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◄ Hebrews 5:4►

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

New Living Translation
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.

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

Berean Standard Bible
No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.

Berean Literal Bible
And no one takes upon himself the honor, but rather being called by God, just as Aaron also.

King James Bible
And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, aswas Aaron.

New King James Version
And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaronwas.

New American Standard Bible
And no one takes the honor for himself, butreceives it when he is called by God, just as Aaron also was.

NASB 1995
And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was.

NASB 1977
And no one takes the honor to himself, butreceives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was.

Legacy Standard Bible
And no one takes this honor to himself, butreceives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was.

Amplified Bible
And besides, one does not appropriate for himself the honor [of being high priest], but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was.

Christian Standard Bible
No one takes this honor on himself; instead, a person is called by God, just as Aaron was.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
No one takes this honor on himself; instead, a person is called by God, just as Aaron was.

American Standard Version
And no man taketh the honor unto himself, but when he is called of God, even as was Aaron.

Contemporary English Version
But no one can have the honor of being a high priest simply by wanting to be one. Only God can choose a priest, and God is the one who chose Aaron.

English Revised Version
And no man taketh the honour unto himself, but when he is called of God, even as was Aaron.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
No one takes this honor for himself. Instead, God calls him as he called Aaron.

Good News Translation
No one chooses for himself the honor of being a high priest. It is only by God's call that a man is made a high priest--just as Aaron was.

International Standard Version
No one takes this honor upon himself but he is called to it by God, just as Aaron was.

NET Bible
And no one assumes this honor on his own initiative, but only when called to it by God, as in fact Aaron was.

New Heart English Bible
Nobody takes this honor on himself, but he is called by God, just like Aaron was.

Webster's Bible Translation
And no man taketh this honor to himself, but he that is called by God, as was Aaron:

Weymouth New Testament
And no one takes this honourable office upon himself, but only accepts it when called to it by God, as Aaron was.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.

World English Bible
Nobody takes this honor on himself, but he is called by God, just like Aaron was.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and no one takes the honor to himself, but he who is called by God, as also Aaron.

Berean Literal Bible
And no one takes upon himself the honor, but rather being called by God, just as Aaron also.

Young's Literal Translation
and no one to himself doth take the honour, but he who is called by God, as also Aaron:

Smith's Literal Translation
And not any takes this honour to himself; but the called of God, as also Aaron.

Catholic Translations

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

Catholic Public Domain Version
Neither does anyone take up this honor himself, but rather he who is called by God, just as Aaron was.

New American Bible
No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

New Revised Standard Version
And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And no man takes this honor unto himself, but only he who is called of God as was Aar’on.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And it was not for himself that a man took the honor, but he who was called by God, just as Aaron.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And no one takes this honor to himself, but he that is called by God, as Aaron also was called.

Godbey New Testament
And no one takes this honor to himself, but the one called of God, as indeed Aaron was.

Haweis New Testament
And no man assumes to himself this honour, but he who is called of God, even as Aaron was.

Mace New Testament
to himself the honour of the priesthood: he must be called thereto by God, as Aaron was.

Weymouth New Testament
And no one takes this honourable office upon himself, but only accepts it when called to it by God, as Aaron was.

Worrell New Testament
And no one takes the honor to himself, but, when called by God, as was also Aaron.

Worsley New Testament
And no one taketh this honor to himself, but he that is called by God, as Aaronwas.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Perfect High Priest
…3That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.4 No one takes this honor upon himself;he must be called by God,just as Aaron was.5So also Christ did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest, but He was called by the One who said to Him: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.”…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Exodus 28:1
“Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests.

Numbers 16:40
just as the LORD commanded him through Moses. This was to be a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers.

Numbers 18:7
But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.”

1 Samuel 13:8-14
And Saul waited seven days for the time appointed by Samuel, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the troops began to desert Saul. / So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings.” And he offered up the burnt offering. / Just as he finished offering the burnt offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him. ...

