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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJohn Bengel Commentary - Hebrews 4:15 - 4:15
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Heb 4:15. Οὐ, not) The apostle institutes, by Chiasmus, a comparison between the Levitical high priest and Christ, 1) So far as qualities are concerned: 2) So far as calling is concerned. In the first there are an Apodosis and a Protasis; in the second, a Protasis and an Apodosis: ch. Heb 4:15-16, Heb 5:1-2; Heb 5:4-5.-συμπαθῆσαι, to be touched with a fellow-feeling) He is touched with a fellow-feeling, as having suffered the same things, Isa 1:6; Isa 1:4 : mercy is a cognate noun, Heb 4:16. The reference is to ch. Heb 2:17.-ταῖς ἀσθενείαις, with our infirmities) A suitable expression: ch. Heb 5:2. The idea of sin, in respect of us, is included; in respect of Christ, is excluded. The words, without sin, presently after follow.-καθʼ ὁμοιότητα, in the likeness) Inasmuch as He was made like us; ch. Heb 2:17.-χωρ ʼς ἁμαρτίας, without sin) So ch. Heb 9:28 : but how can one, tempted without sin, be capable of sympathising with those who are tempted with sin? With respect to the understanding, the mind of the Saviour much more acutely perceived the forms of temptation than we who are weak; with respect to the will, He as quickly repressed their assault as the fire represses a drop of water cast into it. He therefore experienced what power was necessary to overcome temptations. He is capable of sympathising, for He was both tempted without sin, and yet He was truly tempted.