Hebrews 5:2

Hebrews 5:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is beset by weakness.

King James Version KJV

Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

American Standard Version ASV

who can bear gently with the ignorant and erring, for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity;

Bible in Basic English BBE

He is able to have feeling for those who have no knowledge and for those who are wandering from the true way, because he himself is feeble;

Free Bible Version FBV

The high priest understands how ignorant and deluded people feel because he also experiences the same kind of human weaknesses.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Which is able sufficiently to haue compassion on them that are ignorant, and that are out of the way, because that hee also is compassed with infirmitie,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

able to be gentle to those ignorant and going astray, since himself also is compassed with infirmity;

World English Bible WEB

The high priest can deal gently with those who are ignorant and going astray, because he himself is also surrounded with weakness.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Who can have compassion on them that are ignorant and that err: because he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

Translation for Translators T4T

The Supreme Priests could deal gently with those who ignorantly sinned, since the Supreme Priests themselves tended to sin easily.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Hebrews 5:2

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Word Study

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Hebrews 5:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK μετριοπαθειν δυναμενος τοις αγνοουσιν και πλανωμενοις επει και αυτος περικειται ασθενειαν

μετριοπαθειν metriopatheō G3356 be gentle Verb-PAN

δυναμενος dunamai G1410 be able Verb-PNP-NSM

τοις ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DPM

αγνοουσιν agnoeō G50 be ignorant Verb-PAP-DPM

και kai G2532 and Conj

πλανωμενοις planaō G4105 to lead astray Verb-PPP-DPM

επει epei G1893 since Conj

και kai G2532 and Conj

αυτος autos G846 it/s/he Pron-NSM

περικειται perikeimai G4029 to surround Verb-PNI-3S

ασθενειαν astheneia G769 weakness: weak Noun-ASF

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Hebrews 5:2

μετριοπαθειν metriopatheō G3356 "be gentle" Verb-PAN

To be gentle means to control one's emotions and treat others with kindness. In Hebrews 5:2, it describes having compassion for those who are struggling.

Definition: μετριοπαθέω, -ῶ (μετριοπαθής, moderating one's passions), to hold one's passions or emotions in restraint; hence, to bear gently with, feel gently towards: Heb.5:2.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: have compassion See also: Hebrews 5:2.

δυναμενος dunamai G1410 "be able" Verb-PNP-NSM

To be able or have power, as in Matthew 6:24 and Mark 2:7, meaning to have the capability or strength to do something.

Definition: δύναμαι, depon., [in LXX chiefly for יָכֹל ;] to be able, have power, whether by personal ability, permission, or opportunity: with inf. (M, Pr., 205; WM, §44, 3) pres., Mat.6:24, Mrk.2:7, Jhn.3:2, 1Co.10:21, al.; with inf. aor., Mat.3:9, Mrk.1:45, Jhn.3:3, 4 Rom.8:39, al.; with accusative, to be able to do something: Mrk.9:22, Luk.12:26; 2Co.13:8; absol., to be able, capable, powerful: 1Co.3:2 10:13. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 199 NT verses. KJV: be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power See also: 1 Corinthians 2:14; John 15:4; Hebrews 2:18.

τοις ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

αγνοουσιν agnoeō G50 "be ignorant" Verb-PAP-DPM

To be ignorant means lacking information or intelligence, as described in 1 Timothy 1:13 and Acts 13:27 and Romans 10:3.

Definition: ἀγνοέω, -ῶ (> ἁγνίζω), [in LXX for שָׁגָה, שָׁגַג, אָשַׁם, etc. ;] __1. to be ignorant, not to know: absol., Ι Ti 1:13, Heb.5:2; with accusative, Act.13:27 17:23, Rom.10:3, 2Co.2:11; ἐν οἷς, 2Pe.2:12; before ὅτι, Rom.2:4 6:3 7:1, 1Co.14:38; οὐ θέλω ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν, a Pauline phrase: with accusative, Rom.11:25; before ὑπέρ, 2Co.1:8; περί, 1Co.12:1, 1Th.4:13. ὅτι, Rom.1:13, 1Co.10:1 (for similar usage in π., V. MM, VGT, see word). Pass.: 1Co.14:38, 2Co.6:9, Gal.1:22. __2. not to understand: with accusative, Mrk.9:32, Luk.9:45. † (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: (be) ignorant(-ly), not know, not understand, unknown See also: 1 Corinthians 10:1; Acts 17:23; Hebrews 5:2.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

πλανωμενοις planaō G4105 "to lead astray" Verb-PPP-DPM

To lead someone astray or cause them to wander from the truth, as seen in Matthew 24:4-5 where Jesus warns of false prophets. This can also mean to deceive or seduce someone.

