Hebrews 5:1

High priest. The essential qualifications of the office of high priesthood are here set forth (vs. 1-4) to show that Christ possessed these qualifications (vs. 5-10).

Taken from among men. This phrase qualifies the term “high priest.” The author is here discussing human high priests. Later (vs. 5-10) he will discuss Christ as high priest.

Ordained. Gr. kathisetemi, “to appoint,” “to put in charge.” The appointment is by God (see v. 4).

For men. Or, “in behalf of men.” The service of the high priests was in behalf of men, as mediators between them and God.

Things pertaining to God. See on eh. 2:17.

May offer. This was doubtless the most significant function of the high priestly office.

Gifts. Gr. dora, in the LXX denoting specifically the “meat offerings” (Heb. minchoth, sing, minchah, see on Lev. 2:1), though in Gen. 4:4 the word is used of the offering of Abel.

Sacrifices. Gr. thusiai in the LXX generally denoting blood sacrifices, though not without exception. In Gen. 4:5 thusiai is used of the bloodless offering of Cain. It is doubtful that any distinction should be sought between dora and thusiai. The two terms are probably used together as a generic phrase denoting the whole round of offerings and sacrifices involved in the Jewish ceremonial system.

For sins. The gifts and sacrifices had to do with the sins of the people. The ceremonial system was designed to teach men God’s abhorrence of sin and His plan for dealing with it.