What does Hebrews 2:16 mean?

This verse summarizes a primary argument of Hebrews chapters 1 and 2. The author has used many Old Testament quotations to prove that the Promised One is divine, not an angel, and that angels are not the ones destined to rule in the kingdom of God. Instead, this Messiah will be God in human form. This humanity is important, since it allows Jesus Christ to be a perfect example and a valid sacrifice for all mankind.

Here, the same reason why no angel could serve as the Messiah is also the proof that God's salvation is meant for mankind, not the angels. Angels cannot and do not experience the same struggles and temptations as humanity. God's mercy and love have been shown to humanity, for example in His covenants with Noah (Genesis 9:8–17), Abraham (Genesis 12:1–7), the people of Israel as described to Moses (Exodus 19), and now through the incarnation of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 1:1–2).

While this letter is written to a Jewish Christian audience, they are not the only ones who have a claim to being "offspring of Abraham." According to passages such as Matthew 3:9 and Galatians 3:29, all those who have faith in Christ are part of the chosen family.