Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 5:1

"For every high priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:" — Hebrews 5:1 (ASV)

The author proposes to explore something of the nature of high priesthood and begins by showing that it has both a humanward and a Godward reference. It is of the essence of priesthood that the priest has community of nature with those he represents. But his work is “in matters related to God,” specifically in offering “gifts and sacrifices for sins.” The writer is summarizing the priestly function of offering.