Hebrews 2:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

NIV: Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

NASB: For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.

CSB: For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

NLT: Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.

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

NKJV: For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

Because Jesus experienced our humanity, our suffering, and our temptation, He is worthy to be our High Priest and the perfect sacrifice for our sins (John 4:6-8; Hebrews 4:15). This experience makes Jesus a valid example for us to follow (Hebrews 2:11), and one who can look to us with compassion when we fail (Hebrews 4:15).

According to the writer of Hebrews, this role could never have been fulfilled by angels, since they do not experience suffering or temptation in the same way we do (Hebrews 2:14). God's love and mercy have been extended to mankind in ways He never offered to the angels (Hebrews 2:16). Using references to the Old Testament, the author has shown that Jesus Christ's incarnation, life, death, and resurrection are exactly how God planned to fulfill His promises.

In the original Greek, Jesus' response to our times of temptation has a much stronger flavor than in modern English. The author of Hebrews uses the word boēthēsai, which implies a deeper and more meaningful type of aid than English terms like "help." The ideas of comfort and rescue are bound up in this word. It was commonly used to describe the way a parent would soothe a crying child: lovingly providing exactly what is needed. Jesus doesn't merely "assist" us when we are tempted: He offers all of the comfort and support we could ever need.

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.