• Hebrews 4:15
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 15 οὐ not γὰρ for ἔχομεν we are having ἀρχιερέα chief priest μὴ not δυνάμενον being able συνπαθῆσαι to sympathize ταῖς to the ἀσθενείαις weaknesses ἡμῶν, of us, πεπειρασμένον having been tested δὲ but κατὰ according to πάντα all (things) καθ’ according to ὁμοιότητα likeness χωρὶς apart from ἁμαρτίας. sin.

  • Hebrews 4:15
    King James Version

    • 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

  • Hebrews Study Notes—Chapter 4
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 4:15

      we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize: Paul does not simply say that Jesus can sympathize; rather, the apostle uses a double negative to add emphasis (“we do not have . . . who cannot”). Paul thus reassures the Hebrew Christians that Jesus is significantly different from the imperfect humans who served as high priests. In the history of Israel, some high priests at times proved unsympathetic toward the people they were supposed to help.

      sympathize with our weaknesses: The Greek word rendered “sympathize” means to share the experience and feelings of another person. (See also Heb 10:34, where Paul uses the same Greek verb.) Jesus’ life on earth enhanced his sympathy for humans. He was fully human, and he suffered losses, disappointments, mistreatment, weariness, and humiliation. (See study note on Heb 2:17.) Moreover, time and again he showed that he sympathizes deeply with those who struggle against pressures to sin.​—See also study notes on Mr 5:34; Joh 11:33, 35.

      tested in all respects: See study notes on Heb 2:18; 4:15; 5:8.