Hebrews 5:1

1 For every cohen gadol taken from among men is appointed to act on people's behalf with regard to things concerning God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.

Hebrews 5:1 Meaning and Commentary

Hebrews 5:1

For every high priest taken from among men
Every one that was an high priest under the law was a man, and not an angel; and it was proper he should be so, that he might be a priest for men, have compassion on them, and offer for them; and he was among the number of common men, and was taken out from them, and chosen and separated from the rest of men, as Aaron and his sons were from the children of Israel, ( Exodus 28:1 ) . And such an one

is ordained for men;
in their room and stead, and for their good; and above them, as the word sometimes signifies; he was exalted unto, and invested with a superior office, to which he was ordained according to the law of a carnal commandment, by anointing with oil, and without an oath.

In things pertaining to God;
in things in which God had to do with men; and so he presided over them in the name of God, and declared the will of God unto them, and blessed them; and in things in which men had to do with God; and so he appeared in their name, and represented their persons, and presented their sacrifices to God, as follows:

that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins;
freewill offerings, peace offerings, burnt offerings, sin and trespass offerings, all kind of sacrifice.

Hebrews 5:1 In-Context

1 For every cohen gadol taken from among men is appointed to act on people's behalf with regard to things concerning God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and with those who go astray, since he too is subject to weakness.
3 Also, because of this weakness, he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as those of the people.
4 And no one takes this honor upon himself, rather, he is called by God, just as Aharon was.
5 So neither did the Messiah glorify himself to become cohen gadol; rather, it was the One who said to him, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father."
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.