Devine Scripture

Hebrews 2:16

What does Hebrews 2:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 2:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 2:16 means

Christ’s saving help is not directed to angels but to the “seed of Abraham.” His mission is covenantal and human, aimed at the people God promised to bless through Abraham—a category that, in the wider biblical story, encompasses all who share Abraham’s faith. The point here, however, is contrast: angels are not the objects of redemption; humans are. This reaffirms the chapter’s theme: the Son identifies with humanity, not with angels, to rescue them. It underscores the dignity and priority of God’s redemptive plan for people and prepares for the explanation that his priestly work required full likeness to those he came to save.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For verily not to angels doth he give help, but he giveth help to the seed of Abraham.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For verily not to angels doth he give help, but he giveth help to the seed of Abraham.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For, truly, he does not take on the life of angels, but that of the seed of Abraham.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for, doubtless, of messengers it doth not lay hold, but of seed of Abraham it layeth hold,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For nowhere doth he take hold of the angels: but of the seed of Abraham he taketh hold.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For he does not indeed take hold of angels [by the hand], but he takes hold of the seed of Abraham.

Context

Returning to the angel comparison, verse 16 emphasizes the human focus of Christ’s aid. This sets the stage for verse 17, which explains why full identification—“in all things”—was necessary for him to serve as a merciful and faithful high priest and to make propitiation for sins. The closing verse (v.18) will then draw the practical comfort: because he suffered when tempted, he is able to help tempted believers. The flow thus moves from scope (not angels but Abraham’s seed) to means (incarnation and priesthood) to pastoral application (aid in temptation).

v.15and might deliver all them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

v.16This passage

v.17Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Genesis 22:18

    and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

  • Galatians 3:16

    Now to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

  • Hebrews 12:10

    For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness.

  • Galatians 3:29

    And if ye are Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, heirs according to promise.

  • Romans 4:16

    For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace; to the end that the promise may be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all

  • Romans 2:25

    For circumcision indeed profiteth, if thou be a doer of the law: but if thou be a transgressor of the law, thy circumcision is become uncircumcision.

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