Definition: πλανάω, -ῶ (πλάνη), [in LXX chiefly for תָּעָה ;] to cause to wander, lead astray. Pass., to go astray, wander: Mat.18:12-13 Heb.11:38, 1Pe.2:25 (cf. Isa.53:6). Metaphorical, to lead astray, deceive: with accusative of person(s), Mat.24:4-5, 11 24:24, Mrk.13:5-6, Jhn.7:12, 2Ti.3:13; 1Jn.1:8 Jn 2:26 Jn 3:7, Rev.2:20 12:9 13:14 19:20 20:3, 8 20:10; pass., to be led astray, to err: Mat.22:29, Mrk.12:24, 27, Luk.21:8, Jhn.7:47, 2Ti.3:13, Tit.3:3, Heb.5:2, 2Pe.2:15, Rev.18:23; τ. καρδίᾳ, Heb.3:10; ἀπὸ τ. ἀληθείας, Jas.5:19;μὴ πλανᾶσθε, 1Co.6:9 15:33, Gal.6:7. Jas.1:16 (cf. ἀπο-πλανάω).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 38 NT verses. KJV: go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way See also: 1 Corinthians 6:9; Mark 13:5; 1 Peter 2:25.

επει epei G1893 "since" Conj

Since refers to a point in time or a cause, as seen in Matthew 18:32 and 21:46. This word is used to describe a reason or a time. It appears in various Bible passages to introduce a cause or a time.

Definition: ἐπεί conj. (ἐπί, εἰ), when, since; __1. of time, when, after: Luk.7:1 (Rec., WH, mg.). __2. Of cause, since, because: Mat.18:32 21:46 27:6, Mrk.15:42, Luk.1:34, Jhn.13:29 19:31, Act.13:46 (Rec., WH, mg.), 1Co.14:12, 2Co.11:18 13:3, Heb.5:2, 11 6:13 9:17 11:11; ἐ. οὖν, Heb.2:14 4:6. With ellipsis, otherwise, else: Rom.11:6, 22, Heb.9:26; ἐ. ἄρα, 1Co.5:10 7:14; introducing a question, Rom.3:6, 1Co.14:16 15:29, Heb.10:2 (cf. 4Ma.1:33 4Mac 2:7 4Mac 2:10 4Mac 4:24-26).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 26 NT verses. KJV: because, else, for that (then, -asmuch as), otherwise, seeing that, since, when See also: 1 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 2:14.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

αυτος autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-NSM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

περικειται perikeimai G4029 "to surround" Verb-PNI-3S

To surround or encircle something, like a cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 12:1. It can also mean to be hampered or restricted by something.

Definition: περί-κειμαι [in LXX: Ep. Je 24, 58, 4Ma.12:3 * ;] __1. to lie round about: μύλος, λίθος (RV, were hanged about), Mrk.9:42, Luk.17:2; νεφος μαρτύρων, Heb.12:1. __2. to have around one, be clothed with: Act.28:20; figuratively, ἀσθένειαν, Heb.5:2.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: be bound (compassed) with, hang about See also: Acts 28:20; Hebrews 12:1; Hebrews 5:2.

ασθενειαν astheneia G769 "weakness: weak" Noun-ASF

The Greek word for weakness or frailty describes a lack of strength or health, as seen in Luke 13:11-12 and John 11:4, and can also refer to moral frailty. This concept is discussed in various New Testament passages, including Romans and 2 Corinthians.

