Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Hebrews Chapter 2 mean?

Hebrews chapter 2 continues the main theme of chapter 1: distinguishing Jesus from angels. The chapter includes additional Old Testament quotes in order to make these points. In addition, the writer of Hebrews warns against the dangers of ignoring the message of Christ and refers to the way Jesus became human in order to perfectly serve as our ultimate high priest.

This passage opens with a warning (Hebrews 2:1–4). According to the Scriptures, when God delivers a message and it is ignored, there are consequences. This applies to more than just a take-it-or-leave-it approach to God’s message; “drifting” from His truth also results in problems. The Greek of this passage includes terms related both to deliberate sin as well as to mistakes (Hebrews 2:1–2). Regardless of how it happens, moving from truth to error never ends well. In the case of this particular message, God has gone to great lengths to provide proof (Hebrews 2:3–4), so there are no good excuses for “drifting.”

After that caution, the writer of Hebrews returns to the Old Testament. The purpose is to continue proving that Jesus, the Messiah, is not an angel. He is superior to angels both in His divine nature and as a Savior for mankind. The quotations and arguments used in this passage emphasize the humanity of the Messiah (Hebrews 2:5–18). An angel could not experience true humanity—they cannot call mankind “brothers” (Hebrews 2:5–13). Christ became a man, in every respect, in order to completely destroy the Devil’s power of death and sin over man (Hebrews 2:14–17).

The result is a Savior who understands suffering and temptation personally (Hebrews 2:18). When He offers comfort and encouragement, it’s sincere. Jesus can honestly look at our circumstances and say, “I know how you feel. I have been there, too.” In order for Jesus to really be the perfect substitute for us, He needed to overcome what we could not: human temptation. This is why Satan attempted to short-circuit Jesus’ path to the cross (Matthew 4:1–11; Matthew 26:36–46).

This chapter continues the book of Hebrews’ extensive use of Old Testament quotations. As a letter written mostly to a Jewish Christian audience, these references would have been well-known and well-respected. This also means, for the modern reader, that understanding those Old Testament references is important when interpreting each passage of this book.

Chapter Context
The first two chapters of Hebrews are meant to prove that Jesus Christ is superior to angels. Rather than seeing Jesus as a created being, or some form of exalted angel, He should be viewed as what He is: identical with God. These two chapters use extensive Old Testament quotes to prove this point. The first few verses of chapter 2 feature the first of several warnings within the book about the dangers of apostasy. Later chapters will demonstrate that Christ is also superior to other prophets, spiritual leaders, and priests.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

Chapters 1 and 2 of Hebrews explain that Jesus is not an angel, or some other created being. The writer of Hebrews uses various Old Testament quotations to show that the Promised One cannot be an angel, but is in fact divine and identical to God. The intended audience of this letter is Christians with a Jewish background. This is the reason for emphasizing Old Testament concepts and passages. This also helps us to understand the context of the various warnings given in Hebrews, which become continually stronger as the book progresses.

Verses 1 through 4 of this passage offer the first of several warnings given in the book of Hebrews. This caution is mild, but includes an implicit criticism: these Jewish Christians are not being careful in their study of the faith. The original Greek of this verse uses the term perissoterōs to describe how the readers are to approach the faith. This word means “much more, more abundantly, or especially.” These people need to be more committed to learning about the Word of God.

The purpose of this suggestion is obvious. Since there are false teachers and false gospels in the world, it’s important for Christians to know the actual content of their faith, so they won’t be seduced by counterfeit versions. The following verses will explain the consequences of drifting from truth.

Context Summary
Hebrews 2:1–4 is the first of five warnings against spiritual error found in this book. Since Jesus is God’s message to mankind, ignoring Him will bring disaster. The writer of Hebrews points out that those who violated the Old Covenant suffered punishment. Therefore, those who violate the New Covenant can expect consequences. This gospel has been confirmed by witnesses and miracles, and needs to be given closer attention by the reader. Whether by accident, or on purpose, breaking God’s laws always results in disaster.

Verse 2. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution,

In verse 1, the writer of Hebrews described the most basic means of holding to the truth without “drifting,” which is to pay close attention. In particular, the readers of this letter need to be concentrating more on truth than they have been. This is part of the first warning given in this book, and the gentlest. Later cautions will be more strident and involve higher consequences. The second warning, for example, occupies the entire third and fourth chapters of this book.

