Hebrews – Chapter 5

New Testament14 Verses

Chapter Summary

"For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in the things that appertain to God, that he may offer up gifts and…" — so begins Hebrews 5. The chapter centers on Melchizedek and Aaron. Across its 14 verses, two threads run through the text: prayer and worship and praise. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in the things that appertain to God, that he may offer up gifts and sacrifices for sins:

2Who can have compassion on them that are ignorant and that err: because he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

3And therefore he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.

4Neither doth any man take the honour to himself, but he that is called by God, as Aaron was.

5So Christ also did not glorify himself, that he might be made a high priest: but he that said unto him: Thou art my Son: this day have I begotten thee.

6As he saith also in another place: Thou art a priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech.

7Who in the days of his flesh, with a strong cry and tears, offering up prayers and supplications to him that was able to save him from death, was heard for his reverence.

8And whereas indeed he was the Son of God, he learned obedience by the things which he suffered.

9And being consummated, he became, to all that obey him, the cause of eternal salvation:

10Called by God a high priest, according to the order of Melchisedech.

11Of whom we have much to say and hard to be intelligibly uttered: because you are become weak to hear.

12For whereas for the time you ought to be masters, you have need to be taught again what are the first elements of the words of God: and you are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat.

13For every one that is a partaker of milk is unskilful in the word of justice: for he is a little child.

14But strong meat is for the perfect: for them who by custom have their senses exercised to the discerning of good and evil.

Important Verses in Hebrews 5

For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in the things that appertain to God, that he may offer up gifts and sacrifices for sins:

Hebrews 5:1

Neither doth any man take the honour to himself, but he that is called by God, as Aaron was.

Hebrews 5:4

And being consummated, he became, to all that obey him, the cause of eternal salvation:

Hebrews 5:9

For whereas for the time you ought to be masters, you have need to be taught again what are the first elements of the words of God: and you are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat.

Hebrews 5:12

Historical Context

Hebrews belongs to the New Testament and was composed for jewish Christians wavering under pressure, urged to hold fast to Christ. Chapter 5 of 13 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 14 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Melchizedek and Aaron appear at the center of the events recorded here. The passage starts with these words: "For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in the things that appertain to God, that he may offer…" The chapter ends with: "But strong meat is for the perfect: for them who by custom have their senses exercised to the discerning of good and…" The wider setting of Hebrews is this: Written to Jewish Christians tempted to drift back to the synagogue, Hebrews argues that Christ is superior to angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood: He is the eternal High Priest who offered Himself once for all. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Hebrews around Before AD 70, while Temple sacrifices still continued.

Who Wrote It

Unknown; the Church receives it as apostolic. Ancient suggestions include Paul, Barnabas, and Apollos

When It Was Written

Before AD 70, while Temple sacrifices still continued

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, this chapter addresses specific questions facing early Christian communities. A pivotal line is verse 1: "For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in the things that appertain to God, that he may offer up gifts and sacrifices for sins:" The passage repeatedly touches on prayer and petition to God.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of Christ's superior priesthood and sacrifice. Hebrews grounds Catholic teaching on Christ's priesthood (CIC 1544-1545). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1265).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • God's presence casts out fear; His command 'Be not afraid' echoes throughout salvation history.

People in This Chapter

Melchizedek2 mentionsAaron1 mention

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims Hebrews Chapter 5 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in Hebrews Chapter 5. At the moral level, repentance and the mercy of God challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 1988).

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of repentance and the mercy of God bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hebrews Chapter 5 about?

Hebrews 5 contains 14 verses. It opens with "For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in the things that appertain to God, that he may offer…" and closes with "But strong meat is for the perfect: for them who by custom have their senses exercised to the discerning of good and…". The book as a whole is theological homily.

What is a key verse in Hebrews 5?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in the things that appertain to God, that he may offer up gifts and sacrifices for sins:" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Hebrews Chapter 5?

This chapter mentions Melchizedek, Aaron.

Who wrote Hebrews and when?

Unknown; the Church receives it as apostolic. Ancient suggestions include Paul, Barnabas, and Apollos. Before AD 70, while Temple sacrifices still continued.

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