Hebrews 2:14
What does Hebrews 2:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 2:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 2:14 means
Since the children share “flesh and blood,” the Son likewise took on the same human nature. His aim was not simply to identify with them but, through death, to nullify the one wielding the power of death—the devil. The incarnation was unto the cross. By dying, Jesus broke the devil’s claim and dismantled his tyrannical leverage over humanity. Death was the adversary’s chief weapon; Christ entered its domain and conquered from within. This is not a mythic duel but a decisive act: the devil’s power is rendered inoperative for those in Christ because the curse is borne and the penalty paid by the incarnate Son.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And because the children are flesh and blood, he took a body himself and became like them; so that by his death he might put an end to him who had the power of death, that is to say, the Evil One;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Seeing, then, the children have partaken of flesh and blood, he himself also in like manner did take part of the same, that through death he might destroy him having the power of death--that is, the devil--
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Therefore because the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner hath been partaker of the same: that, through death, he might destroy him who had the empire of death, that is to say, the devil:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Since therefore the children partake of blood and flesh, he also, in like manner, took part in the same, that through death he might annul him who has the might of death, that is, the devil;
Context
Verse 14 draws a direct inference from the established solidarity (vv.11–13): shared nature leads to shared battle. The Son’s participation in flesh and blood is purposeful—victory through death. The next verse (v.15) will spell out the liberating effect for believers: freedom from lifelong bondage to the fear of death. Together these verses explain why Jesus had to be truly human and truly die, preparing for the clarification that his mission targets humans, not angels (v.16), and culminates in priestly propitiation (v.17).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 14:9
For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
- 1 Timothy 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; He who was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the spirit, Seen of angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.
- John 12:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a grain of wheat fall into the earth and die, it abideth by itself alone; but if it die, it beareth much fruit.
- Galatians 4:4
but when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
- Revelation 12:9
And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him.
- Hebrews 2:18
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.
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