King James Version

What Does Hebrews 2:17 Mean?

Hebrews 2:17 in the King James Version says “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high ...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Wherefore 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.”

Hebrews 2:17 · KJV

Context

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

17

Wherefore 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.

18

For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The necessity ('he ought') of incarnation flows from Christ's high priestly role. 'Made like unto his brethren' emphasizes full identification with humanity except for sin (4:15). The dual qualifications of a high priest are faithfulness toward God and mercy toward people. 'Propitiation' (Greek 'hilaskomai') means to satisfy God's wrath and reconcile sinners through sacrificial atonement.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish high priests represented the people before God on the Day of Atonement. Christ fulfills and surpasses this role by being both the priest and the sacrifice, offering Himself to satisfy divine justice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's merciful nature as High Priest give you confidence to approach God?
  2. What sins do you need to bring before your faithful and merciful High Priest today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
ὅθεν1 of 24

“Wherefore”

G3606

from which place or source or cause (adverb or conjunction)

ὤφειλεν2 of 24

“it behoved him”

G3784

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

κατὰ3 of 24

“in”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

πάντα4 of 24

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοῖς5 of 24
G3588

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

ἀδελφοῖς6 of 24

“unto his brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ὁμοιωθῆναι7 of 24

“to be made like”

G3666

to assimilate, i.e., compare; passively, to become similar

ἵνα8 of 24

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐλεήμων9 of 24

“a merciful”

G1655

compassionate (actively)

γένηται10 of 24

“he might be”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

καὶ11 of 24

“and”

G2532

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

πιστὸς12 of 24

“faithful”

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

ἀρχιερεὺς13 of 24

“high priest”

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

τὰ14 of 24
G3588

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

πρὸς15 of 24

“in things pertaining to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν16 of 24
G3588

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

θεόν17 of 24

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

εἰς18 of 24

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ19 of 24
G3588

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

ἱλάσκεσθαι20 of 24

“make reconciliation for”

G2433

to conciliate, i.e., (transitively) to atone for (sin), or (intransitively) be propitious

τὰς21 of 24
G3588

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

ἁμαρτίας22 of 24

“the sins”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

τοῦ23 of 24
G3588

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

λαοῦ24 of 24

“of the people”

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

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 2:17 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 2:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 2:7-8Hebrews 4:14-5:2Hebrews 2:14Romans 5:10Hebrews 7:262 Corinthians 5:18-21

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