King James Version

What Does Hebrews 5:1 Mean?

Hebrews 5:1 in the King James Version says “For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

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:

2

Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. can: or, can reasonably bear with

3

And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. Why was it necessary for Christ to be fully human to serve as our High Priest?
  2. How does Christ's priesthood provide access to God that the Levitical priesthood could not?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Πᾶς1 of 21

every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

γὰρ2 of 21

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἀρχιερεὺς3 of 21

high priest

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

ἐξ4 of 21

from among

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἀνθρώπων5 of 21

men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

λαμβανόμενος6 of 21

taken

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

ὑπὲρ7 of 21

for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ἀνθρώπων8 of 21

men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

καθίσταται9 of 21

is ordained

G2525

to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy

τὰ10 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρὸς11 of 21

in things pertaining to

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν12 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεόν13 of 21

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἵνα14 of 21

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

προσφέρῃ15 of 21

he may offer

G4374

to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat

δῶρά16 of 21

gifts

G1435

a present; specially, a sacrifice

τε17 of 21

both

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

καὶ18 of 21

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

θυσίας19 of 21

sacrifices

G2378

sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)

ὑπὲρ20 of 21

for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ἁμαρτιῶν21 of 21

sins

G266

a sin (properly abstract)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 5:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 5:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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