Hebrews 2:16

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

For {G1063} verily {G1222} he took {G1949} not {G3756} on {G1949} him the nature of angels {G32}; but {G235} he took on {G1949} him the seed {G4690} of Abraham {G11}.

Indeed, it is obvious that he does not take hold of angels to help them; on the contrary,

“He takes hold of the seed of Avraham.”

For surely it is not the angels He helps, but the descendants of Abraham.

For verily not to angels doth he give help, but he giveth help to the seed of Abraham.

Hebrews 2:16 is a pivotal verse that highlights the specific nature of Christ's incarnation and its purpose. It clarifies whom Jesus came to redeem, emphasizing His full identification with humanity rather than with angelic beings.

Context

This verse follows a profound discussion in the book of Hebrews about the superiority of Christ over angels (Chapter 1) and His temporary condescension to a human state for the sake of humanity's salvation (Chapter 2). The author has just explained that Jesus, though made for a little while lower than the angels, suffered death to bring many sons to glory (Hebrews 2:10). The verses preceding this emphasize Jesus' solidarity with humanity, sharing in flesh and blood to destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.

Key Themes

  • The Incarnation's Specificity: The verse explicitly states that Christ did not come to rescue or take on the nature of angels. This distinction is crucial, as it sets apart the scope of His redemptive work. Angels, having fallen without hope of repentance, are not the objects of His salvation.
  • Christ's Full Humanity: By taking on "the seed of Abraham," Jesus fully identified with humanity. This means He was truly human, born into the lineage of Abraham, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham's descendants. This complete identification with our human nature was essential for Him to be a sympathetic and effective High Priest (Hebrews 2:17).
  • Purpose of Redemption: Jesus' incarnation was specifically for the redemption of humankind. His willingness to humble Himself and become one of us underscores the depth of God's love and His specific plan for humanity's salvation from sin and death.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "took not on [him the nature of] angels" translates the Greek word epilambanetai (ἐπιλαμβάνεται), which literally means "to lay hold of," "to take hold of," or "to help." It implies taking someone's side or rendering aid. So, a more literal rendering could be "For surely he does not take hold of angels (to help them)," or "He does not give aid to angels." This emphasizes that His mission of salvation was not directed towards them.

Conversely, "he took on [him] the seed of Abraham" uses the same verb, indicating that He *did* take hold of, or come to the aid of, the descendants of Abraham—which, in a broader sense, refers to all humanity that would be saved through faith, in line with the promises made to Abraham and his seed, which is Christ (Galatians 3:29).

Practical Application

This verse offers immense comfort and assurance. Because Jesus fully embraced humanity, He understands our struggles, temptations, and weaknesses. His shared humanity means we have a High Priest who can truly sympathize with our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15). It also highlights the unique and precious value God places on human beings, demonstrating that His redemptive plan was specifically for us. We are the beneficiaries of His profound and personal sacrifice, made possible by His incarnation as one of us.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Galatians 3:29

    And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

  • Galatians 3:16

    Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

  • Romans 4:16

    Therefore [it is] of faith, that [it might be] by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

  • Romans 4:25

    Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

  • Genesis 22:18

    And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

  • Romans 2:25

    For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

  • Hebrews 12:10

    For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his holiness.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back