Definition: ἀσθένεια, -ας, ἡ (ἀσθενής), [in LXX for כָּשַׁל, etc. ;] weakness, frailty, sickness: Luk.13:11-12, Jhn.11:4, Act.28:9, Rom.6:19 8:26, 2Co.11:30 13:4, Gal.4:13 (MM, see word), Heb.5:2 7:28 11:34; ἐν ἀ., Jhn.5:5, 1Co.2:3 15:43, 2Co.12:9; pl., Mat.8:17, Luk.5:15 8:2, 2Co.12:5 12:9-10, 1Ti.5:23, Heb.4:15.† SYN.: μαλακία, νόσος (see DB, iii, 323a) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: disease, infirmity, sickness, weakness See also: 1 Corinthians 2:3; Hebrews 5:2; Hebrews 4:15.

Study Notes — Hebrews 5:2

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Context
Cross References
Hebrews 5:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 5:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 5:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 5:2
Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 5:2
Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 5:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 5:2
Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 5:2
Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 5:2
Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 5:2
Sermons on Hebrews 5:2

Context — The Perfect High Priest

1Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.

2He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is subject to weakness.

3That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. 4No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Hebrews 4:15	For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.
2	Hebrews 2:18	Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.
3	2 Corinthians 12:9–10	But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
4	Hebrews 7:28	For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.
5	Hebrews 12:13	Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
6	Galatians 4:13	You know that it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you.
7	Numbers 15:22–29	Now if you stray unintentionally and do not obey all these commandments that the LORD has spoken to Moses— all that the LORD has commanded you through Moses from the day the LORD gave them and continuing through the generations to come— and if it was done unintentionally without the knowledge of the congregation, then the whole congregation is to prepare one young bull as a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD, with its grain offering and drink offering according to the regulation, and one male goat as a sin offering. The priest is to make atonement for the whole congregation of Israel, so that they may be forgiven; for the sin was unintentional and they have brought to the LORD an offering made by fire and a sin offering, presented before the LORD for their unintentional sin. Then the whole congregation of Israel and the foreigners residing among them will be forgiven, since it happened to all the people unintentionally. Also, if one person sins unintentionally, he is to present a year-old female goat as a sin offering. And the priest shall make atonement before the LORD on behalf of the person who erred by sinning unintentionally; and when atonement has been made for him, he will be forgiven. You shall have the same law for the one who acts in error, whether he is a native-born Israelite or a foreigner residing among you.
8	2 Corinthians 12:5	I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses.
9	Exodus 32:21–24	“What did this people do to you,” Moses asked Aaron, “that you have led them into so great a sin?” “Do not be enraged, my lord,” Aaron replied. “You yourself know that the people are intent on evil. They told me, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him!’ So I said to them, ‘Whoever has gold, let him take it off,’ and they gave it to me. And when I threw it into the fire, out came this calf!”
10	2 Corinthians 11:30	If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

Hebrews 5:2 Summary

[This verse tells us that the high priest is able to be kind and understanding towards people who don't know or understand God's ways, because he himself has weaknesses and struggles, just like we do, as seen in Hebrews 4:15. This reminds us that God is compassionate and gentle, and wants us to be the same way towards others, as mentioned in Matthew 9:36. As we look to Jesus, our great High Priest, we can see how He showed kindness and compassion to those around Him, and we can strive to do the same, with God's help, as seen in Hebrews 4:14-16.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that the high priest is 'beset by weakness'?

This phrase indicates that the high priest, like all humans, is susceptible to sin and frailty, which is why he must offer sacrifices for his own sins, as mentioned in Hebrews 5:3, and as seen in the example of the high priests in the book of Leviticus, such as in Leviticus 4:3.

How can the high priest deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided?

The high priest's ability to deal gently with others is rooted in his own experience of weakness, allowing him to empathize with those who are struggling, much like Jesus Christ, who was tempted in every way yet remained sinless, as seen in Hebrews 4:15.

Is this verse talking about Jesus Christ or another high priest?

While this verse does not explicitly mention Jesus Christ, the context of the book of Hebrews suggests that it is ultimately pointing to Jesus, who is our great High Priest, as seen in Hebrews 4:14, and who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses, as mentioned in Hebrews 4:15.

What does this verse teach us about God's character?

This verse highlights God's heart of compassion and gentleness, as seen in the way He deals with those who are ignorant and misguided, which is a reflection of His character, as mentioned in Psalms 103:8, which says that God is 'slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion'.

