The Qualifications of the High Priest: Hebrews 5:1-4 and the Glory of Christ Our Great High Priest

The book of Hebrews is one of the richest treasures in all of God’s Word. It unveils the absolute supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King of the new and better covenant. In chapters 4 and 5 the Holy Spirit presents our Savior as the Great High Priest who perfectly meets every need of His people. To fully appreciate the glory of Christ’s priesthood, we must first understand the qualifications and limitations of the Old Testament high priests. These men were living shadows, divinely appointed pictures that pointed forward to the substance—the sinless, eternal, and all-sufficient High Priest, Jesus Christ.

As conservative Christians who hold without apology to the verbal, plenary inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture, we approach Hebrews 5:1-4 with reverence and expectation. Every word is God-breathed and profitable. Let us examine this passage carefully, verse by verse, and see how it exalts our Lord and instructs us in faith and practice.

Verse 1 – Taken from Among Men and Ordained for Men

> “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 5:1, KJV)

The high priest did not descend from heaven as an angel or some exalted being. He was “taken from among men.” He shared our humanity. He knew hunger, weariness, sorrow, and temptation. This was no accident; it was God’s wise design. A true mediator must be able to represent both sides. The high priest stood between a holy God and a sinful people, and because he was one of them, he could represent them.

He was “ordained for men in things pertaining to God.” The word “ordained” carries the idea of being appointed and set apart by divine authority. God Himself established the Levitical priesthood. It was never a human idea or a position gained by ambition. The high priest’s entire sphere of service was “things pertaining to God”—worship, intercession, and especially the handling of sin through sacrifice.

His God-given purpose was clear: “that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.” Under the Mosaic system there were many offerings. “Gifts” often referred to peace offerings and thank offerings that expressed fellowship and gratitude. “Sacrifices for sins” pointed especially to the sin offerings and trespass offerings in which the lifeblood of an innocent substitute was poured out. On the great Day of Atonement the high priest performed the most solemn work of all—entering the Most Holy Place with blood to make atonement for himself, his household, and the entire nation (Leviticus 16).

Yet for all its beauty and divine origin, this system was temporary and repetitive. It was a shadow, not the substance (Hebrews 10:1). The blood of bulls and goats could never take away sins permanently or perfect the conscience of the worshiper. It cried out for something greater.

 Verse 2 – Compassion Rooted in Shared Infirmity

> “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 5:2, KJV)

Here we see another essential qualification. The high priest must “have compassion.” The Greek word conveys the idea of dealing gently and moderately with others—holding emotions in balance rather than reacting with harshness or indifference. He was to show mercy to “the ignorant” (those who sinned unintentionally or through lack of knowledge) and to “them that are out of the way” (those who had strayed from God’s path through weakness or wandering).

Why this gentle spirit? “For that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.” The high priest was surrounded, clothed, and beset by human frailty—both physical weakness and moral failure. He knew what it was to sin, to feel guilt, and to need cleansing. This shared infirmity produced empathy instead of condemnation.

What a gracious arrangement! Yet even this beautiful quality finds its perfect expression in Christ. Though tempted in every point as we are, He remained without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities and deals with us gently, restoring the fallen with meekness (Galatians 6:1). The Old Testament high priest could sympathize; our Great High Priest can both sympathize *and* save completely.

 Verse 3 – The High Priest’s Own Need for Atonement

> “And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.” (Hebrews 5:3, KJV)

This verse reveals the fatal limitation of every human high priest. “By reason hereof”—because of his own infirmity and sin—he must offer sacrifice “as for the people, so also for himself.”

On the Day of Atonement, Aaron first slaughtered a bull for his own sins and the sins of his house before he could approach God on behalf of the people (Leviticus 16:6, 11). The mediator himself needed mediation. The one who sprinkled blood for others first required blood to be sprinkled for him. No matter how sincere or how carefully he followed the ritual, the high priest remained a sinner in need of atonement.

