Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
In the days of his flesh (en taiv hmeraiv thv sarkov autou). Here (verses Hebrews 5:7-9) the author turns to the other requirement of a high priest (human sympathy). Since Jesus was "without sin" (Hebrews 4:15) he did not have to offer sacrifices "for himself," yet in all other points he felt the sympathy of the human high priest, even more so by reason of his victory over sin.
Having offered up (prosenegkav). Second aorist active (-a form) participle of prosferw (cf. verse Hebrews 5:3). An allusion to the Agony of Christ in Gethsemane.
Supplications (ikethriav). Socrates, Polybius, Job (Job 40:22) combine this word with dehseiv (prayers) as here. The older form was ikesia. The word ikethriov is an adjective from ikethv (a suppliant from ikw, to come to one) and suggests one coming with an olive-branch (elaia). Here only in the N.T.
With strong crying and tears (meta kraughv isxurav kai dakruwn). See Luke 22:44 f. for a picture of the scene in Gethsemane (anguish and pathos). No doubt the writer has in mind other times when Jesus shed tears (John 11:35; Luke 19:41), but Gethsemane chiefly.
To save him from death (swzein ek qanatou). A reference to the cry of Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39).
Having been heard for his godly fear (eisakousqeiv apo thv eulabeiav). Old word from eulabhv (taking hold well, Luke 2:25 from eu, lambanw, the verb eulabeomai in N.T. only in Hebrews 11:7), in N.T. only here and Hebrews 12:28. Fine picture of Christ's attitude toward the Father in the prayer in Gethsemane and in all his prayers. Jesus in Gethsemane at once surrendered his will to that of the Father who heard his plea and enabled him to acquiesce in the Father's will.
Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing Hebrews 5:7:
Mark 14:36
John 11:35
John 12:27
John 19:28
Hebrews 2:17
Hebrews 5:7
Hebrews 7:28
Hebrews 12:6
Hebrews 12:28
Hebrews 13:8
1 John 4:18
1 John 5:14
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