Hebrews - Chapter 5

Hebrews 5.1 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 5.2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. Hebrews 5.3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. Hebrews 5.4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. Hebrews 5.5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. Hebrews 5.6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 5.7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Hebrews 5.8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; Hebrews 5.9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Hebrews 5.10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 5.11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. Hebrews 5.12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. Hebrews 5.13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. Hebrews 5.14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Hebrews : Chapter 5

The High Priesthood of Christ in Hebrews 5

Chapter 5 of the Epistle to the Hebrews delves deeper into the high priesthood of Christ. But how does Jesus fulfill and overcome this sacred role? This insightful text compares Christ's priesthood to that of Aaron, highlighting the divine origin of his calling and his perfect obedience, even through suffering.

The Figure of Melchizedek

The chapter also evokes Melchizedek and addresses essential themes such as Christ's compassion, his eternal salvation, and the need for spiritual maturity among believers. The author expresses his concern about the spiritual immaturity of his readers, calling them to grow in their faith.

Enlightening Bible Passages

We invite you to explore with us five biblical passages that shed light on the profound concepts of this revelatory chapter:

Psalm 2:7

"I will proclaim the decree of the Lord: He said to me, 'You are my son; today I have begotten you.'" This verse is quoted in Hebrews 5:5 to illustrate the divine appointment of Christ as high priest.

Genesis 14:18-20

"Then Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the Most High God, brought out bread and wine and blessed Abram, saying, 'Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, Maker of heaven and earth. And blessed be the Most High God, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.' And Abram gave him a tenth of everything." This passage is referenced in Hebrews 5:6, 10 to establish the priesthood of Christ in the order of Melchizedek.

John 17:1-5

"After saying this, Jesus looked up to heaven and prayed, 'Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, so that your Son may glorify you. [...] I have glorified you on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.'"This prayer of Jesus reflects the concept of Hebrews 5:7-8, according to which Christ offers prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears.

Philippians 2:8

"And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross!" This verse echoes the theme of Hebrews 5:8, where Christ learns obedience from what He suffered.

1 Corinthians 3:1-2

"Brothers, I cannot speak to you as to spiritual people, but as to carnal people, as to babes in Christ. I have given you milk, not solid food, because you were not able to receive it." Paul uses the same metaphor of "milk" and "solid food" that appears in Hebrews 5:12-14, emphasizing the importance of spiritual maturity.

This chapter of Hebrews invites us to reflect on our own journey of faith and to yearn for a greater understanding of the mysteries of our Lord, Jesus Christ.