This is why the Levitical system could never bring final salvation. It was administered by sinful men offering imperfect, repeated sacrifices. The conscience was never perfectly cleansed (Hebrews 9:9; 10:1-4). The whole arrangement was designed by God to expose this very need and to prepare hearts for the coming of a sinless Priest who would offer one perfect sacrifice forever.

 Verse 4 – The Honor Comes Only from God

> “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.” (Hebrews 5:4, KJV)

This is a solemn and necessary warning. The high priesthood was never a position a man could seize by personal ambition, political maneuvering, family connections alone, or popular vote. “No man taketh this honour unto himself.” It was a divine calling and appointment.

God specifically called Aaron and his sons (Exodus 28:1). When Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebelled against that calling and sought the priesthood for themselves, God judged them with terrifying swiftness—the earth opened and swallowed them alive (Numbers 16). God will not share His glory with self-appointed leaders.

This principle carries straight into the New Testament church. The offices of pastor and elder are not to be taken by the proud, the power-hungry, or those seeking prestige or profit. God calls and equips men according to the clear qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Those who enter ministry without divine calling or biblical qualification bring reproach on the name of Christ and harm His flock.

 Christ: The Perfect and Final Fulfillment

As we meditate on these four verses, we see how they beautifully prepare us for the glories of Christ’s priesthood revealed in the rest of Hebrews.

- Jesus was “taken from among men” through the incarnation. He became one of us (Philippians 2:7-8; Hebrews 2:17).  

- He was called and ordained by God the Father, who declared, “Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee” and “Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec” (Hebrews 5:5-6).  

- He has compassion on the ignorant and wayward. He sympathizes with our weaknesses.  

- Yet unlike Aaron, He had no sin of His own. He needed no sacrifice for Himself. Instead, He offered *Himself*—the spotless Lamb of God—as the once-for-all, perfect sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29; Hebrews 9:12, 26; 10:10).  

- No man took this honor from Him. He laid down His life of His own accord and took it again in obedience to the Father (John 10:18).

The shadows have fled. The reality has come. We now have a High Priest who lives forever, who has passed through the heavens, and who ever lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25).

Practical Applications for the Conservative Christian Congregation

1. Rejoice in the Sufficiency of Christ Alone  

   We need no other mediator, no continuing human priesthood, and no additional sacrifices. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Any system that inserts human priests, saints, or rituals between the believer and God diminishes the finished work of our Great High Priest.

2. Draw Near with Boldness

   Because Jesus is our High Priest, we may “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Do not let guilt, fear, or a sense of unworthiness keep you from prayer and intimate fellowship with God.

3. Honor and Pray for God-Called Leaders  

   Support and pray earnestly for your pastor and elders. They are called by God to shepherd the flock with compassion and faithfulness, not to lord over God’s heritage (1 Peter 5:2-3). Encourage them. Follow their leadership as they follow Christ.

4. Live as a Royal Priesthood

   While we are not atoning priests, every believer is part of “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9). We offer spiritual sacrifices—the sacrifice of praise, doing good, and sharing with others (Hebrews 13:15-16). Present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto God (Romans 12:1).

5. Reject Self-Promotion in Spiritual Matters  

   Whether in formal ministry or personal witness, seek God’s calling and approval rather than man’s applause. Humility, not ambition, marks true service to Christ.

6. Proclaim the Gospel

   Many around us remain ignorant of their sin and the only way of salvation. Point them to the only High Priest who can truly save—Jesus Christ, who offered the perfect sacrifice and rose again in victory.

Conclusion

Beloved, as we close this study, let our hearts overflow with worship and gratitude. The Old Testament high priests were men of infirmity who offered repeated sacrifices that could never take away sins. But our Great High Priest lives forever. He has offered one sacrifice for sins forever and now sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 10:12).

To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father—to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen (Revelation 1:5-6).

May the Lord strengthen your faith, deepen your love for Christ, and equip you to walk worthy of your calling as you serve Him in these last days.

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DMMC 

7-5-26