Hebrews 5:2

2 and must be one who is able to bear patiently with the ignorant and erring, because he himself also is beset 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 is chosen from among men, and is appointed to act on behalf of men in matters relating to God, in order to offer both gifts and sin-offerings,

2 and must be one who is able to bear patiently with the ignorant and erring, because he himself also is beset with infirmity.

3 And for this reason he is required to offer sin-offerings not only for the people but also for himself.

4 And no one takes this honourable office upon himself, but only accepts it when called to it by God, as Aaron was.

5 So Christ also did not claim for Himself the honour of being made High Priest, but was appointed to it by Him who said to Him, "My Son art Thou: I have to-day become Thy Father;"