The consequence of drifting from truth into error is described in verses 2 and 3. If the message from God is true, and those who violate that message are punished, then those who fail to pay attention to the message are guaranteed trouble. God has spoken to His people (Hebrews 1:1), most recently through Christ (Hebrews 1:2). Those who broke God’s commandments in the past were given exactly what they deserved. Verse 3 will point out that those who ignore the message of Christ have no real hope of avoiding the same fate.

The two words used here, referring to the behavior which is penalized, are important to understand. These are parabasis, translated as “transgression,” and parakoē, translated as “disobedience.” The Greek word for disobedience implies a deliberate, willful act. However, the term for “transgression” relates to the idea of “crossing a line.” This term, in other words, includes unintentional mistakes as well as purposeful sins. This is part of the reality we live in: defying the truth, on purpose or not, will always result in consequences. Sincere or not, if we drift from the truth, we’re going to get ourselves into trouble.

Verse 3. how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard,

Verse 1 through 4 are words of caution. Those who are shallow or casual in their approach to the faith are prone to “drifting” from truth into error. According to the writer of Hebrews, this is not a small problem. God’s message has always proven itself true (Hebrews 2:2), and that message currently comes through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1–2). In the past those who moved away from God’s will suffered the consequences (Hebrews 2:3). With that in mind, what hope would a person have of avoiding disaster if they don’t pay close attention to the truth (Hebrews 2:1)?

Verse 1 admonished the reader to pay close attention to the gospel message. This verse emphasizes this by using the Greek word amelēsantes. This means “to make light of, ignore, treat carelessly, or neglect.” The image is that of carelessness and apathy, as opposed to diligence. Verse 2 used two distinct Greek words for violations of God’s message, including both deliberate and accidental offenses. Errors made “by mistake,” as a result of negligence, are still violations of the will of God.

There is sometimes debate over whether this verse is a reference to trouble in our earthly lives or eternal damnation. Clearly, the writer of Hebrews is speaking to fellow Christians. Verse 1 of this chapter, for instance, repeatedly uses the concept of “we.” And yet, there are certainly ways in which ignoring the gospel can lead to eternal death, for those who are not saved. In short, this means that this warning is both about earthly and eternal consequences.

For the saved believer, salvation is secure. It cannot be lost (John 10:28–29; Jude 1:24). However, Christians still live in a world of cause and effect. “Neglecting” the truths of the faith and falling into sin will always have consequences, from earthly problems to the loss of eternal rewards. For the unsaved person, neglecting Jesus Christ—treating Him with apathy or carelessness—means certain and eternal death (John 3:36).

This message of salvation was proclaimed not only by Jesus, but also passed along by those who personally witnessed His ministry (Luke 1:1–4; 2 Peter 1:16).

Verse 4. while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

Prior verses warned that the consequences of “drifting” (Hebrews 2:1) from the truths God has given are dire. Both God’s direct judgment as well as natural cause-and-effect will affect those who follow error (Hebrews 2:2). Since the stakes of Jesus’ message are so high, we can’t be lazy or casual about it and expect to avoid trouble.

In verse 3, the writer of Hebrews began to mention the supporting evidence for the gospel message. There, Jesus’ direct testimony is offered along with the accounts of those who saw His ministry in person (Luke 1:1–4; 2 Peter 1:16). Here, the use of miracles and other supernatural events is used as further proof. The apostles were given the ability to verify their message via God’s power (Acts 2:43; 2 Corinthians 12:12).

The reason for bringing up these proofs is to highlight how serious the problem of “drifting” really is. God has not been casual about demonstrating Himself to mankind (Romans 1:18–20; Psalm 19:1; Hebrews 1:1–2). His message is not obscure or disguised. It is not dependent on blind faith. And so, there are very few excuses we can make when we violate His will. As verse 3 pointed out, God punished those who disobey, and He has given us more than enough evidence. How can a person reject all that God has done, and shown, and then expect not to be judged accordingly?

Verse 5. For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking.

