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;

Forasmuch {G1893} then {G3767} as the children {G3813} are partakers {G2841} of flesh {G4561} and {G2532} blood {G129}, he {G3348} also {G2532} himself {G846} likewise {G3898} took part {G3348} of the same {G846}; that {G2443} through {G1223} death {G2288} he might destroy {G2673} him that had {G2192} the power {G2904} of death {G2288}, that is {G5123}, the devil {G1228};

Therefore, since the children share a common physical nature as human beings, he became like them and shared that same human nature; so that by his death he might render ineffective the one who had power over death (that is, the Adversary)

Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil,

Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

Commentary

Hebrews 2:14 is a profound declaration of the Incarnation's purpose, revealing why Jesus, the Son of God, had to become fully human. It emphasizes His solidarity with humanity and the ultimate victory achieved through His death.

Context

This verse is part of a larger argument in Hebrews chapter 2 that highlights Christ's superiority to angels, even though He was temporarily made "a little lower than the angels" (Hebrews 2:9). The author explains that this temporary humiliation was necessary for Jesus to identify with humanity, whom He calls "the children" (those God is bringing to glory, as mentioned in Hebrews 2:10). His becoming flesh and blood was not a demotion but a strategic act to fulfill God's redemptive plan.

Key Themes

  • The Incarnation: Jesus' Full Humanity: The phrase "took part of the same" (flesh and blood) underscores the reality of Christ's human nature. He was not merely appearing human but fully shared in our physical and mortal existence, experiencing hunger, pain, and death just as we do (John 1:14). This perfect identification was essential for Him to represent humanity before God.
  • Victory Over Death and the Devil: The central purpose of Christ's incarnation and death was "that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil." This does not imply annihilation of Satan, but rather rendering his power—especially his power over death through sin—ineffective and nullified. Death, which entered the world through sin (Romans 5:12), was the devil's primary weapon to hold humanity in bondage.
  • Christ's Atoning Work: Jesus' death was not a defeat but the decisive act of victory. By dying, He paid the penalty for sin, thereby disarming the devil's claim and breaking the power of death for those who believe in Him. This act of atonement secured our redemption and freedom.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "destroy" here is katargesē (καταργήσῃ), which means to abolish, render inoperative, nullify, or make powerless. It signifies that the devil's authority and ability to wield death as a weapon against believers have been decisively broken by Christ's sacrifice. Satan no longer holds ultimate sway over the destiny of those who are in Christ. His power over death is not removed entirely from the world, but its hold on believers is shattered.

Practical Application

This verse offers immense comfort and assurance. Because Jesus fully entered into our human experience, He can truly sympathize with our weaknesses and struggles (Hebrews 4:15). More importantly, His victory on the cross means that believers no longer need to live in fear of death or the spiritual bondage imposed by the devil. We are freed from the dominion of sin and death, able to live lives of hope and purpose because Christ has already secured the decisive victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). This truth empowers us to face life's challenges, knowing our ultimate destiny is secure in Him.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Timothy 1:10 (40 votes)

    But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

  • Romans 8:3 (29 votes)

    For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

  • Colossians 2:15 (23 votes)

    [And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:54 (21 votes)

    So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:57 (21 votes)

    But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • John 1:14 (15 votes)

    And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

  • Hosea 13:14 (14 votes)

    I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.