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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Hebrews 5:2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is beset by weakness.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/5-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/58_Heb_05_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hebrews 5:2 - The Perfect High Priest" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is beset by weakness." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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<a href="/kjv/hebrews/5.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/hebrews/5.htm">New King James Version</a> He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. <a href="/nasb_/hebrews/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is clothed in weakness; <a href="/nasb/hebrews/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is beset with weakness; <a href="/nasb77/hebrews/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is beset with weakness; <a href="/lsb/hebrews/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> being able to deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is beset with weakness; <a href="/amp/hebrews/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> He is able to deal gently with the spiritually ignorant and misguided, since he is also subject to human weakness; <a href="/csb/hebrews/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he is also clothed with weakness. <a href="/hcsb/hebrews/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he is also subject to weakness. <a href="/asv/hebrews/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> who can bear gently with the ignorant and erring, for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity; <a href="/cev/hebrews/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> A high priest has weaknesses of his own, and he feels sorry for foolish and sinful people. <a href="/erv/hebrews/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> who can bear gently with the ignorant and erring, for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity; <a href="/gwt/hebrews/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The chief priest can be gentle with people who are ignorant and easily deceived, because he also has weaknesses. <a href="/gnt/hebrews/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> Since he himself is weak in many ways, he is able to be gentle with those who are ignorant and make mistakes. <a href="/isv/hebrews/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> He can deal gently with people who are ignorant and easily deceived, since he himself is subject to weakness. <a href="/msb/hebrews/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is beset by weakness. <a href="/net/hebrews/5.htm">NET Bible</a> He is able to deal compassionately with those who are ignorant and erring, since he also is subject to weakness, <a href="/nheb/hebrews/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The high priest can deal gently with those who are ignorant and going astray, because he himself is also surrounded with weakness. <a href="/wbt/hebrews/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/hebrews/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and must be one who is able to bear patiently with the ignorant and erring, because he himself also is beset with infirmity. <a href="/web/hebrews/5.htm">World English Bible</a> The high priest can deal gently with those who are ignorant and going astray, because he himself is also surrounded with weakness. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/hebrews/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> being able to be gentle to those being ignorant and going astray, since he is also surrounded with weakness; <a href="/blb/hebrews/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> being able to exercise forbearance with those being ignorant and going astray, since he himself also is encompassed by weakness; <a href="/ylt/hebrews/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> able to be gentle to those ignorant and going astray, since himself also is compassed with infirmity; <a href="/slt/hebrews/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Being able to moderate the passions to the ignorant, and deceived; since he also is surrounded with weakness.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/hebrews/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Who can have compassion on them that are ignorant and that err: because he himself also is compassed with infirmity. <a href="/cpdv/hebrews/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> he is able to commiserate with those who are ignorant and who wander astray, because he himself is also encompassed by infirmity. <a href="/nabre/hebrews/5.htm">New American Bible</a> He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness <a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> He is one who can humble himself and have compassion on those who are ignorant and go astray: for he himself also is subject to weaknesses. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Who can humble himself and suffer with those who are ignorant and erring because he is also clothed with weakness,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/hebrews/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> being able to have compassion on the ignorant and erring, because he himself is beset with infirmity: <a href="/godbey/hebrews/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> being able to sympathize with the ignorant and erring, since himself is also compassed about with infirmity; <a href="/haweis/hebrews/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> being able to feel tenderly for the ignorant and erroneous; forasmuch as he is himself encompassed with infirmity. <a href="/mace/hebrews/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> he might have the greater compassion for those who sin through ignorance or mistake, and for the same reason <a href="/wey/hebrews/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and must be one who is able to bear patiently with the ignorant and erring, because he himself also is beset with infirmity. <a href="/worrell/hebrews/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> able to bear with the