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Book of Hebrews - Chapter 5 - Verse 4

5:4
And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

Meaning

The verse "And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron." emphasizes the importance of being chosen and appointed by God for a specific task or duty. In the context of the Bible, Aaron was chosen by God to be the high priest of Israel, a significant and honorable position that carried great responsibility. This verse serves as a reminder that positions of honor and authority should not be sought after or seized by individuals for their own desires, but should be received through divine appointment. It highlights the idea that God's calling is essential in fulfilling His purposes and carrying out His plans. By following God's calling and accepting His appointment, individuals can fulfill their intended roles in His kingdom and serve faithfully in the tasks set before them. This verse encourages humility, obedience, and dependence on God's guidance in all areas of life.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of the verse "And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron" emphasizes the importance of divine calling and ordination in the context of leadership and ministry. The reference to Aaron in the verse serves as a reminder of the Old Testament priesthood, where individuals were specifically chosen by God to serve in sacred roles. This verse highlights the idea that the responsibility and authority to lead within the church or community should not be self-appointed, but rather should come as a result of a clear calling from God.

Furthermore, the phrase "this honour" implies a recognition of the weight and significance of the role being discussed. It suggests that serving in leadership positions within the church is a privilege that should not be taken lightly. By emphasizing the divine calling, the verse emphasizes the need for humility and submission to God's will in accepting positions of leadership.

From a word study perspective, the term "honour" in this verse carries the connotation of respect, dignity, and reverence. It underscores the idea that leadership should be viewed as a position of great importance and responsibility, requiring individuals to approach it with a sense of awe and humility. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the divine origin and significance of leadership roles within the church, highlighting the need for those in positions of authority to be called and empowered by God.

American Standard Version

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