1 Kings 12:31
Jeroboam also built shrines on the high places and appointed from every class of people priests who were not Levites.

1 Chronicles 23:13
The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever.

2 Chronicles 26:18
They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.”

Psalm 110:4
The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Jeremiah 23:21
I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied.

John 3:27
John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.

John 15:16
You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.

Acts 13:2
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Acts 22:21
Then He said to me, ‘Go! I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”

Romans 10:15
And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Treasury of Scripture

And no man takes this honor to himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

Exodus 28:1
And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office,even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.

Leviticus 8:2
Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread;

Numbers 3:3
Theseare the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office.

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Hebrews 5

1.The honor of our Savior's priesthood.
11.Negligence in the knowledge thereof is reproved.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

No one takes this honor upon himself;
This phrase emphasizes the divine calling and appointment necessary for the priesthood. In the context of the Old Testament, the priesthood was not a position one could assume by personal ambition or self-appointment. The role of a priest was a sacred duty, requiring a divine mandate. This principle underscores the importance of humility and submission to God's will, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Moses and David, who were chosen by God for their roles.

he must be called by God,
The calling by God is a central theme in the Bible, highlighting God's sovereignty in choosing individuals for specific purposes. This divine calling is evident in the lives of prophets, kings, and apostles. For example, Jeremiah was called by God before he was born (Jeremiah 1:5), and the Apostle Paul was chosen to be an apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). This calling is not based on human merit but on God's purpose and grace.

just as Aaron was.
Aaron's appointment as the first high priest of Israel is a foundational example of divine calling. InExodus 28:1, God specifically chose Aaron and his sons to serve as priests. This established a hereditary priesthood among the Levites, setting a precedent for the priestly office. Aaron's role as high priest also serves as a type of Christ, who is our ultimate High Priest, appointed by God to mediate between God and humanity (Hebrews 4:14-16). Aaron's priesthood foreshadows the perfect and eternal priesthood of Jesus, who was also called by God, as seen inHebrews 5:5-6.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He was divinely appointed by God to serve in this role, establishing a precedent for the priesthood.

2.High Priest
A significant religious leader in Israel, responsible for performing sacrifices and entering the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement. The role was not self-assumed but divinely appointed.

3.God's Calling
The divine selection and appointment of individuals for specific roles and responsibilities, emphasizing God's sovereignty and purpose.

Teaching Points

Divine Appointment
God is the one who calls and appoints individuals to specific roles. This underscores the importance of seeking God's will and confirmation in our callings.

Humility in Service
Just as Aaron did not assume his role but was called by God, we should approach our service with humility, recognizing that it is God who equips and appoints.

Respect for God-Ordained Leadership
Understanding that leadership roles within the church and community are divinely appointed encourages respect and support for those in such positions.

Discernment in Calling
Believers should seek discernment and confirmation of their calling through prayer, scripture, and the counsel of mature Christians.

Faithfulness in Our Calling
Once called, we are to be faithful and diligent in fulfilling our responsibilities, trusting in God's guidance and provision.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Hebrews 5:4?

2.How does Hebrews 5:4 emphasize God's role in appointing spiritual leaders today?

3.What qualities should we seek in leaders, based on Hebrews 5:4?

4.How does Hebrews 5:4 connect with God's calling of Aaron in Exodus 28:1?

5.How can we discern God's calling in our own lives, per Hebrews 5:4?

6.In what ways can we support those called by God, as seen in Hebrews 5:4?

7.How does Hebrews 5:4 define the divine calling of a priest?

8.Why is divine appointment crucial for priesthood according to Hebrews 5:4?

9.What does Hebrews 5:4 imply about self-appointed religious leaders?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 5?

11.What guidance does the Bible offer on mourning?

12.How do Daniel and Belteshazzar differ?

13.Why does Hebrews 5 present a priestly order that seems to conflict with other biblical texts focusing on the Levitical priesthood as the sole legitimate system?