ignorant and erring, since he himself also is encompassed with infirmity; <a href="/worsley/hebrews/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> who can have due compassion on the ignorant and those that are going astray; seeing he himself also is surrounded with infirmity: <a href="/parallel/hebrews/5-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-IAXXp5zcA?start=670" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/hebrews/5.htm">The Perfect High Priest</a> 1Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2<a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynamenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">He is able</a> <a href="/greek/3356.htm" title="3356: metriopathein (V-PNA) -- To bear gently with, have compassion. From a compound of the base of metrios and pathos; to be moderate in passion, i.e. Gentle.">to deal gently</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">with those who</a> <a href="/greek/50.htm" title="50: agnoousin (V-PPA-DMP) -- To do not know, be ignorant of, sometimes with the idea of willful ignorance. ">are ignorant</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4105.htm" title="4105: planōmenois (V-PPM/P-DMP) -- To lead astray, deceive, cause to wander. From plane; to roam.">misguided,</a> <a href="/greek/1893.htm" title="1893: epei (Conj) -- Of time: when, after; of cause: since, because; otherwise: else. From epi and ei; thereupon, i.e. Since.">since</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autos (PPro-NM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">he himself</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/4029.htm" title="4029: perikeitai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- From peri and keimai; to lie all around, i.e. Inclose, encircle, hamper.">is beset by</a> <a href="/greek/769.htm" title="769: astheneian (N-AFS) -- From asthenes; feebleness; by implication, malady; morally, frailty.">weakness.</a> 3That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/leviticus/9-7.htm">Leviticus 9:7</a> Then Moses said to Aaron, “Approach the altar and sacrifice your sin offering and your burnt offering to make atonement for yourself and for the people. And sacrifice the people’s offering to make atonement for them, as the LORD has commanded.” <a href="/numbers/15-25.htm">Numbers 15:25-28</a> 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 a food offering 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. ... <a href="/isaiah/53-4.htm">Isaiah 53:4</a> Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. <a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">Matthew 9:36</a> When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. <a href="/matthew/14-14.htm">Matthew 14:14</a> When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick. <a href="/matthew/15-32.htm">Matthew 15:32</a> Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion for this crowd, because they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may faint along the way.” <a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Luke 23:34</a> Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots. <a href="/romans/15-1.htm">Romans 15:1</a> We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">1 Corinthians 9:22</a> To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. <a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Galatians 6:1</a> Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. <a href="/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32</a> Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. <a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7</a> but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. <a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Colossians 3:12-13</a> Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. <a href="/1_timothy/1-13.htm">1 Timothy 1:13</a> I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. <a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm">1 Timothy 1:15</a> This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.<a href="/hebrews/2-18.htm">Hebrews 2:18</a> For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.<a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Hebrews 4:15</a> For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.have compassion on.<a href="/numbers/15-22.htm">Numbers 15:22-29</a> And if ye have erred, and not observed all these commandments, which the LORD hath spoken unto Moses, … <a href="/1_timothy/1-13.htm">1 Timothy 1:13</a> Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.them.<a href="/hebrews/12-13.htm">Hebrews 12:13</a> And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.<a href="/exodus/32-8.htm">Exodus 32:8</a> They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.<a href="/judges/2-17.htm">Judges 2:17</a> And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; but they did not so.is compassed.<a href="/hebrews/7-28.htm">Hebrews 7:28</a> For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.<a href="/exodus/32-2.htm">Exodus 32:2-5,21-24</a> And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me… <a href="/numbers/12-1.htm">Numbers 12:1-9</a> And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Able</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-10.htm">Astray</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-3.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/acts/5-16.htm">Beset</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-10.htm">Clothed</a> <a href="/luke/21-20.htm">Compassed</a> <a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-14.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-1.htm">Erring</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-5.htm">Exercise</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Feeling</a> <a href="/philippians/4-5.htm">Forbearance</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-25.htm">Gently</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-1.htm">High</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Ignorant</a> <a href="/galatians/4-14.htm">Infirmity</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-12.htm">Patiently</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-1.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-15.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/acts/14-20.htm">Surrounded</a> <a href="/philemon/1-5.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-8.htm">True.