Hebrews 5:7
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 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Hebrews refers to Jesus during his time on earth, specifically focusing on his humanity and his reliance on God the Father. The passage highlights Jesus' submission to the Father through earnest prayers and supplications, demonstrating the depth of his emotions as he faced the cross. Even though Jesus knew the pain and suffering that awaited him, he still willingly cried out to God for strength and deliverance. The phrase "with strong crying and tears" emphasizes the intensity of Jesus' plea to God. Despite his fear and anguish, Jesus willingly submitted to God's will, ultimately fulfilling his mission on earth. By showing vulnerability and dependence on the Father, Jesus sets an example for believers to approach God with honesty and trust, even in the face of adversity. This verse serves as a reminder of Jesus' humanity and his willingness to endure suffering for the salvation of mankind.
Theological Overview
One possible theological interpretation of this verse is that it highlights the humanity of Jesus during his time on earth. By emphasizing that Jesus offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears, the author of Hebrews presents Jesus as a figure who experienced the full range of human emotions and struggles. This serves to emphasize the empathy and compassion that Jesus can have for humanity, knowing firsthand what it means to face fear and suffering. The mention of Jesus being heard in that he feared can be seen as an affirmation of Jesus' faith and trust in God, even in the face of impending death. Some word studies on this verse could focus on the meanings of "prayers," "supplications," "crying," "tears," and "feared," which could provide deeper insights into the intensity of Jesus' emotional and spiritual experience in the garden of Gethsemane.
Hebrews 5:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
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, [
World English Bible
He, in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and petitions with strong crying and tears to him who was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,
Douay-Rheims
Who in the days of his flesh, with a strong cry and tears, offering up prayers and supplications to him that was able to save him from death, was heard for his reverence.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Who in the dayes of his flesh did offer vp prayers and supplications, with strong crying and teares vnto him, that was able to saue him from death, and was also heard in that which he feared.