Hebrews 5:8
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
Though {G2539} he were {G5607} a Son {G5207}, yet learned he {G3129} obedience {G5218} by {G575} the things which {G3739} he suffered {G3958};
Even though he was the Son, he learned obedience through his sufferings.
Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered.
though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered;
Cross-References
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Philippians 2:8 (29 votes)
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. -
Hebrews 10:5 (14 votes)
Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: -
Hebrews 10:9 (14 votes)
Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. -
John 4:34 (13 votes)
Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. -
Isaiah 50:5 (9 votes)
The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. -
Isaiah 50:6 (9 votes)
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. -
John 15:10 (7 votes)
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
Commentary
Hebrews 5:8 offers a profound insight into the unique nature and mission of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His perfect obedience forged through personal suffering. This verse is central to understanding His qualification as our compassionate and effective High Priest.
Context
This verse is part of a larger argument in the book of Hebrews about the superiority of Jesus Christ's high priesthood over the Levitical system. The author establishes that a high priest must be able to sympathize with human weaknesses (Hebrews 5:2). Verses Hebrews 5:7 specifically mentions Christ's earnest prayers and tears during His earthly ministry, particularly in the face of death, likely referring to His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. Hebrews 5:8 then clarifies that even as the divine Son, His human experience of suffering was integral to His priestly preparation, demonstrating His perfect obedience.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "learned he obedience" comes from the Greek emathen hypakoēn (ἔμαθεν ὑπακοήν). The verb emathen (from manthanō) means "to learn" or "to gain knowledge through experience." In this context, it doesn't suggest a deficiency in Jesus' understanding or will, but rather the experiential aspect of His obedience. He didn't just know obedience; He *experienced* and *demonstrated* it perfectly through the trials He endured. His human will, though always aligned with the Father's, was submitted and refined through the very real agony of His mission, as seen in His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane: "Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."
Practical Application
This verse offers profound encouragement and a model for believers today:
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