Hebrews 5:2

Context

Hebrews 5:2 is part of a larger section (Hebrews 5:1-10) that describes the qualifications of a high priest, laying the groundwork for the author's argument concerning the superiority of Jesus Christ's priesthood. The immediate preceding verse, Hebrews 5:1, establishes that every high priest is taken from among men to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. Verse 2 then elaborates on a crucial quality: the high priest's ability to show compassion due to his own shared human frailty. This sets the stage for portraying Jesus not only as a divine priest but also as one who fully understands the human condition, even though He was without sin.

Key Themes

• Empathy and Compassion: The verse highlights that a true spiritual leader must possess empathy for those under their care. The high priest's own experience with weakness enables him to deal gently with people who make mistakes, whether through genuine ignorance or by straying from the right path. This is a foundational aspect of effective spiritual guidance.
• Human Frailty: A central theme is the universal nature of human infirmity. No one, not even a high priest, is exempt from weaknesses, temptations, or the capacity to err. This shared vulnerability fosters understanding rather than harsh judgment. It underscores the biblical truth that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
• The Nature of Priesthood: For the Levitical high priest, this infirmity necessitated offering sacrifices for his own sins before he could offer them for the people (see Leviticus 9:7). This underscores the need for a perfect, sinless high priest, which the author introduces as Jesus Christ later in the book (e.g., Hebrews 7:26-28).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "can have compassion" comes from the Greek word metriopatheō (μετριοπαθέω), which implies a measured or gentle feeling, not merely pity but a sympathetic understanding that arises from shared experience. It suggests a patient and forbearing attitude. "Ignorant" translates agnoeō (ἀγνοέω), referring to those who err unwittingly or without full knowledge. "Out of the way" is from planaō (πλανάω), meaning to wander, to be led astray, or to be deceived. Both terms describe different forms of human error. Finally, "compassed with infirmity" uses astheneia (ἀσθένεια), denoting weakness, frailty, or sickness, encompassing both physical and moral susceptibility to sin. This highlights the shared human condition that allows for empathy.

Practical Application

Hebrews 5:2 offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that:

• Leaders Need Empathy: Those in spiritual leadership positions are called to approach others with compassion, understanding that everyone struggles with weaknesses and makes mistakes. This perspective fosters grace and genuine help, rather than condemnation.
• Understanding Human Weakness: Recognizing our own "infirmity" helps us to be more gracious and less judgmental towards others. Just as the high priest understood the people's struggles because he shared them, so too should we extend grace, remembering that we are all susceptible to error and sin.
• Christ's Perfect Empathy: While the verse describes the human high priest, it points forward to Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate High Priest. He perfectly fulfills this role, not because He was sinful, but because He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. His sinless nature means He doesn't need to offer sacrifices for Himself, making His sacrifice for us uniquely effective and His compassion perfect.