The Meaning of Hebrews 5:07 Explained

Hebrews 5:07

KJV: 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;

YLT: who in the days of his flesh both prayers and supplications unto Him who was able to save him from death -- with strong crying and tears -- having offered up, and having been heard in respect to that which he feared,

Darby: Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up both supplications and entreaties to him who was able to save him out of death, with strong crying and tears; (and having been heard because of his piety;)

ASV: Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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; 

What does Hebrews 5:07 Mean?

Study Notes

feared
.
fear of the Lord
The "fear of the Lord," a phrase of the O.T. piety, meaning reverential trust, with hatred of evil.

Verse Meaning

The phrase "days of his flesh [1]" draws attention to the weakness that characterized Jesus" life during His earthly sojourn. Jesus" offerings to God (cf. Hebrews 5:1) included His prayers and petitions. Specifically, Jesus" prayers from Gethsemane and the cross that were part of His offering of worship and expiation to God illustrate this (cf. Psalm 22:22-24; Hebrews 2:12). However, Jesus" entire passion ministry is probably in view here. [2] God heard and granted Jesus" prayers, the evidence of which is Jesus" resurrection (cf. Psalm 22:22-31). "Piety" means reverent submission, godly fear, and trust. Jesus" prayers show His ability to sympathize with those He represents ( Hebrews 5:2-3; cf. John 17). The writer of Hebrews said more about Jesus" priestly ministry than any other New Testament writer. [3]

Context Summary

Hebrews 5:1-10 - Our Divinely Appointed High Priest
Having to act for men, our High Priest must be man, acquainted with human conditions; having to do with God, he must be appointed by God. Is there one of us that is not conscious of liability to ignorance and wandering? We all evermore need the high priesthood of Jesus.
The Aaronic priests must needs make atonement for themselves, but our Lord was without sin. See Leviticus 4:3. Hebrews 5:5 has reference to His resurrection and ascension. See Romans 1:4; Acts 13:33. His priestly service dates from the completion of His mediatorial work on the Cross. No scene in our Lord's life fulfills Hebrews 5:7 like that of the Garden, when it seemed impossible for the human body to hold out under the stress of His anguish. He feared that He would succumb before He reached Calvary. He had to yield obedience unto death in order to learn what obedience really means. Thus as to His humanity He became perfected; and if only we believe and obey, He will effect a perfect deliverance for us from all evil. There is no sin so strong, no need so intricate, that He cannot cope with it. [source]