Some Jewish groups believed that angels would rule the world in the end times. This included the Essenes, the sect which produced the Dead Sea Scrolls. However, according to the writer of Hebrews, the Scriptures which were cited in chapters 1 and 2 prove this is not the case. The One being given power and authority is clearly not an angel. In this passage, the author springs from the idea that Messiah is not an angel to specific evidence that He is actually a man. Prior verses made it clear that this Promised One is divine (Hebrews 1:3), but these upcoming verses will show Him taking on human form (Hebrews 2:14). This is a useful example of how New Testament authors understood God as a Trinity of Father, Son, and Spirit.

The purpose of this passage is to show that God, in the form of Jesus, took on a human form in order to perfectly counter Satan’s power of death and sin. This allowed Jesus to call mankind “brothers,” and to serve as a perfect, ultimate high priest.

As this verse notes, this is not a change in topic. This is the same theme “of which [the book of Hebrews is] speaking.” The next verses will provide more Old Testament proof. These references would have been especially meaningful to the letter’s audience: Jewish Christians.

Context Summary
Hebrews 2:5–18 explains why the Messiah, Jesus Christ, came in the form of a man, rather than being an angel. In order to serve as a true example, He had to experience our human suffering and temptation. By doing so, Jesus was able to become the ”Captain,” or the ”Founder,” of our salvation. His resurrection breaks the slavery we experience over our fear of death. By using more quotations from the Old Testament, the writer of Hebrews shows that this is exactly what God planned for all along.

Verse 6. It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him,or the son of man, that you care for him?

To modern eyes and ears, it seems odd to refer to the Scripture as saying something “somewhere.” However, the writer of Hebrews is just using flowery language—a turn of phrase the original readers would have recognized naturally. The audience of this letter are Jewish Christians, who are familiar with the Old Testament texts. So this phrasing is a bit like asking modern-day Christians, “doesn’t the Bible say somewhere that God loved the world so much He sent His son? (John 3:16)” The “somewhere” phrasing, then, is really a reminder of something in the Scriptures which the readers obviously already know.

Verses 6, 7, and 8 of this passage cite Psalm 8:4–6. This Psalm praises God for using His creation—human beings—to rule the earth, instead of ruling it directly. The main point being made in the Psalm is that people are given great value by God, even though we really don’t deserve it. And, not only are we valued, we are also given power and authority, which we likewise don’t truly deserve. We’re sinners, but God still holds us in a special place.

The writer of Hebrews will apply this idea to Jesus. God created mankind, and gave them power and authority, despite their sin. This means becoming human is not “beneath” God, and Messiah taking on a human form fits the destiny of man: to be in human form but to have authority in creation. This verse, in particular, hinges heavily on the psalmist’s use of the term “son of man,” which the Jewish people associated with the Promised One (Daniel 7:13–14).

Verse 7. You made him for a little while lower than the angels;you have crowned him with glory and honor,

Prior sections of this letter were focused on proving that Jesus, the Messiah, is not merely some angelic being. Here, the writer of Hebrews begins to show that Jesus did not come as an angel to save men, but as a man. This allowed Him to perfectly function as our sacrifice, substitute, and high priest (Hebrews 2:9–14). In the previous verse, the author began a quotation of Psalm 8.

This specific verse in Hebrews is from Psalm 8:5, which points out that mankind is given honor and glory which are not offered to angels. The point seems to be that the idea of Messiah coming as a man does not make Him inferior to angels. According to the Jewish Scriptures, mankind has already been given power and honor beyond what angels are allowed. So, the idea of Jesus coming as a man, rather than as an angel, is not something which contradicts God’s purposes.

In fact, as later verses will show, coming as a man is crucial to Jesus fulfilling His role as Savior.

Verse 8. putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him.

This verse completes a quotation of Psalm 8:4–6. The writer of Hebrews is distinguishing between Jesus and angels. In part, this is to show that Jesus is not Himself an angel, but is actually divine (Hebrews 1:3). This reference to Psalm 8 also supports the idea that the Messiah had to be a man in order to fully serve as both our high priest and substitute (Hebrews 2:10). Psalm 8 celebrates the creative work of God, while praising Him for using human beings to rule that creation. As it applies to the book of Hebrews, the author is pointing out that there is no shame in Messiah being fully human—God has granted honor and power to humanity which He never extended to angels.

