Hebrews Chapter 5 · Verse 8
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
Original Language Analysis
υἱὸς
a Son
G5207
υἱὸς
a Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
3 of 9
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
ἀφ'
by
G575
ἀφ'
by
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 9
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ὧν
the things which
G3739
ὧν
the things which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 9
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔπαθεν
he suffered
G3958
ἔπαθεν
he suffered
Strong's:
G3958
Word #:
7 of 9
to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)
Cross References
Philippians 2:8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.John 4:34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.John 15:10If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.John 6:38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
Historical Context
This verse addresses the problem of a suffering Messiah. Far from disqualifying Him, Christ's sufferings uniquely qualified Him to sympathize with and save His people.
Questions for Reflection
- What is God teaching you through your current sufferings?
- How does knowing that even the Son learned through suffering change your perspective on trials?
Analysis & Commentary
The paradox—the eternal Son 'learned obedience'—shows He experientially learned submission through suffering. 'Though he were a Son' emphasizes that even His divine status did not exempt Him from the path of suffering. The Greek 'emathen aph hon epathen' creates a wordplay (learned/suffered) highlighting the educational value of suffering. This prepared Him to be the perfect High Priest.