Hebrews 5:1

For every high priest taken from among men Rather, "being taken," or "chosen as he is" (comp. Exodus 28:1). The writer now enters on his proof that in order to fit Him for the functions of a High Priest for men it was necessary that Christ should become Man. He has already called attention to the subject in a marked manner in Hebrews 2:7; Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 4:14-15.

is ordained for men "Is appointed on men's behalf."

in things pertaining to God Hebrews 2:17. It is his part to act as man's representative in the performance of the duties of worship and sacrifice.

both gifts and sacrifices We have the same phrase in Hebrews 8:3; Hebrews 9:9. In O. T. usage no distinction is maintained between "gifts" and "sacrifices," for in Genesis 4:4; Leviticus 1:2-3, "gifts" is used for animal sacrifices; and in Genesis 4:3; Genesis 4:5, "sacrifices" is used (as in Hebrews 11:4) for bloodless gifts. When, however, the words are used together the distinction between them is that which holds in classical Greek, where "sacrifices" is never used except to mean "slain beasts." The word "offer" is generally applied to expiatory sacrifices, and though "gifts" in the strict sense e.g. "freewill offerings" and "meat offerings" were not expiatory, yet the "gift" of incense offered by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement had some expiatory significance.

for sins To make atonement for sins (Hebrews 2:17).