Interestingly, the writer of Hebrews also points out that this Psalm has not been completely fulfilled, either in humanity or in Christ. The fall of mankind means that there are aspects of creation to which humans are now subject, instead of them being subject to us. And, of course, Jesus Christ is not yet ruling. The connection is supported in verse 9, however. Specifically, we will see how Jesus’ suffering and death were crucial to Him becoming the perfect and suitable sacrifice for human sin.

Verse 9. But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

The writer of Hebrews quotes from the Septuagint, a Jewish translation of the Old Testament into Greek. For this reason, the phrasing of Old Testament quotes found in Hebrews may be slightly different than what’s found in the same translation’s text of the quoted passage. This is one example, where one can see a subtle difference in some version’s quotes between Hebrews and Psalms.

In verses 6–8, the writer of Hebrews quoted Psalm 8:4–6, which described mankind as being created “a little lower than the [angels],” but yet given gracious respect and authority by God. This idea is connected, in this letter, to the idea of Messiah being fully human. His humanity is not a mark of shame, since God has already shown so much favor to mankind, as compared to the angels. In fact, Jesus’ life as a man allowed Him to fully experience our struggles. This not only allows Christ to respond to us with compassion (Hebrews 2:18), it also means He actually lived a human life and can therefore serve as a perfect high priest and conqueror over sin (Hebrews 2:17).

In other words, the reason the Promised One—Jesus—was made “lower” than other spiritual beings, in the sense of becoming human, was so that He could obtain the greater victory. The entire purpose of His incarnation was in order to suffer death, but a death that would lead to eternal life for mankind. This is clearer in the original Greek, which did not rely on punctuation marks to separate phrases. Had this been written in modern English, the phrase “crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death” would probably have been set off from the rest of the verse by dashes or parentheses.

In the next verses, the author of Hebrews will explain more about the reasons why God would send Jesus in the way He did.

Verse 10. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.

According to prior verses, Jesus was sent in human form specifically in order to suffer death on behalf of mankind. Verses 10 and 11 explain how this makes Jesus “perfect” as a sacrificial substitute for humanity. Humanity is tempted, and so was Christ (Hebrews 4:15). Humanity faces death, and so did Christ (Hebrews 2:9). This means that, as Christ was raised from the dead, so will those who believe in Him be raised (Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 4:14; Hebrews 2:17; 10:12). The full explanation of this thought runs all the way through verse 18.

This passage also continues to remind the readers that Jesus Christ is the eternal Creator. Earlier verses specified that Jesus was co-creator with God the Father (Hebrews 1:2). Here, that same Creator is the one sending Jesus in order to restore our relationship to God.

The phrase “founder of their salvation” comes from the Greek archēgon tēs sōtērias autōn. The word archēgon carries the idea of being a leader, a pioneer, or an example. Some translations use the English term captain. This idea of Christ being our trailblazer, and our model, is seen throughout the New Testament (1 Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 5:1; Colossians 1:18). This same term will be used of Christ in Hebrews 12:2, in a similar context. This word is also seen in the original Greek of Acts 3:15 and Acts 5:31; interestingly, all four of these references are spoken directly to the Jewish people.

Verse 11. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,

In this passage, the writer of Hebrews is explaining how Jesus’ life as a man makes Him a perfect leader and a perfect sacrifice. The prior verse used the Greek term archēgon, meaning “founder, pioneer, or captain,” in reference to Jesus and our salvation. This was one of four uses of this term in the New Testament, all of which are in reference to Jesus, and all of which are directed at people of Israel.

The New Testament often refers to salvation as something which brings us into the family of God (John 1:12–13; Romans 8:16–17; 1 John 3:1). This passage in Hebrews points out that humanity is not something God despises or is ashamed of. Psalm 8, quoted in Hebrews 2:6–8, noted that God gave man glory and power beyond that of angels. Here, the fact that Jesus became a man allows Him to call those He has saved “brothers” (Matthew 25:40). This, again, flows from the idea of Christ being the leader, or example, or captain, of our salvation, as in verse 10.

Verse 12. saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers;in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”

This verse is a quotation from Psalm 22. The writer of Hebrews is speaking to a Jewish Christian audience and uses many references to the Old Testament in order to support his points. The choice of Psalm 22 is interesting because of its focus on undeserved suffering. This Psalm was written by David, but does not describe any literal events in his life. And so, it is seen as both a general commentary on suffering as well as a prophecy of the Messiah. Jesus may well have been quoting Psalm 22:1 from the cross. The citation given here, in Hebrews, is from Psalm 22:22, where the psalmist resolves to praise God even though he has not yet been rescued.

