Hebrews 5:2

2 The high priest can deal gently with those who are ignorant and going astray, because he himself is also surrounded with 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 For every high priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.

2 The high priest can deal gently with those who are ignorant and going astray, because he himself is also surrounded with weakness.

3 Because of this, he must offer sacrifices for sins for the people, as well as for himself.

4 No man takes this honor on himself, but he is called by God, just like Aaron was.

5 So also Christ didn't glorify himself to be made a high priest, but he who said to him, "You are my Son. Today I have become your father."