointment of Jesus Christ as a high priest and indicates that Christ did not glorify Himself for this role; rather, God appointed Him. The verse emphasizes that the honor of becoming a high priest is not something one can take upon oneself but a calling by God. The latter part of the verse refers to a declaration from God, thus validating Christ’s appointed position as high priest. “Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee” echoes the divine sonship of Jesus and underscores the legitimacy and divine approval of His role.

Historical Context

The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to early Jewish Christians, possibly before the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in AD 70. In this time period, the high priest held significant religious authority within the Jewish tradition, being the only one allowed to enter the Holy of Holies in the temple once a year on Yom Kippur to make atonement for the people’s sins. The author of Hebrews is drawing a parallel between the established Jewish priesthood and the priesthood of Christ, often using typology and references to the Old Testament to make theological points to a community familiar with the Judaic sacrificial system.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse is often interpreted as highlighting the supremacy of Christ’s priesthood over the Old Testament priesthood. It suggests a change or fulfillment in the priestly order, with Christ’s appointment being both divine and unique. Some denominations see this as a depiction of Christ’s fulfillment of the messianic prophecies, His divine sonship, and an affirmation of the Trinity. Other perspectives might focus on the humility of Christ where, although He is divine, He does not claim glory for Himself but is appointed by God the Father.

Practical Applications

For individuals today, Hebrews 5:5 might serve as an example of humility and the importance of recognizing the roles given by God. The verse can inspire believers to consider their own callings and to approach their roles with a sense of divine purpose rather than seeking self-glorification. It may also be seen as a call to obedience to God’s will and an encouragement to trust God’s authority and appointments in one’s life.

Cross-References

• Psalm 2:7: “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.”
• John 8:54: “Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:”
• Philippians 2:6-8: “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek of this verse include:

• “Glorified” (ἐδόξασεν, edoxasen): This term in Greek can mean to “hold in honor” or “clothe with splendor/luster.” It implies recognition or the attribution of status, which in this context, Christ did not claim for himself.
• “High priest” (ἀρχιερέας, archiereas): Used for Jewish high priests and also translates to the principal or chief priest. It denotes a position of religious authority.
• “Begotten” (γεγέννηκά, gegennēka): It suggests being born or brought forth. In theological discussions, it is often used to describe eternal generation within the relationship of God the Father and God the Son.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural and religious context of antiquity, figures assuming roles of significant religious authority often had their positions ratified by claims of divine appointment or birth. In contrast to other myths where demigods or heroes glorify themselves, this verse from Hebrews presents a figure, Christ, who receives His role not through self-assertion but through divine acknowledgment, standing in contrast to the self-aggrandizing tendencies seen in some mythologies.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly intersect with scientific perspectives but can provoke discussions on the nature of authority and the historical sociological structures of religion. It is a theological assertion rather than a statement on the natural world and would typically be outside the purview of scientific inquiry.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered their interpretations of Hebrews 5:5. Some suggest that the verse illustrates the superiority of Christ’s priesthood and the completeness of His sacrifice compared to the Levitical priesthood. Commentators like Matthew Henry have emphasized Christ’s obedience to the Father and His example of humility. Others, like John Calvin, have noted that this verse also demonstrates that roles of great significance, such as the high priesthood, are determined by God’s will rather than human ambition or lineage.