Hebrews 2:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham.

NIV: For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants.

NASB: For clearly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendants of Abraham.

CSB: For it is clear that he does not reach out to help angels, but to help Abraham's offspring.

NLT: We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham.

KJV: For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

NKJV: For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham.

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.

Hebrews 2:5–18 explains why the Messiah, Jesus Christ, came in the form of a man, rather than being an angel. In order to serve as a true example, He had to experience our human suffering and temptation. By doing so, Jesus was able to become the ''Captain,'' or the ''Founder,'' of our salvation. His resurrection breaks the slavery we experience over our fear of death. By using more quotations from the Old Testament, the writer of Hebrews shows that this is exactly what God planned for all along.

Chapter 2 begins with a strong warning about the dangers of apostasy. Chapter 1 opened by explaining that Jesus Christ is the message of God. This chapter points out that those who have faith in Christ, but drift from that truth, will face dire consequences. The rest of the passage continues a series of proofs begun in Chapter 1. These are quotes from the Old Testament, used to prove that the Messiah is not an angel, but is superior to any created being. He is, in fact, identical to God. And yet, He became fully human in order to serve as our perfect high priest.

The first two chapters of Hebrews are meant to prove that Jesus Christ is superior to angels. Rather than seeing Jesus as a created being, or some form of exalted angel, He should be viewed as what He is: identical with God. These two chapters use extensive Old Testament quotes to prove this point. The first few verses of chapter 2 feature the first of several warnings within the book about the dangers of apostasy. Later chapters will demonstrate that Christ is also superior to other prophets, spiritual leaders, and priests.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.