Hebrews 5

1 Every [all, each one] high priest [chief spiritual leader, mediator between God and people] is appointed [chosen, ordained, set in place] from among men [human beings, people] to represent them [to stand in their place, to act on their behalf] in matters relating to God [concerning the divine, pertaining to the things of God], to offer [to bring to, to present] gifts [sacrifices, offerings] and sacrifices [atonements, offerings for sin] for sins [transgressions, disobedience, missing the mark]. word study 2 He is able [dynamically capable, having the power] to deal gently [with compassion, kindly] with those who are ignorant [lacking knowledge, unaware] and misguided [led astray, in error], since he himself [as a high priest] is beset [surrounded, encircled] by weakness [human frailty, infirmity]. word study 3 That is why [because of this infirmity] he is obligated [to owe, under obligation] to offer [to bring to, lead to] sacrifices [for sin, to atone] for his own sins [missing the mark, falling short], as well as [just as, in the same way] for the sins [transgressions, rebellions] of the people [a group, a nation]. word study 4 No one [nobody, not a single person] takes this [such a great] honor [esteem, dignity, or respect] upon himself; he must be called [invited, chosen] by God [the one true deity], just as [exactly like, in the same way] Aaron [the first high priest] was. word study 5 So also Christ [the Anointed One, Messiah] did not take upon Himself [of His own accord, without external prompting] the glory [honor, dignity, divine splendor] of becoming a high priest [chief spiritual leader, mediator between God and humanity], but He was called [appointed, designated] by the One [God, the Father] who said to Him: “You are My Son [beloved child, heir of God’s kingdom]; today [at this present moment, in the eternal now] I have become Your Father [eternal, heavenly Parent, source of all life].” word study 6 And in another [different, distinct] passage God [the Almighty, Creator] says: “You [as a priestly figure] are a priest [one who serves and mediates between God and man] forever [for all eternity, throughout the ages] in the order [rank, succession] of Melchizedek [king of righteousness].” word study 7 During the days [period of time, era] of Jesus’ earthly life [in the flesh, as a human], He offered up [presented, brought to] prayers [petitions, requests] and [both, also] petitions with [accompanied by, characterized by] loud cries [strong shouting, intense vocal expression] and [accompanied by] tears [weeping, emotional expression] to [directed towards, addressed to] the One [God, the Father] who [able, capable] could save [rescue, deliver] Him from [out of, away from] death [physical or spiritual separation from God], and [as a result, consequently] He was heard [listened to, responded to] because of [on account of, due to] His reverence [deep respect, godly fear, awe]. word study 8 Although [despite being] He was a Son [having God’s nature], He learned [through experience, came to understand] obedience [submission to God’s will, humble compliance] from what [the things which, the experiences] He suffered [endured, underwent pain]. word study 9 And having been made [completely qualified, perfected] perfect, He became the [giver, author, cause] source of eternal [lasting forever, age-during] salvation to all [every person, everyone] who obey [listen attentively, follow] Him word study 10 and was designated [called, named, addressed] by God [the supreme Deity, Creator] as high priest [chief priest, supreme spiritual leader] in the order [arrangement, sequence] of Melchizedek [king of Salem]. word study 11 We have much [many things] to say about this [concerning whom, regarding Jesus], but it is [hard to explain, hard of interpretation] hard to explain, because you are dull [slow] of hearing [have become weak to hear, understand things so slowly]. word study 12 Although by this time [due to the passage of time, as a result of the time that has elapsed] you ought to be [have become, should have been] teachers [instructors, spiritual guides], you need [have a necessity, require] someone to reteach [to teach again, instruct anew] you the basic [fundamental, elementary] principles [foundational truths, primary elements] of God’s [the Almighty’s, divine] word [message, revelation]. You need [require, have a necessity for] milk [elementary teaching], not [but rather, instead of] solid food [substantial spiritual nourishment, mature teaching]! word study 13 For everyone [all people, every individual] who lives on milk [nourishing drink, elementary teaching] is still an infant [child, immature], inexperienced [unacquainted, lacking knowledge] in the message [word, logos] of righteousness [living according to God’s will, being in right standing with God]. word study 14 But solid food [strong meat, nourishment for the mature] is for the mature [perfect, complete, fully grown], who by constant use [habit, practice, exercise] have trained [exercised, disciplined] their senses [faculties, abilities to discern] to distinguish [discern, judge] good [what is fair, beautiful, righteous] from evil [what is bad, harmful, wicked]. word study