</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">Wandering</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Way</a> <a href="/hosea/11-12.htm">Wayward</a> <a href="/galatians/4-13.htm">Weakness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/5-7.htm">Able</a> <a href="/james/1-16.htm">Astray</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-28.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Beset</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">Clothed</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-30.htm">Compassed</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-28.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-10.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/genesis/6-3.htm">Erring</a> <a href="/james/1-18.htm">Exercise</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-3.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-25.htm">Feeling</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-15.htm">Forbearance</a> <a href="/genesis/33-14.htm">Gently</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-5.htm">High</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-15.htm">Ignorant</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-3.htm">Infirmity</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-15.htm">Patiently</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-5.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-11.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-30.htm">Surrounded</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-1.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-10.htm">True.</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-38.htm">Wandering</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-5.htm">Way</a> <a href="/psalms/58-3.htm">Wayward</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-18.htm">Weakness</a><div class="vheading2">Hebrews 5</div>1. <a href="/hebrews/5-1.htm">The honor of our Savior's priesthood.</a> 11. <a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Negligence in the knowledge thereof is reproved.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/hebrews/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>He is able to deal gently This phrase highlights the compassionate nature of the high priest, reflecting the character of Jesus Christ. The Greek term used here implies a measured response, neither overly harsh nor overly lenient. This aligns with the role of a priest as a mediator who understands human frailty. In the Old Testament, priests like Aaron were expected to show compassion, as seen in <a href="/leviticus/16-21.htm">Leviticus 16:21</a>, where Aaron lays hands on the scapegoat, symbolizing the transfer of the people's sins.with those who are ignorant and misguided The reference to "ignorant and misguided" individuals points to those who sin unintentionally or out of lack of knowledge, as described in <a href="/leviticus/4-2.htm">Leviticus 4:2</a>. In the Jewish sacrificial system, there were specific offerings for unintentional sins, emphasizing God's provision for human weakness. This also connects to Jesus' prayer on the cross in <a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Luke 23:34</a>, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing," illustrating His role as the ultimate high priest who intercedes for humanity.since he himself is subject to weakness This phrase underscores the humanity of the high priest, who shares in the same weaknesses as those he serves. In the context of Hebrews, this is a typology of Christ, who, though sinless, took on human form and experienced human limitations (<a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7-8</a>). The high priest's own weaknesses made him empathetic, a quality that Jesus exemplified perfectly, as He was tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin (<a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Hebrews 4:15</a>). This shared experience of weakness is crucial for the priest's ability to intercede effectively on behalf of the people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/h/high_priest.htm">High Priest</a> The role of the high priest in the Old Testament was to act as a mediator between God and the people, offering sacrifices for sins. In Hebrews, Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate High Priest. 2. <a href="/topical/i/ignorant_and_misguided.htm">Ignorant and Misguided</a> Refers to those who sin out of ignorance or are led astray, highlighting the need for understanding and compassion in spiritual leadership. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of <a href="/bsb/hebrews/5.htm">Hebrews 5</a> is about Jesus as the High Priest who empathizes with human weaknesses. 4. <a href="/topical/o/old_testament_priesthood.htm">Old Testament Priesthood</a> The Levitical priesthood, which served as a precursor to the priesthood of Christ, is the backdrop for understanding the role and duties of a high priest. 5. <a href="/topical/h/hebrews.htm">Hebrews</a> The audience of the letter, likely Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament laws and priesthood.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/e/empathy_in_leadership.htm">Empathy in Leadership</a> Spiritual leaders should emulate Christ's example by dealing gently with those who are ignorant or misguided, understanding that everyone has weaknesses. <a href="/topical/a/awareness_of_personal_weakness.htm">Awareness of Personal Weakness</a> Recognizing our own weaknesses can help us be more compassionate and patient with others, as we are reminded of our need for grace. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_the_high_priest.htm">Role of the High Priest</a> Jesus, as our High Priest, not only offers the ultimate sacrifice for sin but also provides a model for how to approach others with love and understanding. <a href="/topical/r/restoration_and_guidance.htm">Restoration and Guidance</a> Believers are called to gently restore those who have strayed, reflecting the heart of Christ in their interactions. <a href="/topical/c/continuous_growth.htm">Continuous Growth</a> Understanding and addressing ignorance and misguided actions in ourselves and others is part of the Christian journey towards maturity in faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hebrews_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 5</a> <a href="/q/how_to_communicate_with_god.htm">How can one effectively communicate with God?