Hebrews 5:2

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

Hebrews 5:2 in Other Translations

2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.

2 And he is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because he himself is subject to the same weaknesses.

2 should be able to deal gently with their failings, since he knows what it's like from his own experience.

2 who can bear gently with the ignorant and erring, for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity;

2 The chief priest can be gentle with people who are ignorant and easily deceived, because he also has weaknesses.

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

2 He is able to deal gently with those who have gone down the wrong path without knowing it. He can do that because he himself is weak.

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 selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.

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

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

4 And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.

5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.”

Cross References

• 1. Isaiah 29:24; Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 4:15
• 2. Hebrews 7:28