Reflection Questions

How can I, like the high priest, use my own experiences of weakness to minister to others who are struggling?
In what ways can I show gentleness and compassion to those around me who may be ignorant or misguided, just as God does?
What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge my own weakness and seek God's help, just as the high priest did?
How can I balance the need to offer correction and guidance to others with the need to show gentleness and compassion, as seen in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 5:2

Who can have compassion on the ignorant,.... Who have committed sins of ignorance, and bring their sacrifices for them; these he does not insult and upbraid, nor break out into anger and indignation

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 5:2

Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. Who can - `Being one able:' not pleasing himself (Romans 15:3).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 5:2

Who can have compassion on the ignorant: the melting quality of the typical high priest is eminently to be fulfilled in the gospel one; each is to have an aptness, disposition, and a sufficiency of it, by the institution of God, for his ministrations, for manner as well as for matter, 4:15. Metriopayein, strictly, is to bear, suffer, or be affected in measure, or suffer moderately, with the failings of others, in such a degree as is necessary to incline, as far as he is able, to succour, help, and comfort those who are in misery. It notes sympathy, ; and a suffering with them, yet so regulated by the Divine rule, as not to extend it unto unfit subjects, nor in an undue measure, lest it unfits him for ministerting for them. But the great High Priest excelleth in this, and is not bound to our measures, but sinlessly overabounds in it, to such as sin for want of knowledge of their duty, unwittingly, and without any forecast, for which the law provided a sacrifice, . And on them that are out of the way; planwmenoiv a metaphor borrowed from travellers gone out of their way; by which are understood such sinners as are misled by infirmity or violence of temptation, and so offend God by their opinions or practices; for the expiation of such were those sacrifices appointed, ,7; but then they were such as were sensible of their sins, confessed them, and begged for pardon, of whom the High Priest was to be compassionate; but not of presumptuous and capital sinners, who were unfit subjects of God’ s mercy or man’ s: there being no sacrifices provided for such, but they were to die without mercy, ,31; compare . God’ s altar itself is no protection to them, ,31. Such sins of infirmity which the Levitical high priest was liable to himself, was he to be compassionate of. For that he himself also is compassed with infirmity; for that he was beset with infirmity, sin, ignorance, error, and disobedience; infirm in respect of duty and sacrifice, which was by reason of its weakness to be repeated yearly, ,11; and of the same infirm nature, liable to the griefs and miseries of his brethren both in soul and body. All these did surround and lie about him; he was sin and weakness all over, and therefore should be the more feeling of his brethren’ s states, and more careful and ready to sacrifice and intercede for himself and them. But our great High Priest hath all the sense of these, but no sin, .

Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 5:2

2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. Ver. 2. Who can have compassion] μετοιοπαθειν. Or, bear anything with reason, and not be easily angry, but show as much mercy as is meet for his, whether they have ignorantly offended, or upon deliberation. They cannot commit more than he can remit. He is compassed with infirmity] Christ was compassed with that which we call miserable, not that we call sinful infirmity.

Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 5:2

(2) Who can have compassion.—Rather, as one who can deal gently with (or, more strictly, feel gently towards) the ignorant and erring, because . . . Either apathy or undue severity in regard to transgression would disqualify this representative of men to God. It cannot be said that sin is mildly designated here, since the words so closely resemble those which occur in Hebrews 3:10; still the language is so chosen as to exclude sinning “with a high hand.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 5:2

Verse 2. Who can have compassion on the ignorant] The word μετριοπαθειν, signifies, not merely to have compassion, but to act with moderation, and to bear with each in proportion to his ignorance, weakness, and untoward circumstances, all taken into consideration with the offences he has committed: in a word, to pity, feel for, and excuse, as far as possible; and, when the provocation is at the highest, to moderate one's passion towards the culprit, and be ready to pardon; and when punishment must be administered, to do it in the gentlest manner. Instead of αγνοουσι, the ignorant, one MS. only, but that of high repute, has ασθενουσι, the weak. Most men sin much through ignorance, but this does not excuse them if they have within reach the means of instruction. And the great majority of the human race sin through weakness. The principle of evil is strong in them; the occasions of sin are many; through their fall from God they are become exceedingly weak; and what the apostle calls, Hebrews 12:1, that ευπεριστατοναμαρτιαν, the well-circumstanced sin, often occurs to every man. But, as in the above ease, weakness itself is no excuse, when the means of strength and succour are always at hand. However, all these are circumstances which the Jewish high priest took into consideration, and they are certainly not less attended to by the High Priest of our profession. The reason given why the high priest should be slow to punish and prone to forgive is, that he himself is also compassed with weakness; περικειταιασθενειαν; weakness lies all around him, it is his clothing; and as he feels his clothing, so should he feel it; and as he feels it, so he should deplore it, and compassionate others.

Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 5:2

2. have compassion on] Rather, “deal gently with” The word metriopathein means properly “to shew moderate emotions.” All men are liable to emotions and passions (pathη). The Stoics held that these should be absolutely crushed and that “apathy” (ἀπάθεια) was the only fit condition for a Philosopher. The Peripatetics on the other hand—the school of Aristotle—held that the philosopher should not aim at apathy, because no man can be absolutely passionless without doing extreme violence to nature; but that he should acquire metriopathy that is a spirit of “moderated emotion” and self-control. The word is found both in Philo and Josephus. In common usage it meant “moderate compassion;” since the Stoics held “pity” to be not only a weakness but a vice. The Stoic apatheia would have utterly disqualified any one for true Priesthood. Our Lord yielded to human emotions such as pity, sorrow, and just anger; and that He did so and could do so, “yet without sin,” is expressly recorded for our instruction.on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way] Highhanded sinners, willing sinners, those who, in the Hebrew phrase, sin “with upraised hand” (Numbers 15:30; Deuteronomy 17:12), cannot always be treated with compassionate tenderness (Hebrews 10:26); but the ignorant and the erring (1 Timothy 1:13)—those who sin “inadvertently,” “involuntarily” (Leviticus 4:2; Leviticus 4:13, &c.)—and even those who under sudden stress of passion and temptation sin wilfully—need pity (Leviticus 5:1; Leviticus 19:20-22), and Christ’s prayer on the cross was for those “who know not what they do.” No untempted Angel, no Being removed from the possibility of such falls, could have had the personal sympathy which is an indispensable requisite for perfect Priesthood.is compassed with infirmity] Moral weakness is part of the very nature which, he wears, and which makes him bear reasonably with those who are like himself. The same Greek phrase (perikeimai with an accusative) occurs in Acts 28:20 (“I am bound with this chain”), “Under the gorgeous robes of office there were still the galling chains of flesh.” Kay.

Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 5:2

Who can have compassion - Margin, “Reasonably bear with.” The idea is that of “sympathizing with.” The high priest is taken from among men, in order that he may have a fellow-feeling for those on whose behalf he officiates.

Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 5:2

2. Who can have compassion—The reason that the sinner should be represented by a man; the need of a humanly sympathizing representative. Priest and sinner should have a common ground.

Sermons on Hebrews 5:2

	Sermon	Description
	The Lord My Teacher by Octavius Winslow	Octavius Winslow emphasizes the vital role of Jesus as our Teacher, highlighting His divine and human qualifications that enable Him to reveal God's heart and truth to us. He teach
	The Effects of the Redeemer's Sufferings and Death by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches on the sacred humanity of Jesus Christ, focusing on His suffering, death, and resurrection, which brought salvation, hope, and blessings to believers. Through
	"Example and Testimony of the Early Christians on the Subject of War" by Jonathan Dymond	Steven Cole discusses the Greek word 'Perikeimai,' which means to surround or encircle, illustrating how it can hinder our progress in the Christian race, as depicted in Hebrews 12
	God Directs Our Lives by Kathryn Kuhlman	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God is a person. They share personal anecdotes about their relationship with their earthly father, highl
	(Nicaragua) I Have Labored in Vain by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a missionary who became discouraged after five years of laboring in a certain nation without seeing any results. Despite God's promi
	How to Get on Fire for God by Ray Comfort	In this sermon, the preacher discusses three keys to getting on fire for God. The first key is faith, which is described as believing in the promises of God and finding joy and pea
	(John - Part 48): A Proper Concept of God by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of leisure and how it affects our ability to learn and grow spiritually. He acknowledges that Americans have more leisure time th