1. Hebrews 5:2 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What kind of ignorance is in view here?

Hebrews 5:2 (ESV)

2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.

The law contains regulations about sins that have been done unintentionally and inadvertently or in ignorance, but that still need correction (Leviticus 4:2, Leviticus 4:13, Leviticus 4:22, Leviticus 4:27; Leviticus 5:17–19; Leviticus 22:14; Numbers 15:22–31). This expression indicates the limit as to which sins can be reconciled: those that have been committed out of ignorance (see Hebrews 9:7). In addition, that same law knows of an intentional sin (in the Dutch States Bible: sin with a raised hand; cf. deliberate sinning in Hebrews 10:26). Also the New Testament knows of sins committed in ignorance (1 Timothy 1:13).1