King James Version

What Does Hebrews 5:4 Mean?

Hebrews 5:4 in the King James Version says “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 5:4 · KJV


Context

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.

4

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

5

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.

6

As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The divine calling ('called of God') distinguishes legitimate priesthood from self-appointment. Aaron represents the OT pattern where God sovereignly chose priests from Levi's tribe. No one could presume to take this honor upon himself. This principle establishes that priestly ministry requires divine appointment, not human ambition or qualification, pointing to Christ's superior appointment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Aaron's appointment is recorded in Exodus 28:1. The Aaronic priesthood was hereditary and exclusive to one family line. False priests like Korah (Numbers 16) who presumed the office faced divine judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding ministry as divine calling rather than human achievement change your view of service?
  2. In what areas might you be tempted to presume roles God has not called you to fill?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

And

G2532

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

οὐχ2 of 17

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἑαυτῷ3 of 17

unto himself

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

τις4 of 17

man

G5100

some or any person or object

λαμβάνει5 of 17

taketh

G2983

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

τὴν6 of 17
G3588

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

τιμήν7 of 17

this honour

G5092

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

ἀλλὰ8 of 17

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

9 of 17
G3588

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

καλούμενος10 of 17

he that is called

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

ὑπὸ11 of 17

of

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τοῦ12 of 17
G3588

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

θεοῦ13 of 17

God

G2316

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

καθάπερ14 of 17

as

G2509

exactly as

καὶ15 of 17

And

G2532

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

16 of 17
G3588

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

Ἀαρών17 of 17

was Aaron

G2

aaron, the brother of moses


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 5:4 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 5:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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