Chapter Summary: Hebrews 5

1  The honor of our Savior's priesthood
11  Negligence in the knowledge thereof is reproved

Greek Commentary for Hebrews 5:07

In the days of his flesh [εν ταις ημεραις της σαρκος αυτου]
Here (Hebrews 5:7-9) the author turns to the other requirement of a high priest (human sympathy). Since Jesus was “without sin” (Hebrews 4:15) he did not have to offer sacrifices “for himself,” yet in all other points he felt the sympathy of the human high priest, even more so by reason of his victory over sin. Having offered up Second aorist active (-α — a form) participle of προσπερω — prospherō (cf. Hebrews 5:3). An allusion to the Agony of Christ in Gethsemane. Supplications Socrates, Polybius, Job (Job 40:22) combine this word with δεησεις — deēseis (prayers) as here. The older form was ικεσια — hikesia The word ικετηριος — hiketērios is an adjective from ικετης — hiketēs (a suppliant from ικω — hikō to come to one) and suggests one coming with an olive branch Here only in the N.T. With strong crying and tears See Luke 22:44. for a picture of the scene in Gethsemane (anguish and pathos). No doubt the writer has in mind other times when Jesus shed tears (John 11:35; Luke 19:41), but Gethsemane chiefly. To save him from death A reference to the cry of Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39). Having been heard for his godly fear Old word from ευλαβης — eulabēs (taking hold well, Luke 2:25 from ευ λαμβανω — eu class="normal greek">ευλαβεομαι — lambanō the verb eulabeomai in N.T. only in Hebrews 11:7), in N.T. only here and Hebrews 12:28. Fine picture of Christ‘s attitude toward the Father in the prayer in Gethsemane and in all his prayers. Jesus in Gethsemane at once surrendered his will to that of the Father who heard his plea and enabled him to acquiesce in the Father‘s will. [source]
Having offered up [προσενεγκας]
Second aorist active (-α — a form) participle of προσπερω — prospherō (cf. Hebrews 5:3). An allusion to the Agony of Christ in Gethsemane. Supplications Socrates, Polybius, Job (Job 40:22) combine this word with δεησεις — deēseis (prayers) as here. The older form was ικεσια — hikesia The word ικετηριος — hiketērios is an adjective from ικετης — hiketēs (a suppliant from ικω — hikō to come to one) and suggests one coming with an olive branch Here only in the N.T. With strong crying and tears See Luke 22:44. for a picture of the scene in Gethsemane (anguish and pathos). No doubt the writer has in mind other times when Jesus shed tears (John 11:35; Luke 19:41), but Gethsemane chiefly. To save him from death A reference to the cry of Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39). Having been heard for his godly fear Old word from ευλαβης — eulabēs (taking hold well, Luke 2:25 from ευ λαμβανω — eu class="normal greek">ευλαβεομαι — lambanō the verb eulabeomai in N.T. only in Hebrews 11:7), in N.T. only here and Hebrews 12:28. Fine picture of Christ‘s attitude toward the Father in the prayer in Gethsemane and in all his prayers. Jesus in Gethsemane at once surrendered his will to that of the Father who heard his plea and enabled him to acquiesce in the Father‘s will. [source]
Supplications [ικετηριας]
Socrates, Polybius, Job (Job 40:22) combine this word with δεησεις — deēseis (prayers) as here. The older form was ικεσια — hikesia The word ικετηριος — hiketērios is an adjective from ικετης — hiketēs (a suppliant from ικω — hikō to come to one) and suggests one coming with an olive branch Here only in the N.T. With strong crying and tears See Luke 22:44. for a picture of the scene in Gethsemane (anguish and pathos). No doubt the writer has in mind other times when Jesus shed tears (John 11:35; Luke 19:41), but Gethsemane chiefly. To save him from death A reference to the cry of Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39). Having been heard for his godly fear Old word from ευλαβης — eulabēs (taking hold well, Luke 2:25 from ευ λαμβανω — eu class="normal greek">ευλαβεομαι — lambanō the verb eulabeomai in N.T. only in Hebrews 11:7), in N.T. only here and Hebrews 12:28. Fine picture of Christ‘s attitude toward the Father in the prayer in Gethsemane and in all his prayers. Jesus in Gethsemane at once surrendered his will to that of the Father who heard his plea and enabled him to acquiesce in the Father‘s will. [source]
With strong crying and tears [μετα κραυγης ισχυρας και δακρυων]
See Luke 22:44. for a picture of the scene in Gethsemane (anguish and pathos). No doubt the writer has in mind other times when Jesus shed tears (John 11:35; Luke 19:41), but Gethsemane chiefly. To save him from death A reference to the cry of Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39). Having been heard for his godly fear Old word from ευλαβης — eulabēs (taking hold well, Luke 2:25 from ευ λαμβανω — eu class="normal greek">ευλαβεομαι — lambanō the verb eulabeomai in N.T. only in Hebrews 11:7), in N.T. only here and Hebrews 12:28. Fine picture of Christ‘s attitude toward the Father in the prayer in Gethsemane and in all his prayers. Jesus in Gethsemane at once surrendered his will to that of the Father who heard his plea and enabled him to acquiesce in the Father‘s will. [source]
To save him from death [σωζειν εκ τανατου]
A reference to the cry of Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39). Having been heard for his godly fear Old word from ευλαβης — eulabēs (taking hold well, Luke 2:25 from ευ λαμβανω — eu class="normal greek">ευλαβεομαι — lambanō the verb eulabeomai in N.T. only in Hebrews 11:7), in N.T. only here and Hebrews 12:28. Fine picture of Christ‘s attitude toward the Father in the prayer in Gethsemane and in all his prayers. Jesus in Gethsemane at once surrendered his will to that of the Father who heard his plea and enabled him to acquiesce in the Father‘s will. [source]
Having been heard for his godly fear [εισακουστεις απο της ευλαβειας]
Old word from ευλαβης — eulabēs (taking hold well, Luke 2:25 from ευ λαμβανω — eu class="normal greek">ευλαβεομαι — lambanō the verb eulabeomai in N.T. only in Hebrews 11:7), in N.T. only here and Hebrews 12:28. Fine picture of Christ‘s attitude toward the Father in the prayer in Gethsemane and in all his prayers. Jesus in Gethsemane at once surrendered his will to that of the Father who heard his plea and enabled him to acquiesce in the Father‘s will. [source]
[]
d He is now to show that Christ was under training for the priesthood, and describes the process of training. [source]
Who [ὃς]
Nominative to ἔμαθεν learned Hebrews 5:8, to which all the participles are preparatory. [source]
In the days of his flesh [ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ]
During his mortal life. [source]
When he had offered up prayers and supplications [δεὴσεις τε καὶ ἱκετηρίας προσενέγκας]
Δεήσεις specialdefinite requests: ἱκετηρίας , N.T.ois properly an adjective, pertaining to or fit for suppliants, with ῥάβδους stavesor ἐλαίας olive-branchesunderstood. The olive-branch bound round with wool was held forth by a suppliant in token of his character as such. The phrase προσφέρειν δεήσεις N.T.oUnto him that was able to save him from death ( πρὸς τὸν δυνάμενον σώζειν αὐτὸν ἐκ θανάτου )Const. with prayers and supplications, not with offered. To save him from death may mean to deliver him from the fear of death, from the anguish of death, or from remaining a prey to death. In either case, the statement connects itself with the thought of Christ's real humanity. He was under the pressure of a sore human need which required divine help, thus showing that he was like unto his brethren. He appealed to one who could answer his prayer. The purport of the prayer is not stated. It is at least suggested by Matthew 26:39. [source]
And was heard in that he feared [καὶ εἰσακουσεὶς ἀπὸ τῆς εὐλαβείας]
Rend. was heard on account of his godly fear. Ἐυλάβεια only here and Hebrews 12:28. The verb εὐλαβεῖσθαι toact cautiously, beware, fear, only Hebrews 11:7. The image in the word is that of a cautious taking hold ( λαμβάνειν ) and careful and respectful handling: hence piety of a devout and circumspect character, as that of Christ, who in his prayer took account of all things, not only his own desire, but his Father's will. Ευλάβεια is ascribed to Christ as a human trait, see Hebrews 12:28. He was heard, for his prayer was answered, whatever it may have been. God was able to save him from death altogether. He did not do this. He was able to sustain him under the anguish of death, and to give him strength to suffer the Father's will: he was also able to deliver him from death by resurrection: both these he did. It is not impossible that both these may be combined in the statement he was heard. [source]
Δεήσεις special definite requests: ἱκετηρίας , N.T.ois properly an adjective, pertaining to or fit for suppliants , with ῥάβδους stavesor ἐλαίας olive-branchesunderstood. The olive-branch bound round with wool was held forth by a suppliant in token of his character as such. The phrase προσφέρειν δεήσεις N.T.o Unto him that was able to save him from death [πρὸς τὸν δυνάμενον σώζειν αὐτὸν ἐκ θανάτου]
Const. with prayers and supplications, not with offered. To save him from death may mean to deliver him from the fear of death, from the anguish of death, or from remaining a prey to death. In either case, the statement connects itself with the thought of Christ's real humanity. He was under the pressure of a sore human need which required divine help, thus showing that he was like unto his brethren. He appealed to one who could answer his prayer. The purport of the prayer is not stated. It is at least suggested by Matthew 26:39. [source]