This passage of Hebrews not only explains that Jesus was truly and fully human, it refutes the idea that this would be shameful for God. In fact, the way Jesus suffered makes Him a fully perfect substitute for mankind. And, it allows Him to comfort us with legitimate compassion (Hebrews 4:15), as one who has experienced all of the struggles we do as limited people (Hebrews 2:18).

Verse 13. And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.”

Verse 13 is part of an explanation of Jesus’ role as Savior. By becoming a man, Jesus was able to say He had experienced all of the struggles of human life (Hebrews 4:15). This allows Him to be the leading example for our salvation (Hebrews 2:10) and gives Him the ability to call those who are saved His “brothers” (Hebrews 2:11). The author of Hebrews has used numerous Old Testament quotations to prove these ideas, and presents two more in this verse.

The first quotation is from Isaiah 8:17. In that verse, the prophet Isaiah is proclaiming his willingness to trust God even though God is hiding His face from Israel. Despite their sins and shortcomings, and despite God’s current silence, the prophet knew that God was going to make good on His promises. This harmonizes well with the reference to Psalm 22 used in the prior verse from Hebrews. Both involve a servant who suffers but retains faith in God.

The second quotation in this verse is from Isaiah 8:18, though it also echoes the thoughts of Psalm 18:2. Psalm 18 proclaims trust in God and His promises. That Psalm also ends with a celebration of an anticipated rescue by God and His blessings on the psalmist’s children. The writer of Hebrews has been discussing the idea of Christians as Jesus’ brothers, something His sacrifice allowed us to become (1 John 3:1). The prophet Isaiah named his children according to the promises of God. Here, the idea seems to be that being given the promise of these children, or brothers, is a sign of God’s faithfulness and blessing on Jesus.

Verse 14. Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,

According to the prior verses, Jesus’ role as the “Captain” of our salvation includes taking on the suffering we experience as human beings. The writer of Hebrews has already explained that the Messiah could not be an angel, according to passages in the Old Testament. In addition, angels cannot truly experience human suffering, so they cannot be an example for people to follow. As a man, however, Jesus Christ is able to do exactly that. Part of that example was laid out in verses 12 and 13, which quoted from both the Psalms and the prophet Isaiah. Those references showed the idea of trusting God despite temporary hardships.

Satan is referred to here as wielding the power of death, which follows from his role in the fall. It was Satan who tempted man to sin (Genesis 3:1–7), and Satan who continues to tempt men today (Ephesians 4:27; 1 John 3:8; 1 Peter 5:8). Following that temptation leads to both physical and spiritual death (Romans 6:23). Sin, rather than making us free, makes us its slaves. This is a topic the next verse will describe in detail.

This verse clearly presents the reason why Jesus, the Promised One, had to become human in order to be the perfect “founder” of salvation. His humanity allowed Him to experience the same things normal people do. This makes His perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection a valid example for us to follow. Specifically, this perfect life and sinless sacrifice “destroys” Satan, who has the power of death. This concept of destruction is from the Greek term katargēsē, which means “to counter, negate, deactivate, or abolish.”

In other words, by taking on human form, Jesus Christ shattered the enslaving control which the fear of death has on humanity (2 Timothy 1:10; Colossians 2:15; 1 John 3:8).

Verse 15. and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

In the previous verse, Satan was described as wielding the power of death. As the one who tempted man to fall (Genesis 3:1–7), and who tempts us to sin today (Ephesians 4:27; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 3:8), Satan certainly can bring death and destruction into our lives (Romans 6:23). It’s common for people to reject obedience to God because they see it as too restrictive. In truth, sin will make us slaves, while submission to Christ will set us free (John 10:10; Galatians 5:1, 13).

The particular form of slavery the Devil wields, in this verse, is the fear of death. When we are afraid to die, we can make all sorts of immoral and irrational decisions. Becoming a Christian doesn’t make us immune to this fear, of course. But it does provide a much different perspective on life and death. Instead of fearing death above all else, and living as a slave to that fear, the saved believer can take full advantage of a “more abundant” life, through Christ.

