Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Hebrews 5:2. It's a really interesting idea about how we can be compassionate towards those who don’t understand or aren’t following us. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that we – meaning believers – are inherently limited in our ability to fully understand everything. We can’t grasp every detail of God's plan or every thought of those who don’t share our perspective. But, because we’re connected to Jesus Christ through faith, we’re also “compassed with infirmity.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Who can have compassion on the ignorant…” : This means people who are not fully aware or understanding of God's truth. They don't grasp the big picture, they haven’t been given a clear understanding of His plan. Think of someone who hasn’t read the Bible or isn’t following the teachings of Jesus. “…and on them that are out of the way…” : This is a bit more figurative. “Out of the way” refers to those who are actively opposing God's will, those who are resisting His guidance, or those who are simply not aligned with Him. It’s like someone deliberately trying to block our path. “For that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.” : This is the crucial part! It means we , as believers, are also limited in our ability to fully understand everything. We're not perfect; we make mistakes and have blind spots. Our understanding isn’t complete. But because we’re connected to Jesus Christ through faith – that’s a special bond – we’re not completely blind. We are “compassed” with infirmity, which means we are constantly learning, growing, and striving to understand God's truth better. In simpler terms: It’s like having a map of the world, but you can only see a small part of it. You might not know everything , but because you’re connected to the core of the world – Jesus – you’re always learning and growing your understanding. What does this mean for us? It means that we should be patient with those who don't understand, offering them a gentle hand and a willingness to learn. We can’t fully grasp their perspective, but our faith provides a connection that allows us to still be compassionate and helpful. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail with an example? Connect it to a specific biblical story or concept?