14.Why should the covenant through Moses be replaced if Hebrews 3:3-6 claims Jesus is greater, without historical or archeological proof of Jesus' authority then?

What Does Hebrews 5:4 Mean

No one takes this honor upon himself

• “Honor” refers to the high priesthood (Hebrews 5:1), a sacred office with unique access to God.

• Scripture consistently warns against self-appointment to spiritual authority:

– Korah’s rebellion ended in judgment when he tried to seize priestly privilege (Numbers 16:1-35).

– King Saul forfeited his kingdom by usurping priestly duties (1 Samuel 13:8-14).

– Uzziah became leprous for illegally burning incense (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).

• God alone confers ministry gifts (John 3:27;James 3:1), keeping His house orderly and protected from pride.

he must be called by God

• Divine calling, not human ambition, legitimizes leadership.Exodus 28:1 records the Lord saying, “Bring near to you your brother Aaron… that he may minister as priest to Me”.

• The pattern continues throughout Scripture:

– Prophets (Jeremiah 1:4-5), apostles (Mark 3:13-14), and missionaries (Acts 13:2) all receive explicit summons from God.

– Jesus Himself waited for the Father’s commissioning: “Christ did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest” (Hebrews 5:5).

• For believers today:

– Every Christian is part of “a holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5), yet specific offices—pastor, elder, teacher—still require unmistakable divine direction (1 Timothy 3:1-7;Titus 1:5-9).

– Calling is affirmed by the Word, the Spirit, and the church, not by personal aspiration alone.

just as Aaron was

• Aaron serves as the historical model of a God-appointed high priest (Exodus 28:1;Leviticus 8:1-13).

• His lineage underscores that priesthood is established by covenant, not popularity.

• Aaron’s mediation pointed forward to Christ, the flawless High Priest in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:6-10).

• By invoking Aaron, Hebrews reminds readers that:

– God’s standards never change—He still chooses His servants.

– Attempting ministry without His call repeats the sin of Korah and invites discipline.

summary

Hebrews 5:4 teaches that the priesthood—and by extension all spiritual leadership—is an honor that originates with God alone. Self-promotion has no place in His kingdom; He personally calls, equips, and confirms those who will serve, just as He did with Aaron and supremely with Christ. Walking in that divine calling safeguards the church, glorifies the Lord, and keeps ministry rooted in humble obedience rather than human ambition.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(4)But he that is called.--The true reading requires,when he is called. "Not unto himself doth any man take the honour, but when . . ."

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 4. -And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but being called of God (the 5 of Textus Receptus beforeκαλούμενος ( "he that is called," as in A.V. - has very slight authority),even as was Aaron. This verse expresses the second essential of a high priest, Divine appointment, for assurance of the efficacy of his mediation. Of course Aaron's successors derived their Divine commission from his original one (cf.Numbers 21:26;Numbers 26:10-14).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

No
οὐχ(ouch)
Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

one
τις(tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100:Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

takes
λαμβάνει(lambanei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2983:(a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

[this]
τὴν(tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

honor
τιμήν(timēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5092:A price, honor. From tino; a value, i.e. Money paid, or valuables; by analogy, esteem, or the dignity itself.

upon himself;
ἑαυτῷ(heautō)
Reflexive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1438:Himself, herself, itself.

he must be called
καλούμενος(kaloumenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2564:(a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.

by
ὑπὸ(hypo)
Preposition
Strong's 5259:A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).

God,
Θεοῦ(Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

just as
καθώσπερ(kathōsper)
Adverb
Strong's 2531:According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.

Aaron
Ἀαρών(Aarōn)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2:Aaron, son of Amram and Jochebed, brother of Moses. Of Hebrew origin; Aaron, the brother of Moses.

[was].
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.

Links

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NT Letters: Hebrews 5:4 Nobody takes this honor on himself (Heb. He. Hb)