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_work-life_balance.htm">What is worth doing even if done poorly?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_2_chron_5_10_differ_from_heb_9_4.htm">2 Chronicles 5:10 - Why does this verse say only the tablets were in the Ark when Hebrews 9:4 mentions additional items, creating a seeming contradiction?</a> <a href="/q/who_or_what_were_the_rephaim.htm">Who or what were the Rephaim?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hebrews/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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 <a href="/hebrews/3-10.htm" title="Why I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.">Hebrews 3:10</a>; still the language is so chosen as to exclude sinning "with a high hand."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hebrews/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - Who can have compassion on the ignorant and erring; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. It is not easy to find a satisfactory English equivalent for μετριοπαθεῖν, translated as above in the A.V.; by Alford, "be compassionate towards;" in the margin of the A.V., "reasonably bear with;" by the recent Revisers, "bear gently with;" by Bengel, "moderate affici." The compound had its origin, doubtless, in the peripatetic school, denoting the right mean between passionateness and Stoic apathy, being the application of Aristotle's μεσότης to the sphere of the passions. Thus Diog. Laert. says of Aristotle, Αφη δε τον σοφον μη ειναι μεν απαθη μετριοπαθῆ δὲ. In this sense Philo uses μετριοπαθὴς to express Abraham's sober grief after the death of Sarah (2:37) and Jacob's patience under his afflictions (2:45). The verb, followed, as here, by a dative of persons, may be taken, therefore, to denote moderation of feeling towards the persons indicated, such moderation being especially opposed in the case before us, where the persons are the ignorant and erring, to excess of severe or indignant feeling. Moderation, indeed, in this regard seems to have been the idea generally attached to the compound (cf. Plut., 'De Ira Cohib.' p. 453, Ἀναστὴσαι καὶ σῶσαι καὶ φεισάσθαι καὶ καρτερῆσαι πραότητος ἐστὶ καὶ συγγνώμης καὶ μετριοπαθείας). Josephus also speaks of the emperors Vespasian and Titus as μετριοπαθησάντων in their attitude towards the Jews after long hostility ('Ant.,' 12:3 2). This, then, being the meaning of μετριοπαθεία, it is obvious how the capacity of it is essential to the idea of a high priest as being one who is resorted to as a mediator by a people laden with infirmities, to represent them and to plead for them. It is not of necessity implied that every high priest was personally νετριοπάθης: it is the ideal of his office that is spoken cf. And, in the case of human high priests, this ideal was fulfilled by their being themselves human, encompassed themselves with the infirmity of those for whom they mediated. Christ also, so far, evidently fulfils the condition. For, though he is afterwards distinguished (<a href="/hebrews/7-28.htm">Hebrews 7:28</a>) from priests having themselves infirmity, yet he had, in his human nature, experienced what it was: "He was crucified ἐξ ἀσθενείας (<a href="/2_corinthians/13-4.htm">2 Corinthians 13:4</a>); "Himself took our infirmities (ἀσθενείας), and bare our sicknesses" (<a href="/matthew/8-17.htm">Matthew 8:17</a>; <a href="/isaiah/53-4.htm">Isaiah 53:4</a>); the agony in the garden (whatever its mysterious import, of which more below)expressed personal experience of human ἀσθενεία. Alford denies that ἀσθενεία, in the sense supposed by him to be here intended, can be attributed to Christ, and hence that περίκειται ἀσθένειαις can apply to him (but see above on Hebrews 4:15, and below on vers. 3, 7). <a href="/commentaries/hebrews/5-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>He is able δυνάμενος (dynamenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible. to deal gently μετριοπαθεῖν (metriopathein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3356.htm">Strong's 3356: </a> To bear gently with, have compassion. From a compound of the base of metrios and pathos; to be moderate in passion, i.e. Gentle. with those who τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. are ignorant ἀγνοοῦσιν (agnoousin) Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_50.htm">Strong's 50: </a> To do not know, be ignorant of, sometimes with the idea of willful ignorance. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. misguided, πλανωμένοις (planōmenois) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4105.htm">Strong's 4105: </a> To lead astray, deceive, cause to wander. From plane; to roam. since ἐπεὶ (epei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1893.htm">Strong's 1893: </a> Of time: when, after; of cause: since, because; otherwise: else. From epi and ei; thereupon, i.e. Since. he himself αὐτὸς (autos) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. is beset by περίκειται (perikeitai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4029.htm">Strong's 4029: </a> From peri and keimai; to lie all around, i.e. Inclose, encircle, hamper. weakness. ἀσθένειαν (astheneian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_769.htm">Strong's 769: </a> From asthenes; feebleness; by implication, malady; morally, frailty. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/5-2.htm">Hebrews 5:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/hebrews/5-2.htm">Hebrews 5:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/hebrews/5-2.htm">Hebrews 5:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/hebrews/5-2.htm">Hebrews 5:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/hebrews/5-2.htm">Hebrews 5:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/5-2.htm">Hebrews 5:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/5-2.htm">Hebrews 5:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/5-2.htm">Hebrews 5:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/5-2.htm">Hebrews 5:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/hebrews/5-2.htm">Hebrews 5:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-2.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 5:2 The high priest can deal gently (Heb. 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