NT Text: Hebrews 5:2
OT Source(s):
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): Typology + Contrast
Significance: Hebrews describes the high priest's ability to "have compassion on the ignorant (τοῖς ἀγνοοῦσιν, tois agnoousin) and on those going astray." This directly echoes Leviticus 4's provision for sins committed "through ignorance" (בִשְׁגָגָה, bishgagah). The LXX translates with ἀκουσίως (akousiōs, "unwillingly"), but Hebrews shifts to the ἀγνοέω word group ("ignorance") to emphasize the cognitive dimension—sinning without knowing the action was sinful. Human high priests could sympathize because they shared the same weakness (5:3). Christ's compassion surpasses theirs: though sinless, He "learned obedience through what He suffered" (5:8) and thus ministers with perfect understanding to those who sin unknowingly. The Levitical provision for ignorant sin finds its ultimate expression in Christ's priestly compassion.