What do the individual words in Hebrews 5:07 mean?

[He] in the days of the flesh of Him prayers both and supplications to the [One] being able to save Him from death with crying loud tears having offered up having been heard because of - reverence
Ὃς ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ δεήσεις τε καὶ ἱκετηρίας πρὸς τὸν δυνάμενον σῴζειν αὐτὸν ἐκ θανάτου μετὰ κραυγῆς ἰσχυρᾶς δακρύων προσενέγκας εἰσακουσθεὶς ἀπὸ τῆς εὐλαβείας

ἡμέραις  days 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Plural
Root: ἡμέρα  
Sense: the day, used of the natural day, or the interval between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from and contrasted with the night.
τῆς  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
σαρκὸς  flesh 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: σάρξ  
Sense: flesh (the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood) of both man and beasts.
αὐτοῦ  of  Him 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
δεήσεις  prayers 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Plural
Root: δέησις  
Sense: need, indigence, want, privation, penury.
τε  both 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: τέ  
Sense: not only … but also.
ἱκετηρίας  supplications 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Plural
Root: ἱκετηρία  
Sense: an olive branch.
τὸν  the  [One] 
Parse: Article, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
δυνάμενον  being  able 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: δύναμαι  
Sense: to be able, have power whether by virtue of one’s own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favourable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom.
σῴζειν  to  save 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active
Root: ἐκσῴζω 
Sense: to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction.
θανάτου  death 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θάνατος 
Sense: the death of the body.
κραυγῆς  crying 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: κραυγή  
Sense: a crying, outcry, clamour.
ἰσχυρᾶς  loud 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: ἰσχυρός  
Sense: strong, mighty.
δακρύων  tears 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: δάκρυον  
Sense: a tear.
προσενέγκας  having  offered  up 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: προσφέρω  
Sense: to bring to, lead to.
εἰσακουσθεὶς  having  been  heard 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Passive, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: εἰσακούω  
Sense: to give heed to, comply with admonition, to obey.
ἀπὸ  because  of 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἀπό 
Sense: of separation.
τῆς  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
εὐλαβείας  reverence 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: εὐλάβεια  
Sense: caution, circumspection, discretion.