The crucial reason Jesus is able to give us this confidence is through His own example. He isn’t merely a detached spirit giving us orders. As this passage already explained, Jesus took on the sufferings that other people experience. This not only allows Him to comfort us with compassion, it makes His sacrifice and victory applicable to our lives. If He has experienced our pain and suffering, we can be assured He understands our struggles.

Verse 16. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham.

This verse summarizes a primary argument of Hebrews chapters 1 and 2. The author has used many Old Testament quotations to prove that the Promised One is divine, not an angel, and that angels are not the ones destined to rule in the kingdom of God. Instead, this Messiah will be God in human form. This humanity is important, since it allows Jesus Christ to be a perfect example and a valid sacrifice for all mankind.

Here, the same reason why no angel could serve as the Messiah is also the proof that God’s salvation is meant for mankind, not the angels. Angels cannot and do not experience the same struggles and temptations as humanity. God’s mercy and love have been shown to humanity, for example in His covenants with Noah (Genesis 9:8–17), Abraham (Genesis 12:1–7), the people of Israel as described to Moses (Exodus 19), and now through the incarnation of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 1:1–2).

While this letter is written to a Jewish Christian audience, they are not the only ones who have a claim to being “offspring of Abraham.” According to passages such as Matthew 3:9 and Galatians 3:29, all those who have faith in Christ are part of the chosen family.

Verse 17. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

Verse 16 punctuated the idea that God has favored mankind above angels. This is shown in the lives of the Jewish forefathers (Genesis 9; Genesis 12; Exodus 19). It is also demonstrated in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Prior verses pointed out that angels do not experience suffering or temptation in the same way as humans. So, they cannot be truly useful in times of trouble, and they cannot serve as examples for us to follow (Hebrews 1:14).

Christ, on the other hand, came as a man, in order to perfectly serve as our example and our sacrifice. This verse puts an exclamation point on the entire theme of Hebrews chapters 1 and 2. The Messiah had to become exactly like humanity in order to properly atone for their sins and to become the truly perfect high priest reconciling them to God. All of the Old Testament quotations used in Hebrews, so far, are meant to intersect in this single statement.

For the Jewish Christians reading these words, the idea of a “high priest” would have been especially meaningful. Once per year, Israel’s high priest—and only that single person at that single time—entered the holiest part of the temple in order to offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16). When Jesus was crucified, the veil which separated this room from the rest of the temple was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:50–51). Both literally and figuratively, Jesus serves as our perpetual High Priest, eliminating the barrier between God and man, and atoning for sin once and for all (Hebrews 10:11–14).

Verse 18. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Because Jesus experienced our humanity, our suffering, and our temptation, He is worthy to be our High Priest and the perfect sacrifice for our sins (John 4:6-8; Hebrews 4:15). This experience makes Jesus a valid example for us to follow (Hebrews 2:11), and one who can look to us with compassion when we fail (Hebrews 4:15).

According to the writer of Hebrews, this role could never have been fulfilled by angels, since they do not experience suffering or temptation in the same way we do (Hebrews 2:14). God’s love and mercy have been extended to mankind in ways He never offered to the angels (Hebrews 2:16). Using references to the Old Testament, the author has shown that Jesus Christ’s incarnation, life, death, and resurrection are exactly how God planned to fulfill His promises.

In the original Greek, Jesus’ response to our times of temptation has a much stronger flavor than in modern English. The author of Hebrews uses the word boēthēsai, which implies a deeper and more meaningful type of aid than English terms like “help.” The ideas of comfort and rescue are bound up in this word. It was commonly used to describe the way a parent would soothe a crying child: lovingly providing exactly what is needed. Jesus doesn’t merely “assist” us when we are tempted: He offers all of the comfort and support we could ever need.

End of Chapter 2.

Please Note:

The material use in this post, video is from BibleRef.com which is from Got Questions Ministries and is posted here to be read by Immersive reader in the Edge Browser. If you copy this material please follow these rules:

•Content from BibleRef.com may not be used for any commercial purposes, or as part of any commercial work, without explicit prior written consent from Got Questions ministries.

•Any use of our material should be properly credited; please make it clear the content is from BibleRef.com.

•BibleRef.com content may not be altered, modified, or otherwise changed unless such changes are specifically noted.