What does Hebrews 5:2 mean?

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. Hebrews 5:2

Explanation

Hebrews 5:2 discusses the qualities of a high priest, particularly focusing on the ability of the high priest to sympathize with those he serves. The high priest must have compassion for those who are ignorant of the Law and those who have gone astray, as he himself is subject to the same weaknesses. This verse signifies the expectation of empathy and understanding from religious leaders, acknowledging that they, too, are human and fallible. It emphasizes that the high priest should deal gently with people, with a sense of humility rooted in his own human condition.

Historical Context

Hebrews was written in a time when the early Christian community was undergoing a transition from Jewish religious practices to a new understanding of faith in Christ. The audience of Hebrews is generally believed to consist of Jewish Christians who understood the Jewish priesthood and sacrificial system. During this period, the high priest held a significant role in the Jewish religion, serving as a bridge between God and the Israelites, and performing annual sacrifices for the sins of the people. The high priest was a mediator who had to be pure and blameless, yet Hebrews presents a new perspective by highlighting Jesus as the ultimate high priest who is able to perfectly empathize with humanity due to his own experience as a human being.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives view this verse in varied ways. For example:

• Traditional Protestant theology might see this verse as emphasizing Christ’s unique qualifications as a mediator between God and humans.
• Catholic theology may relate this passage to the role of priests and their duty to be compassionate, due to their own consciousness of personal sin.
• Liberation theology might highlight the verse’s call for leaders to be intimately involved with the struggles of the marginalized and human frailty.

Overall, the theological consensus is that the verse underlines the importance of a priesthood (whether Christ’s or earthly priests’) that is understanding and merciful, based on their own weakness and sins.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages leaders, not only in religious contexts but in all areas of life, to be compassionate toward those they lead. The application of this teaching can manifest in:

• Patient guidance and instruction for those who lack understanding.
• Forbearance and mercy towards those who err or stray from expected norms or behaviors.
• A reminder for leaders to remain humble, recognizing their own frailties.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 4:15 – “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
• Hebrews 2:17 – “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text of Hebrews 5:2, key words include:

• “Compassion” (Greek: metriopathein) — The word conveys moderation in feeling, suggesting a measured, understanding response.
• “Ignorant” (Greek: agnoountas) — It refers to those who lack knowledge, emphasizing the high priest’s role in teaching and guiding.
• “Out of the way” (Greek: planomenous) — This phrase means to go astray or wander, indicating moral or spiritual deviation.
• “Compassed with infirmity” (Greek: perikeimeno auton astheneia) – It suggests being encircled or surrounded by weakness, emphasizing common human frailty.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient mythologies, gods and demigods often exhibit superhuman traits far removed from human frailty. The Hebrews passage distinguishes the Christian theological perspective by stressing the similarity between the divine mediator and the people he mediates for. In other ancient religions, a mediator or priest was often seen as a distant figure, whereas the biblical framework encourages relatability and empathy.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, empathy and compassion are understood to be psychological traits that have evolved in social species, including humans. These traits are essential for group cohesion and survival. The verse’s acknowledgement of the high priest’s need for empathy aligns with this understanding, suggesting that effective leadership is rooted in the ability to foster social bonds through shared experiences and understanding.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and theologians offer insights into Hebrews 5:2:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary describes the high priest taken from among men as someone who can appropriately have compassion on the ignorant and erring because he himself is also beset with weakness.
• The Expositor’s Greek Testament highlights the significance of the high priest’s ability to deal moderately (metriopathein) with the ignorances and errors of the people.
• John Calvin’s Commentary accentuates the need for the high priest to bear patiently with the foolish and wayward since he is enveloped in the same infirmities. Calvin sees this as a reason Jesus Christ is the perfect high priest, having truly borne our weaknesses.