Hebrews 2:17
What does Hebrews 2:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 2:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 2:17 means
Because his help is for people, “it behooved him” to be made like his brothers in every respect. Full likeness qualifies him to be a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God. As priest he represents the people before God and offers what they need—here, “propitiation for the sins of the people,” the sacrifice that turns aside God’s righteous wrath and secures forgiveness. His mercy flows from shared experience; his faithfulness from unwavering obedience. The incarnation was not partial; it was complete enough to bear sin and to sympathize. In Jesus, God provides the priest and the offering necessary to reconcile sinners to himself.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Wherefore 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Wherefore 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Because of this it was necessary for him to be made like his brothers in every way, so that he might be a high priest full of mercy and keeping faith in everything to do with God, making offerings for the sins of the people.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862wherefore it did behove him in all things to be made like to the brethren, that he might become a kind and stedfast chief-priest in the things with God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Wherefore, it behoved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest before God, that he might be a propitiation for the sins of the people.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Wherefore it behoved him in all things to be made like to [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things relating toGod, to make propitiation for the sins of the people;
Context
This verse is the theological summit of the chapter’s argument about Christ’s identification with humanity. Having shown why he shared flesh and blood (vv.14–16), the author now states the priestly purpose: propitiation grounded in full likeness and characterized by mercy and faithfulness. The final verse (v.18) draws out the practical implication of that likeness and suffering: Jesus’ ability to help those who are tempted. This transitions naturally to later sections of Hebrews that will expand his high priesthood and compassionate intercession.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Colossians 1:21
And you, being in time past alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works,
- Daniel 9:24
Seventy weeks are decreed upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy.
- Hebrews 3:2
who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also was Moses in all his house.
- Hebrews 4:14
Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
- Ephesians 2:16
and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
- Hebrews 2:14
Since 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;
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Propitiation refers to the appeasement of God's wrath through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, making reconciliation possible.
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