Bible Strands
Hebrews 5:2
He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is subject to weakness.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The author of Hebrews addresses believers regarding the qualifications of a high priest, noting that every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God (Hebrews 5:1).
The words — μετριοπαθεῖν (metriopathein) = to exercise forbearance, and ἀγνοοῦσιν (agnoousin) = being ignorant, describe the high priest’s capacity to respond to human failure.
The thread — This pattern of a representative figure sharing human weakness to sympathize with or assist others runs through Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 2:18, and 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Why it lands — The text states the high priest’s forbearance is grounded in his own susceptibility to weakness, requiring readers to accept that shared human limitation qualifies a mediator rather than disqualifies him.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- 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.
- Hebrews 2:18 Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 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.
- 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.
- Hebrews 12:13 Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
- Numbers 15:22 Now if you stray unintentionally and do not obey all these commandments that the LORD has spoken to Moses—
- 2 Corinthians 12:5 I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses.
- Galatians 4:13 You know that it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you.
- Exodus 32:21 “What did this people do to you,” Moses asked Aaron, “that you have led them into so great a sin?”
- Numbers 12:1 Then Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married, for he had taken a Cushite wife.