Hebrews 2:15

And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

And {G2532} deliver {G525} them {G5128} who {G3745} through {G1223} fear {G5401} of death {G2288} were {G2258} all {G3956} their lifetime {G2198} subject {G1777} to bondage {G1397}.

and thus set free those who had been in bondage all their lives because of their fear of death.

and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

and might deliver all them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Commentary

Hebrews 2:15 KJV: "And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."

This powerful verse from the book of Hebrews highlights one of the profound benefits of Jesus Christ's incarnation and sacrifice: the liberation of humanity from the pervasive and enslaving fear of death. It speaks to a deep human condition and offers a divine solution.

Context

Hebrews chapter 2 emphasizes the superiority of Christ over angels and explains the necessity of His humanity. The author argues that Jesus had to become fully human, sharing in flesh and blood, in order to fulfill His redemptive mission. This verse builds directly on the preceding statement that Jesus partook of human nature to destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. By conquering death through His own death and resurrection, Christ disarmed the enemy and freed those who were perpetually enslaved by the terror of mortality.

Key Themes

  • Deliverance from the Fear of Death: The primary message is that Christ's work provides freedom from the natural, yet often paralyzing, dread of dying. This fear can dictate choices, limit experiences, and create a sense of existential dread.
  • Bondage and Slavery: The verse explicitly states that the fear of death leads to a "lifetime subject to bondage." This isn't merely a psychological state but a spiritual and existential slavery. People become enslaved to anxieties, superstitions, and even sin, all stemming from the ultimate fear of their own end.
  • Christ's Redemptive Work: Jesus's purpose in becoming human was precisely to break this bondage. His victory over death means that believers no longer face the grave with terror but with hope. This liberation echoes the triumphant cry in 1 Corinthians 15:55, "O death, where is thy sting?"

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word translated "bondage" is douleia (δουλεία), which literally means "slavery" or "servitude." This term emphasizes the profound and involuntary nature of the human condition without Christ. It's not just a feeling of being restricted, but a deep, inherent state of being owned or controlled. The "fear of death" (phobos thanatou - φόβος θανάτου) is presented as the master that holds humanity in this servitude, a primal fear that touches every aspect of life.

Practical Application

For believers today, Hebrews 2:15 offers immense comfort and empowerment. Because Christ has conquered death, those who trust in Him are no longer slaves to its fear. This freedom allows for a life lived not in constant apprehension, but in the Spirit of adoption, which casts out fear. It enables believers to live boldly for God's purposes, knowing that their ultimate destiny is secure in Christ, regardless of earthly circumstances. This verse encourages a profound trust in God's sovereignty and Christ's finished work, transforming anxiety into peace and dread into hope.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 8:15

    For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

  • 2 Timothy 1:7

    For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

  • Luke 1:74

    That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,

  • Luke 1:75

    In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:10

    Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us];

  • Romans 8:21

    Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

  • Psalms 55:4

    My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.