King James Version

What Does Hebrews 5:7 Mean?

Hebrews 5:7 in the King James Version says “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him tha... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; in that: or, for his piety

Hebrews 5:7 · KJV


Context

5

So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.

6

As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

7

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; in that: or, for his piety

8

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

9

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'In the days of his flesh' emphasizes Christ's true humanity and earthly ministry. The 'prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears' likely refers to Gethsemane (Luke 22:44) but encompasses His entire earthly intercession. 'He was heard' (Greek 'eisakoustheis') indicates the Father answered—not by removing the cup but by strengthening Him (Luke 22:43) to accomplish redemption. The hearing came 'in that he feared' or 'because of his godly fear' (Greek 'apo tes eulabeias').

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse presents Christ's humanity most vividly, showing the real agony He endured in submission to the Father's will. His prayers demonstrate the reality of His human nature facing death.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's agonized prayer life encourage you when you face overwhelming circumstances?
  2. What does it teach you that even Christ's prayers were not answered by escape but by strength to endure?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
ὃς1 of 29

Who

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐν2 of 29

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ταῖς3 of 29
G3588

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

ἡμέραις4 of 29

the days

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

τῆς5 of 29
G3588

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

σαρκὸς6 of 29

flesh

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

αὐτὸν7 of 29

him

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

δεήσεις8 of 29

prayers

G1162

a petition

τε9 of 29

and

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

καὶ10 of 29

and

G2532

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

ἱκετηρίας11 of 29

supplications

G2428

intreaty

πρὸς12 of 29

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν13 of 29
G3588

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

δυνάμενον14 of 29

him that was able

G1410

to be able or possible

σῴζειν15 of 29

to save

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

αὐτὸν16 of 29

him

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

ἐκ17 of 29

from

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

θανάτου18 of 29

death

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

μετὰ19 of 29

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

κραυγῆς20 of 29

crying

G2906

an outcry (in notification, tumult or grief)

ἰσχυρᾶς21 of 29

strong

G2478

forcible (literally or figuratively)

καὶ22 of 29

and

G2532

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

δακρύων23 of 29

tears

G1144

a tear

προσενέγκας24 of 29

when he had offered up

G4374

to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat

καὶ25 of 29

and

G2532

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

εἰσακουσθεὶς26 of 29

was heard

G1522

to listen to

ἀπὸ27 of 29

in that

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς28 of 29
G3588

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

εὐλαβείας29 of 29

he feared

G2124

properly, caution, i.e., (religiously) reverence (piety); by implication, dread (concretely)


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 5:7 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 5:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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