Hebrews 5 4

Hebrews 5:4 kjv

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

Hebrews 5:4 nkjv

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

Hebrews 5:4 niv

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

Hebrews 5:4 esv

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

Hebrews 5:4 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.

Hebrews 5 verses

Hebrews 5 4 Meaning

Hebrews 5:4 asserts a fundamental principle of priesthood and divine ministry: no one can legitimately assume the honor of serving in a high priestly capacity unless they are explicitly called and appointed by God. This appointment is not a matter of self-will, ambition, or human decree, but solely divine initiation. The verse illustrates this principle by referencing Aaron, Israel's first high priest, whose ministry was directly ordained by God, not chosen by himself or others.

Hebrews 5 4 Context

Hebrews chapter 5 introduces the high priestly office and its necessary qualifications, leading to the demonstration that Jesus perfectly fulfills this role. Verses 1-3 describe a human high priest: chosen from among men, appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, dealing gently with the ignorant and wayward, and making offerings for both others' sins and his own due to his own weakness. Verse 4 then establishes the essential divine prerequisite: no one can self-appoint to this exalted position. It sets up the following verses (5:5-6), which declare that even Christ did not glorify Himself to become a high priest but was appointed by God according to the order of Melchizedek, fulfilling Psalm 110:4. The broader historical context includes the deeply revered Aaronic priesthood in Israel, emphasizing the divine origin of its authority, and contrasting it with the various religious practices of the Hellenistic world where priestly roles might be purchased or politically appointed.

Hebrews 5 4 Word analysis

• And no one: The phrase (καὶ οὐχ ἑαυτῷ - kai ouch heautō – lit. "and not for himself") emphasizes absolute exclusion of self-initiative. This prohibition highlights the sacred nature of the honor and the specific, divinely ordained channel for receiving it. It underscores humility as a prerequisite.
• takes this honor: The Greek word for "takes" (λαμβάνει - lambanei) signifies receiving or laying hold of. It's used actively to mean one takes something to oneself, implying acquisition. The "honor" (τιμήν - timēn) refers to the dignity, privilege, and respect associated with the high priestly office, which carries immense spiritual responsibility before God and man. This "honor" is not merely prestige but the profound right and ability to mediate for people with God through sacrifice.
• to himself: (ἑαυτῷ - heautō): Reinforces the preceding "no one takes." It is precisely the self-initiation, the self-selection, or the self-glorification that is strictly forbidden. This phrase excludes any form of human presumption.
• but only when called by God: The Greek phrase (εἰ μὴ καλούμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ - ei mē kaloumenos hypo tou Theou) translates to "unless called by God." The verb kaloumenos is a present passive participle, indicating an ongoing state of being called, not a singular past event. This means the divine calling is the sole legitimate means of entry into this high office. It underscores divine sovereignty in spiritual appointment.
• just as Aaron was: This reference grounds the principle in the historical, authoritative precedent of the Old Testament. Aaron's call (Ex 28:1; Lev 8) was undeniably direct and divine, established through Moses. This explicit example removes any ambiguity about the required source of authority.

Hebrews 5 4 Bonus section

The term "honor" in this verse, timē (τιμή), is multifaceted, encompassing value, dignity, and a privileged status that demands respect. In the context of the high priesthood, it represents the profound spiritual authority and responsibility granted by God to intercede, offer sacrifices, and represent the people before the divine. The polemical undertone is crucial. In the broader Roman Empire, various cults had priesthoods that could be bought, inherited, or even elected, often serving political or social functions. The author's insistence on divine calling for the high priest counters such contemporary understandings and firmly aligns true spiritual authority with God's direct, sovereign choice, setting the stage to show that Jesus' non-hereditary, non-self-proclaimed priesthood is superior precisely because it is purely by divine appointment. This also serves as a warning against spiritual arrogance or presuming a ministry apart from God's leading within the Christian context.

Hebrews 5 4 Commentary

Hebrews 5:4 lays down an indispensable requirement for high priestly ministry: divine appointment. The author draws a clear line between human ambition and divine authorization, declaring that the sacred office of the high priest is not a self-service position but a stewardship bestowed by God Himself. This principle of divine calling underscores God's sovereignty over spiritual authority and service. It rebukes any form of human presumption, self-promotion, or illegitimate claims to lead or mediate between God and humanity. The explicit reference to Aaron serves as an incontrovertible Old Testament illustration. Aaron did not wake up and decide to be Israel's high priest; he was divinely designated and consecrated for that role. This principle applies not only to the ancient priesthood but also foreshadows the priesthood of Christ, who, as the following verses explain, also received His appointment from God. Ultimately, it reminds us that true service in God's kingdom stems from His call and empowerment, not from personal will or ambition.