King James Version

What Does Hebrews 5:2 Mean?

Hebrews 5:2 in the King James Version says “Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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. can: or, can reasonably bear with”

Hebrews 5:2 · KJV

Context

1

For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

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. can: or, can reasonably bear with

3

And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.

4

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The high priest can 'deal gently' (Greek 'metriopathein' - moderate passions) with the ignorant and wayward because he himself is 'beset with weakness.' This shared humanity produces compassion. Yet this also meant Aaronic priests needed sacrifices for their own sins (5:3). Christ surpasses this - He sympathizes with our weakness (4:15) but without sin, thus needing no personal atonement. His sinless yet sympathetic priesthood perfectly meets our need.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Leviticus 4-5 prescribed sacrifices for unintentional sins. The high priest's own weakness meant he could identify with fellow sinners, but it also limited his effectiveness compared to the sinless Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's ability to sympathize without sinning provide better help than mere human compassion?
  2. In what ways do your own weaknesses help you minister compassionately to others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
μετριοπαθεῖν1 of 11

“have compassion”

G3356

to be moderate in passion, i.e., gentle (to treat indulgently)

δυνάμενος2 of 11

“Who can”

G1410

to be able or possible

τοῖς3 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγνοοῦσιν4 of 11

“on the ignorant”

G50

not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination)

καὶ5 of 11

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πλανωμένοις6 of 11

“on them that are out of the way”

G4105

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

ἐπεὶ7 of 11

“for”

G1893

thereupon, i.e., since (of time or cause)

καὶ8 of 11

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

αὐτὸς9 of 11

“himself”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

περίκειται10 of 11

“is compassed”

G4029

to lie all around, i.e., inclose, encircle, hamper (literally or figuratively)

ἀσθένειαν11 of 11

“with infirmity”

G769

feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 5:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 5:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 4:15Hebrews 2:182 Corinthians 12:9-10Hebrews 7:28Hebrews 12:132 Corinthians 12:5

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