Hebrews 5:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

NIV: And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.

NASB: And no one takes the honor for himself, but receives it when he is called by God, just as Aaron also was.

CSB: No one takes this honor on himself; instead, a person is called by God, just as Aaron was.

NLT: And no one can become a high priest simply because he wants such an honor. He must be called by God for this work, just as Aaron was.

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

NKJV: And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was.

These verses are meant to make a particular point about Jesus, using the example of a human high priest. True priests are not those who simply decide, for themselves, to take on that title. A priest serves as a mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5). No man can insert himself into that role—he must be appointed by God.

The writer of Hebrews often looks back to the Old Testament for examples and evidence. In this case, the example is that of Israel's first high priest, Aaron (Exodus 28:1). His appointment to the priesthood was exactly that: a selection by God, not an act of ambition. As it applies to the argument being made here in Hebrews, the ultimate High Priest of all men must be a man (Hebrews 2:17), appointed specifically by God to that role. The frequent use of Old Testament quotations is meant to show how God has specifically chosen Jesus Christ as the one meant to fulfill this function. Upcoming verses will highlight this decision as one made by God the Father, and applied particularly to Jesus.

Hebrews 5:1–10 explains how Jesus fits the requirements of a high priest. Earlier verses showed that the Messiah promised by the Old Testament would be entirely human (Hebrews 2:17). That humanity allows Christ to sympathize with our temptations and weaknesses. Here, the writer of Hebrews points out that this also makes Jesus qualified to be our ultimate High Priest. Because of His humanity, His prayers, His sacrifice for sin, and His appointment by God, Jesus' status is far superior to any other figure.

Hebrews chapter 5 completes the previous commentary about Jesus' humanity. His human existence qualifies Him to understand other men and to offer sacrifice to God on our behalf. Jesus also fulfills the roles of both high priest and king, which the author demonstrates by returning to the Old Testament. The figure of Melchizedek is used to illustrate this point: that Christ, unlike any before, was able to be both the kingly Son of David and the High Priest for all people. The deeper meaning of this example, however, may well be lost on the letter's audience, since they are languishing in spiritual immaturity.

The book of Hebrews shows how Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God's purpose for mankind. For the sake of Jewish Christians, in particular, the author explains that Christ is superior to all other figures, and His covenant is superior to all other relationships. Chapter 5 continues the point made in chapter 4, that Christ's humanity makes Him a uniquely qualified High Priest. This passage bridges that idea into the writer's next warning: spiritual immaturity. This call to avoid apathy will run through all of chapter 6, before the writer returns to Jesus' priesthood in chapter 7.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.

Accessed 5/4/2024 3:45:10 AM