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

HEBREWS 5:4KJV
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Hebrews 5:4 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 5:4 mean?

Hebrews 5:4 says that no one can claim the honor of being a high priest for themselves; only those whom God calls, like Aaron in the Old Testament, can take on this role. This verse emphasizes that becoming a high priest is not a personal achievement or ambition, but a divine appointment.

The writer of Hebrews is explaining to Jewish Christians that the high priesthood is a special position that comes from God's direct choice, not from human effort or desire. By mentioning Aaron, the first high priest of Israel, the verse connects Jesus’ priesthood to the established tradition, showing that even in the past, only those called by God could serve in this way.

The Greek behind Hebrews 5:4

  • τίς (G5100, transliterated tis): This word means "anyone" or "someone." Its use here stresses that no individual, regardless of who they are, can take this honor for themselves.
  • λαμβάνω (G2983, transliterated lambanō): This word means "to take" or "to receive." The Greek here carries the sense of actively seizing or claiming something, highlighting that the priesthood is not something to be grasped at by personal ambition.
  • τιμή (G5092, transliterated timē): This word means "honor" or "value." The verse calls the high priesthood an "honor," underlining its dignity and the respect it commands, which comes from God’s appointment.
  • καλέω (G2564, transliterated kaleō): This word means "to call" or "to summon." The verse uses it to show that God is the one who selects and appoints the high priest, not people themselves.

Why Hebrews 5:4 matters

  • Hebrews 5:4 clears up the idea that spiritual leadership, especially the high priesthood, is not something anyone can claim just by wanting it or working for it; it is God’s choice alone.
  • The verse connects Jesus’ priesthood to the Old Testament pattern, showing that His role as high priest is legitimate because, like Aaron, He was appointed by God, not self-appointed.
  • This verse helps the reader understand the seriousness and sacredness of the priestly office, and why the author of Hebrews insists that Jesus’ priesthood is both unique and divinely authorized.

Where else these words appear

“Aaron” Greek G2 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 1:5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
  • Acts 7:40 Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
  • Hebrews 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood,(for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

“as” Greek G2509 · used in 13 verses

  • Romans 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
  • 2 Corinthians 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:

“honour” Greek G5092 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 27:6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
  • Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
  • Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

“called” Greek G2564 · used in 138 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
  • Romans 9:25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.