Hebrews 2:17

Translations

Modern

For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people.

Traditional

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.

Literal

Hence it was necessary to be made like the brothers in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the things relating to God, in order to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

Latin

Unde debuit per omnia fratribus similari, ut misericors fieret, et fidelis pontifex ad Deum, ut repropitiaret delicta populi.

Original

Greek

English

For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people.

Notes

Hebrews 2:17–18

These verses introduce Jesus as our kind and loyal high priest, a role fully explained in the main part of Hebrews (Hebrews 4:14–10:25).
He needed to share our human experience (see 5:1).

Hebrews 2:10–18

This passage suggests at least four reasons why the Son of God became human.

It was appropriate: It aligns with God's character to achieve salvation this way (Hebrews 2:10).
Jesus needed to become human to die (2:14).
According to Old Testament law, high priests had to be chosen from among God's people (2:17).
Jesus became a compassionate priest by experiencing human suffering and challenges (2:18).

Theme notes and profiles

Atonement The Christ Hymn: Christ’s Divine Nature The Message of Reconciliation The Superiority of the Son

Related verses

Hebrews 2:14
Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil,
Philippians 2:7–8
…but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.
Hebrews 4:14–5:2
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess.
Romans 5:10
For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!
Hebrews 7:26
Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
2 Corinthians 5:18–21
All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:
Daniel 9:24
Seventy weeks are decreed for your people and your holy city to stop their transgression, to put an end to sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy Place.
Hebrews 2:11
For both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.
Hebrews 3:5
Now Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be spoken later.
Colossians 1:21
Once you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds, engaging in evil deeds.
Hebrews 7:28
For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.
Romans 15:17
Therefore I exult in Christ Jesus in my service to God.

Glossary

Ascension of Christ Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Expiation Forerunner Hebrews, Letter to the Passion Propitiation

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Design of Atonement: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Character of Christ: Merciful Jesus, the Christ: Humanity of Jesus, the Christ: Incarnation of Jesus, the Christ: Priesthood of: Made Reconciliation Jesus, the Christ: Saviour Lebanon of the Jewish Nation Reconciliation with God: Effected for Men by Christ As High Priest Reconciliation: Between God and Man Salvation: Plan of The Atonement: Reconciliation to God Effected By the High Priest Christ: Made Reconciliation The High Priest: Typified Christ in Making Atonement The Human Nature of Christ was Like Our own in all Things Except Sin The Human Nature of Christ was Necessary to his Mediatorial office Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Taken out of the Flock

Hebrews 2:17

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