Hebrews 2:18

For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

For {G1063} in {G1722} that {G3739} he {G3958} himself {G846} hath suffered {G3958} being tempted {G3985}, he is able {G1410} to succour {G997} them that are tempted {G3985}.

For since he himself suffered death when he was put to the test, he is able to help those who are being tested now.

Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.

For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.

Hebrews 2:18 is a profound verse that beautifully encapsulates the compassionate nature of Jesus Christ and the essential reason for His incarnation. It assures believers that because Jesus Himself experienced the full spectrum of human suffering and temptation, He is uniquely qualified and able to provide aid and comfort to those who are currently undergoing similar trials.

Context of Hebrews 2:18

This verse concludes a crucial section in the book of Hebrews that emphasizes the superiority of Jesus Christ over angels, yet also highlights the necessity of His full humanity. The author argues that for Jesus to be a faithful and merciful High Priest, He had to partake in human nature, including its weaknesses and susceptibility to temptation, though He remained without sin. His suffering and death were essential to destroy the power of the devil and to deliver those who were enslaved by the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15). Verse 18 serves as a direct consequence of this shared humanity, explaining how His personal experience enables His priestly function of providing assistance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Christ's Empathy and Identification: The verse underscores Jesus' profound empathy. He doesn't merely understand our struggles intellectually; He experienced them personally. This shared experience means He truly identifies with our human condition, including the pain of temptation and suffering. His own temptation in the wilderness is a prime example of His personal encounter with these trials.
  • Christ's Qualification as High Priest: Jesus' suffering and temptation were not a weakness but a qualification. By undergoing these trials, He became the perfect sympathetic High Priest, able to intercede for His people with perfect understanding and compassion.
  • Divine Aid in Temptation: The core message is one of hope and practical help. Because Jesus endured temptation, He is uniquely positioned to "succour" (help, aid) those who are tempted. Believers are not left alone in their struggles; they have a powerful and understanding advocate in Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's use of "succour" is derived from the Greek word boētheō (βοηθέω). This word conveys the idea of "running to the cry of one in distress," or "coming to the aid of someone." It implies active, timely, and powerful assistance given to someone in need. It's not just a passive understanding, but an active intervention born out of deep empathy and divine power. The term "tempted" (peirazō - πειράζω) refers to trials, tests, or temptations. While Jesus was tested in every way, He never yielded to sin, making His victory a perfect model and source of strength for us.

Practical Application

For the modern believer, Hebrews 2:18 offers immense comfort and encouragement. When facing difficult trials, temptations, or periods of suffering, we can approach Jesus with full confidence, knowing that He understands our plight intimately. He is not a distant, unfeeling deity, but one who has walked our path and knows our weaknesses. This verse reminds us that we have a compassionate High Priest who is ready and able to provide the strength, wisdom, and deliverance we need to overcome. It reinforces the truth that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear, and He provides a way of escape through Christ's enabling power.

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.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:13

    There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

  • Hebrews 4:15

    For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.

  • Hebrews 4:16

    Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

  • Jude 1:24

    Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

  • Hebrews 7:25

    Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

  • Hebrews 7:26

    For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

  • 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.

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