Hebrews 2:18
What does Hebrews 2:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 2:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 2:18 means
Because Jesus himself suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. His temptations were real and costly, and his sufferings fitted him to be a compassionate aid. He knows the pressure from within human weakness and from without by opposition, yet he remained faithful. Therefore his help is not theoretical; it is present, wise, and sympathetic. He meets the tempted not with scorn but with succor—practical support, inner strengthening, and priestly advocacy. The one crowned with glory and honor is also the brother who has walked the hard path. In our trials, we have in him both a pattern and a powerful helper.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For having been put to the test himself, he is able to give help to others when they are tested.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for in that he suffered, himself being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For in that wherein he himself hath suffered and been tempted he is able to succour them also that are tempted.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for, in that himself has suffered, being tempted, he is able to help those that are being tempted.
Context
This closing assurance applies the doctrine of verses 14–17 to the believer’s daily struggle. The chapter began with a warning against drifting and a call to earnest heed (vv.1–4). It has shown Jesus as the true man who fulfills Psalm 8, suffers to save, and serves as merciful high priest (vv.5–17). Now it lands pastorally: the Savior who died and rose also stands ready to aid the tempted. This prepares readers for later exhortations and for the extended teaching on Jesus’ priesthood in chapters that follow.
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.
v.18This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 4:1
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
- Hebrews 5:7
Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,
- 2 Peter 2:9
the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment unto the day of judgment;
- Hebrews 4:15
For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
- 2 Corinthians 12:7
And by reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I should not be exalted overmuch.
- Hebrews 5:2
who can bear gently with the ignorant and erring, for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity;
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