Hebrews 5:7

In the days of his flesh (en tai hmerai th sarko autou). Here (verses Psalms 7-9 ) the author turns to the other requirement of a high priest (human sympathy). Since Jesus was "without sin" ( Psalms 4:15 ) he did not have to offer sacrifices "for himself," yet in all other points he felt the sympathy of the human high priest, even more so by reason of his victory over sin. Having offered up (prosenegka). Second aorist active (-a form) participle of prosperw (cf. verse Psalms 3 ). An allusion to the Agony of Christ in Gethsemane. Supplications (ikethria). Socrates, Polybius, Job ( Job 40:22 ) combine this word with dehsei (prayers) as here. The older form was ikesia. The word ikethrio is an adjective from iketh (a suppliant from ikw, to come to one) and suggests one coming with an olive-branch (elaia). Here only in the N.T. With strong crying and tears (meta kraugh iscura kai dakruwn). See Luke 22:44 . for a picture of the scene in Gethsemane (anguish and pathos). No doubt the writer has in mind other times when Jesus shed tears ( John 11:35 ; Luke 19:41 ), but Gethsemane chiefly. To save him from death (swzein ek qanatou). A reference to the cry of Jesus in Gethsemane ( Matthew 26:39 ). Having been heard for his godly fear (eisakousqei apo th eulabeia). Old word from eulabh (taking hold well, Luke 2:25 from eu, lambanw, the verb eulabeomai in N.T. only in Hebrews 11:7 ), in N.T. only here and Hebrews 12:28 . Fine picture of Christ's attitude toward the Father in the prayer in Gethsemane and in all his prayers. Jesus in Gethsemane at once surrendered his will to that of the Father who heard his plea and enabled him to acquiesce in the Father's will.