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 5:1KJV
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Hebrews 5:1 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 5:1 mean?

Hebrews 5:1 explains that every high priest is chosen from among people and appointed to act on their behalf in matters related to God, especially to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. The verse highlights the role of the high priest as a representative who brings offerings to God for the sake of others.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing Jewish Christians, reminding them of the traditional role of the high priest in Israel’s religious life. The verse sets up the idea that a high priest must be human, able to relate to those he represents, and appointed for the purpose of dealing with sin through offerings. This background helps prepare the reader for later comparisons between Jesus and the Old Testament high priests.

The Greek behind Hebrews 5:1

  • ἀρχιερεύς (archiereus, "priest"): This word refers specifically to the high priest, the one who had the highest religious authority among the people. The verse emphasizes that this role is not self-chosen but comes with responsibility for others.
  • λαμβανόμενος (lambanomenos, "taken"): The Greek here carries the sense of being selected or taken from among ordinary people, stressing the priest’s shared humanity with those he serves.
  • καθίσταται (kathistatai, "ordained"): This word means to be appointed or set in place for a specific purpose, highlighting that the priest’s role is by divine arrangement, not personal ambition.
  • προσφέρειν (prospherein, "offer"): The Greek verb here means to bring or present offerings, underlining the active role of the priest in mediating between people and God.

Why Hebrews 5:1 matters

  • Hebrews 5:1 clarifies that the high priest is not a distant or angelic figure but someone chosen from among regular people, which is important for understanding the priest’s ability to sympathize with human weakness.
  • The verse sets the stage for the argument that Jesus, too, fulfills the requirements of a true high priest, being both fully human and divinely appointed.
  • By focusing on the high priest’s duty to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins, the verse connects the Old Testament system to the work of Jesus, helping readers see continuity and fulfillment in the New Testament.

Where else these words appear

“gifts” Greek G1435 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Matthew 23:18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
  • Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

“ordained” Greek G2525 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
  • Luke 12:44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
  • Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

“sacrifices” Greek G2378 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
  • Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

“offer” Greek G4374 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Matthew 25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
  • Hebrews 8:3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.