Hebrews 5:2

Who can. Literally, “being able.” The basis of his ability is his own frail humanity.

Have compassion. Gr. metriopatheo, “to moderate one’s feelings,” “to deal gently with,” “to feel gently toward.”

The ignorant. Gr. agnoed, “not to know,” “not to understand,” “to be ignorant,” “to do wrong,” “to sin in ignorance.” The last meaning seems to be particularly appropriate here. Those who sin through ignorance need to be gently dealt with inasmuch as their offense is not willful. They need enlightenment and encouragement. They are unwitting offenders and should not be classed with those who commit the same offenses with full knowledge of the evil of their course.

That are out of the way. Rather, “those who are being led astray,” or “those who are being deceived.”

Compassed with infirmity. The high priest was subject to like passions as his people were. His personal, experimental knowledge of the weaknesses and temptations of the flesh led him to have a sympathetic understanding of the weaknesses and failures of others, and qualified him to give counsel and help to those in temptation. Compare on chs. 2:17; 4:15.