King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
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.
Complete Jewish Bible:
This is why he had to become like his brothers in every respect — so that he might become a merciful and faithful cohen gadol in the service of God, making a kapparah for the sins of the people.
Berean Standard Bible:
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.
American Standard Version:
Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Wherefore{G3606} in{G2596} all things{G3956} it behoved him{G3784} to be made like{G3666} unto his brethren{G80}, that{G2443} he might be{G1096} a merciful{G1655} and{G2532} faithful{G4103} high priest{G749} in things pertaining to{G4314} God{G2316}, to{G1519} make reconciliation for{G2433} the sins{G266} of the people{G2992}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Philippians 2:7
- But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Philippians 2:8
- And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Hebrews 4:14
- Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession.
Hebrews 5:2
- Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
Hebrews 2:14
- ¶ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Romans 5:10
- For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
2 Corinthians 5:18
- And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
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Commentary for Hebrews 2:17
Hebrews 2:17 is a verse that encapsulates key themes within the New Testament, particularly the doctrine of the incarnation and the role of Jesus Christ as the ultimate high priest. The verse is set within a larger discourse in the Epistle to the Hebrews, which is believed to have been written to Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Levitical priesthood and the sacrificial system of the Old Testament.
The historical context of this verse involves the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant, as the author of Hebrews seeks to demonstrate the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. The verse emphasizes that Jesus had to become fully human ("like unto his brethren") to fulfill his role as high priest. This was necessary for several reasons: to experience humanity's weaknesses and temptations, to sympathize with human frailty, and to serve as a representative before God on humanity's behalf.
The text speaks specifically to the idea that Jesus' shared human experience qualifies him to be a merciful and faithful high priest. His mercy arises from his intimate understanding of human struggles, and his faithfulness is rooted in his sinless nature and obedience to God. As high priest, Jesus' primary function is to "make reconciliation for the sins of the people," meaning that through his sacrificial death, he bridges the gap between God and humanity, bringing about atonement and restoration of the relationship that was fractured by sin.
In summary, Hebrews 2:17 highlights the necessity of Jesus' incarnation for his role as high priest, underscores his compassion and fidelity, and affirms his unique ability to reconcile humanity to God through his atoning sacrifice. This verse is a theological cornerstone for understanding the nature of Christ's redemptive work and his ongoing intercession for believers.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: G3606
There are 15 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὅθεν
Transliteration: hóthen
Pronunciation: hoth'-en
Description: from ὅς with the directive enclitic of source; from which place or source or cause (adverb or conjunction):--from thence, (from) whence, where(-by, -fore, -upon). - Strong's Number: G2596
There are 436 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: κατά
Transliteration: katá
Pronunciation: kat-ah'
Description: a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined):--about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity. - Strong's Number: G3956
There are 1075 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πᾶς
Transliteration: pâs
Pronunciation: pas
Description: including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever. - Strong's Number: G3784
There are 35 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὀφείλω
Transliteration: opheílō
Pronunciation: of-i-leh'-o
Description: probably from the base of ὄφελος (through the idea of accruing); to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty:--behove, be bound, (be) debt(-or), (be) due(-ty), be guilty (indebted), (must) need(-s), ought, owe, should. See also ὄφελον. - Strong's Number: G3666
There are 15 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὁμοιόω
Transliteration: homoióō
Pronunciation: hom-oy-o'-o
Description: from ὅμοιος; to assimilate, i.e. compare; passively, to become similar:--be (make) like, (in the) liken(-ess), resemble. - Strong's Number: G80
There are 344 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀδελφός
Transliteration: adelphós
Pronunciation: ad-el-fos'
Description: from Α (as a connective particle) and (the womb); a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like Α):--brother. - Strong's Number: G2443
There are 535 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἵνα
Transliteration: hína
Pronunciation: hin'-ah
Description: probably from the same as the former part of ἑαυτοῦ (through the demonstrative idea; compare ὁ); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result):--albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to. Compare ἵνα μή. - Strong's Number: G1096
There are 636 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: γίνομαι
Transliteration: gínomai
Pronunciation: ghin'-om-ahee
Description: a prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.):--arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought. - Strong's Number: G1655
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐλεήμων
Transliteration: eleḗmōn
Pronunciation: el-eh-ay'-mone
Description: from ἐλεέω; compassionate (actively):--merciful. - Strong's Number: G2532
There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: καί
Transliteration: kaí
Pronunciation: kahee
Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet. - Strong's Number: G4103
There are 62 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πιστός
Transliteration: pistós
Pronunciation: pis-tos'
Description: from πείθω; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful:--believe(-ing, -r), faithful(-ly), sure, true. - Strong's Number: G749
There are 120 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀρχιερεύς
Transliteration: archiereús
Pronunciation: ar-khee-er-yuce'
Description: from ἀρχή and ἱερεύς; the high-priest (literally, of the Jews, typically, Christ); by extension a chief priest:--chief (high) priest, chief of the priests. - Strong's Number: G4314
There are 674 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πρός
Transliteration: prós
Pronunciation: pros
Description: a strengthened form of πρό; 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, i.e. near to; usually with the accusative case, the place, time, occasion, or respect, which is the destination of the relation, i.e. whither or for which it is predicated):--about, according to , against, among, at, because of, before, between, (where-)by, for, X at thy house, in, for intent, nigh unto, of, which pertain to, that, to (the end that), X together, to (you) -ward, unto, with(-in). In the comparative case, it denotes essentially the same applications, namely, motion towards, accession to, or nearness at. - Strong's Number: G2316
There are 1172 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: θεός
Transliteration: theós
Pronunciation: theh'-os
Description: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward). - Strong's Number: G1519
There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εἰς
Transliteration: eis
Pronunciation: ice
Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively). - Strong's Number: G2433
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἱλάσκομαι
Transliteration: hiláskomai
Pronunciation: hil-as'-kom-ahee
Description: middle voice from the same as ἵλεως; to conciliate, i.e. (transitively) to atone for (sin), or (intransitively) be propitious:--be merciful, make reconciliation for. - Strong's Number: G266
There are 190 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἁμαρτία
Transliteration: hamartía
Pronunciation: ham-ar-tee'-ah
Description: from ἁμαρτάνω; a sin (properly abstract):--offence, sin(-ful). - Strong's Number: G2992
There are 139 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: λαός
Transliteration: laós
Pronunciation: lah-os'
Description: apparently a primary word; a people (in general; thus differing from δῆμος, which denotes one's own populace):--people.