Hebrews 5:2

2 being able to exercise forbearance towards the ignorant and erring, since he himself also is clothed with infirmity;

Hebrews 5:2 Meaning and Commentary

Hebrews 5:2

Who can have compassion on the ignorant
Who have committed sins of ignorance, and bring their sacrifices for them; these he does not insult and upbraid, nor break out into anger and indignation against; but pities them, and sympathizes with them; has a just measure of compassion suitable to their condition, and bears with them with great moderation and temper:

and on them that are out of the way;
of God's commandments; who are like sheep going astray, and turn to their own way; who transgress the law of God, and err from it; perhaps such who sin knowingly and wilfully, and through infirmity, are meant:

for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity;
not of body only, but of mind, sinful infirmity; he had much of it, it beset him all around; he was "clothed" with it, as the Syriac version renders it; as Joshua the high priest was with filthy garments, ( Zechariah 3:3 ) .

Hebrews 5:2 In-Context

1 For every high priest taken from amongst men is established for men in things relating to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins;
2 being able to exercise forbearance towards the ignorant and erring, since he himself also is clothed with infirmity;
3 and, on account of this [infirmity], he ought, even as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.
4 And no one takes the honour to himself but [as] called by God, even as Aaron also.
5 Thus the Christ also has not glorified himself to be made a high priest; but he who had said to him, *Thou* art my Son, *I* have to-day begotten thee.
The Darby Translation is in the public domain.