King James Version

What Does Hebrews 2:14 Mean?

Hebrews 2:14 in the King James Version says “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that th... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Forasmuch 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;

Hebrews 2:14 · KJV


Context

12

Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

13

And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.

14

Forasmuch 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;

15

And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

16

For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. took not: Gr. taketh not hold of angels, but of the seed of Abraham he taketh hold


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The incarnation's purpose is stated: to destroy (Greek 'katargēsē' - render powerless) death's master, the devil. Christ 'partook of' (Greek 'meteschē') flesh and blood, emphasizing full humanity. The Reformed doctrine of Christ's active obedience requires genuine humanity - He had to be truly human to obey as our representative. His death defeated Satan not by force but by accomplishing redemption, removing Satan's legal grounds to accuse (Colossians 2:14-15).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish thought in the Second Temple period associated Satan with death based on Wisdom 2:24. The author draws on this tradition while presenting Christ's death as the means of Satan's defeat, paradoxically using death to destroy death.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's victory over death and Satan free you from fear?
  2. Why was it necessary for Christ to become fully human to save humanity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
ἐπεὶ1 of 29

Forasmuch

G1893

thereupon, i.e., since (of time or cause)

οὖν2 of 29

then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τὰ3 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παιδία4 of 29

as the children

G3813

a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian

κεκοινώνηκεν5 of 29

are partakers

G2841

to share with others (objectively or subjectively)

σαρκός6 of 29

of flesh

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

καὶ7 of 29

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

αἵματος8 of 29

blood

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

καὶ9 of 29

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

αὐτῶν10 of 29

himself

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

παραπλησίως11 of 29

likewise

G3898

in a manner near by, i.e., (figuratively) similarly

μετέσχεν12 of 29

he

G3348

to share or participate; by implication, belong to, eat (or drink)

τῶν13 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αὐτῶν14 of 29

himself

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἵνα15 of 29

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

διὰ16 of 29

through

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ17 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θανάτου18 of 29

death

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

καταργήσῃ19 of 29

he might destroy

G2673

to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively

τὸν20 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τὸ21 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κράτος22 of 29

the power

G2904

vigor ("great") (literally or figuratively)

ἔχοντα23 of 29

him that had

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τοῦ24 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θανάτου25 of 29

death

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

τοῦτ'26 of 29
G5124

that thing

ἔστιν27 of 29
G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τὸν28 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διάβολον29 of 29

the devil

G1228

a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 2:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 2:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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