Hebrews 2:17

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.

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}.

This is why he had to become like his brothers in every respect β€” 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.

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.

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.

Commentary

Hebrews 2:17 explains the profound necessity of Jesus Christ's incarnation and humanity, outlining the purpose behind God becoming man. This verse serves as a crucial bridge, connecting Christ's shared humanity with His unique role as our High Priest.

Context

This verse follows a detailed argument in the book of Hebrews emphasizing Christ's superiority over angels and His complete identification with humanity. Chapters 1 and 2 establish Jesus' divine nature as the Son of God, the heir of all things, and the one through whom God created the universe. However, to fulfill His redemptive mission, the author explains in Hebrews 2:9-16 that Jesus had to share in human flesh and blood. He did this to destroy the power of death and deliver those enslaved by the fear of it. Verse 17 then directly states the logical conclusion and purpose of this identification.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Christ's Full Humanity: The phrase "in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren" underscores the theological truth of Jesus' complete humanity. He experienced life as we do, with its joys, sorrows, and limitations (though without sin). This perfect identification is essential for His role as mediator.
  • The Merciful and Faithful High Priest: Jesus' humanity enables Him to be a sympathetic and understanding High Priest. Because He suffered and was tempted, He can truly empathize with human weakness. His "faithfulness" speaks to His unwavering commitment to God's plan and His perfect execution of His priestly duties on behalf of humanity. This theme of Christ as the High Priest is central to the book of Hebrews, providing a stark contrast to the Levitical priesthood.
  • Reconciliation for Sins: The ultimate purpose of Christ's high priestly work is "to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." This refers to the atonement, the act by which God and humanity are brought back into relationship after being estranged by sin. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross achieved this reconciliation, satisfying divine justice and providing forgiveness.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "reconciliation" here is hilaskomai (ἱλάσκομαι). While sometimes rendered as "propitiation," it carries the meaning of making amends, expiation, or making gracious. It signifies the act of turning away divine wrath by offering an acceptable sacrifice, thereby restoring a right relationship. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system, which Jesus fulfilled and surpassed through His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

Hebrews 2:17 offers tremendous comfort and assurance to believers. Because Jesus experienced human life fully, including suffering and temptation, we can approach Him with confidence, knowing He understands our struggles. He is not a distant, unfeeling God, but a compassionate High Priest who has personally walked our path. This understanding should encourage us to bring our sins, weaknesses, and needs to Him, trusting in His mercy and His perfect work of reconciliation. His humanity ensures His empathy; His divinity ensures His power to save.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 1.5 Flash, 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.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.
7 Major Themes in the Book of Hebrews An Introduction to Hebrews: Christ is Better The Warning Passages in Hebrews The Humanity of Christ: Biblical Evidence The Doctrine of the Incarnation: God Became Man

Cross-References

  • 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

    ΒΆ 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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