Hebrews 5:2

2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is subject to weakness.

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 Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.

2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is subject to weakness.

3 That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.

4 No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.

5 So also Christ did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest, but He was called by the One who said to Him: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.”