What does Hebrews 5:7 mean?

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Hebrews 5:7

Explanation

Hebrews 5:7 speaks of Jesus Christ during his time on Earth, focusing particularly on his vulnerability and human emotions in the face of impending death. It acknowledges that although Jesus was divine, he lived a human experience and displayed human reactions such as prayer, intense supplication, and tears. The verse underscores his devoutness and piety, showing that even as the Son of God, he turned to prayer to seek deliverance from death—expressing deep reverence and fear (awe) towards God. This verse, while highlighting Jesus’ humanity, also suggests that his prayers were heard by God due to his reverential submission.

Historical Context

The Epistle to the Hebrews is a New Testament book with an uncertain authorship, traditionally attributed to Paul but more commonly believed to be written by an unknown Jewish Christian. It was likely composed before the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in AD 70. The audience is presumed to consist of Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament. Hebrews 5:7 addresses part of the high priestly ministry of Jesus, drawing parallels to Jewish customs and the sacrificial system to explicate Jesus’ role in divine salvation.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives offer insights into Hebrews 5:7:

• Orthodox Christianity: Emphasizes the duality of Jesus Christ’s nature, fully human and fully divine. This verse illustrates his human side and his dependence on God the Father.

• Reformed Theology: Focuses on the obedience and submission of Christ to God’s will, depicting him as the ultimate high priest who intercedes for humanity.

• Liberation Theology: May see this text as a spotlight on Jesus identifying with suffering and the plight of the oppressed, showing solidarity with human anguish.

Practical Applications

Christians can see Hebrews 5:7 as a call to embrace vulnerability in their spiritual lives, understanding that it is compatible with faith to express fear and to seek help through prayer. This verse teaches that turning to God in times of distress is a sign of piety and faith. Moreover, it can encourage believers to acknowledge their fears and engage with them through prayer and trust in God.

Cross-References

• Psalm 22:24: “For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.”

• Isaiah 53:3: “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”

• Matthew 26:38-39: “Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

Language Study

• “Prayers and supplications” (προσευχὴ καὶ ἱκετηρία): Suggest a combination of general prayers and specific, earnest pleas.

• “Strong crying and tears” (μετὰ κραυγῆς ἰσχυρᾶς καὶ δακρύων): Indicates the intensity and depth of Jesus’ emotional state.

• “Heard in that he feared” (εἰσακουσθεὶς ἀπὸ τῆς εὐλαβείας): Implies that his prayers were answered due to his deep reverence, translated as “fearing” but more accurately means pious or devout.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be drawn with other religious traditions where central figures display vulnerability in the face of suffering, such as:

• Islam: The Quran narrates the emotional struggles and prayers of prophets like Job and Muhammad during their trials.

• Buddhism: Buddhism speaks of the Buddha confronting the pains of life and suffering before achieving enlightenment.

• The Hero’s Sorrow in Mythology: Many cultures have stories of heroes who express profound sorrow or plead with the gods, akin to this depiction of Jesus.

Scientific Perspectives

The expression of deep emotional distress and crying in prayer is a human behavior that can be studied through the lenses of psychology and neurology. While the verse does not directly touch on scientific concepts, it describes a profound emotional and physiological human response to stress and fear that aligns with what is understood about the human body and mind in intense situations.

Commentaries

Expert commentary on Hebrews 5:7 often addresses:

• Jesus’ Emotional State: Commentators note the raw human emotions Jesus experienced, stressing the genuine fear and distress he felt as he faced crucifixion.

• The Role of Jesus as High Priest: Experts discuss how this verse illuminates Jesus’ mediatory role, sympathizing with human weaknesses.

• The Concept of Obedience through Suffering: Scholars may explore how Jesus’ suffering and prayers exemplify the concept of learning obedience and submission to God’s will through suffering.