The big picture
Hebrews 5 opens in verse 1 with “For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to…”, reaches its middle movement near verse 7 with “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with…”, and closes in verse 14 with “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use…” Repeated or prominent terms include priest, high, strong, both, meat. Together, those details trace this chapter’s own movement from its opening to its conclusion.
Scripture beside the summary
Hebrews · King James Version · 14Hebrews 5:1-7
1–7: For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things…
Hebrews 5:1–7 opens with “For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that…” and reaches “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Hebrews 5 develops its own movement around priest, high, strong, both, meat, with particular weight carried by priest, high, offer.
Context that brings the passage to life
“For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both…” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.
“Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed…” The line’s distinctive content terms include compassed, compassion, ignorant. Its relationship to verses 1 and 3 shows what work it does in this passage.
Hebrews 5:1-7
King James Version1For 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:
2Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
3And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.
4And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
5So 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.
6As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
7Who 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 5:8-14
8–14: Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he…
Hebrews 5:8–14 opens with “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;” and reaches “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Hebrews 5 develops its own movement around priest, high, strong, both, meat, with particular weight carried by meat, milk, need.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;” Naming Son and Though keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
“And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” The line’s distinctive content terms include author, became, eternal. Its relationship to verses 8 and 10 shows what work it does in this passage.
Hebrews 5:8-14
King James Version8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
10Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
11Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
12For 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.
13For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
14But 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.
Details worth noticing
The opening image
Hebrews 5:1 begins with “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:”
Where the chapter turns
Hebrews 5:14 forms a natural hinge: “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.”
The final note
Hebrews 5:14 leaves the reader with “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.”
A word trail through the chapter
The words priest, high, strong, both, meat, Melchisedec help reveal the chapter’s repeated concerns.
What does the repeated ending make readers feel?
Death becomes the chapter's persistent refrain, even as generation follows generation.
What two interruptions offer hope?
Enoch's walk with God and Lamech's hope attached to Noah.
KJV words made clear
- unto
- to
- thee
- you
- thou
- you
Text first
Where readers differ
The chapter summary begins with what the passage says and how its parts fit together. It does not assume one denomination has already settled every question. Where a conclusion depends on a tradition, literary theory, or historical reconstruction, that dependence is named openly.
The KJV text is presented first. Interpretive conclusions are labeled, and differences are introduced only when they help a reader understand why serious communities do not always reach the same answer.
Comparative interpretive notes for this chapter are in preparation. Until reviewed notes are ready, this page separates the KJV text from summary and application without claiming that serious readers agree on every question.