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 5:7KJV
Know the Bible

Hebrews 5:7 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 5:7 mean?

Hebrews 5:7 describes how, during his earthly life, Jesus offered up prayers and urgent requests to God with loud cries and tears, to the one who could save him from death, and that he was heard because of his reverent submission. The verse highlights Jesus’ deep emotional struggle and his faithful dependence on God in the face of suffering.

The writer of Hebrews is speaking to Jewish Christians, reminding them that Jesus, even though he was the Son of God, experienced real human weakness and intense distress. This verse points to moments like Jesus’ prayers in Gethsemane, showing that he truly shared in human suffering and trusted God completely, which is central to his role as a compassionate high priest.

The Greek behind Hebrews 5:7

  • "ἱκετηρίας" (hiketerias, G2428): This word means "supplications" or urgent requests, often with a sense of pleading. Its use here emphasizes the intensity and humility of Jesus’ prayers.
  • "ἰσχυρᾶς" (ischyras, G2478): Translated as "strong," this word highlights the powerful, forceful nature of Jesus’ cries, showing the depth of his emotion.
  • "εὐλαβείας" (eulabeias, G2124): This is translated as "feared," but it carries the meaning of reverent submission or godly respect. The verse is not saying Jesus was afraid, but that he showed deep reverence and awe toward God.

Why Hebrews 5:7 matters

  • Hebrews 5:7 clears up the idea that Jesus was distant or untouched by human pain; instead, it shows he faced real agony and prayed with genuine emotion.
  • The verse emphasizes that Jesus’ prayers were heard not simply because he was God’s Son, but because of his reverent trust and obedience, highlighting the importance of humble faith.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in Hebrews that Jesus is a high priest who truly understands human weakness, making him able to sympathize with and help those who suffer.

Where else these words appear

“feared” Greek G2124 · used in 2 verses

  • Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

“heard” Greek G1522 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • Acts 10:31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

“crying” Greek G2906 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
  • Acts 23:9 And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.
  • Revelation 14:18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.

“tears” Greek G1144 · used in 11 verses

  • Mark 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
  • Acts 20:19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
  • 2 Timothy 1:4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;