Christian Standard Bible
Hebrews 2:16
16For it is clear that he does not reach out to help angels, but to help Abraham’s offspring.
Hebrews 2:16 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
- New International Version (NIV)For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants.
- English Standard Version (ESV)For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham.
- New King James Version (NKJV)For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham.
Context of Hebrews 2:16
14Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through his death he might destroy the one holding the power of death — that is, the devil — 15and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death. For it is clear that he does not reach out to help angels, but to help Abraham’s offspring. 17Therefore, he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
Read all of Hebrews 2Hebrews 2:16 word by word
οὐ γὰρ δήπου ἀγγέλων ἐπιλαμβάνεται, ἀλλὰ σπέρματος Ἀβραὰμ ἐπιλαμβάνεται.Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Hebrews 2:16
- Hebrews 6:16For people swear by something greater than themselves, and for them a confirming oath ends every dispute.
- Hebrews 12:10For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but he does it for our benefit, so that we can share his holiness.
- Romans 2:25Circumcision benefits you if you observe the law, but if you are a lawbreaker, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
- 1 Peter 1:20He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was revealed in these last times for you.
- Genesis 22:18And all the nations of the earth will be blessed by your offspring because you have obeyed my command.”
- Matthew 1:1An account of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:
- Romans 4:16This is why the promise is by faith, so that it may be according to grace, to guarantee it to all the descendants — not only to the one who is of the law but also to the one who is of Abraham’s faith. He is the father of us all.
- Galatians 3:16Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say “and to seeds,” as though referring to many, but referring to one, and to your seed, who is Christ.
Commentaries on Hebrews 2:16
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 16For verily he took not on him the nature of angels - , · Moreover, he doth not at all take hold of angels; but of the seed of Abraham he taketh hold. This is the marginal reading, and is greatly to be preferred to that in the text Jesus Christ, intending not to redeem angels, but to redeem man, did not assume the angelic nature, but was made man, coming directly by the seed or posterity of Abraham, with whom the original covenant was made, that in his…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 16For verily - Truly. He took not on him the nature of angels - Margin, “He taketh not hold of angels, but of the seed of Abraham he taketh hold.” The word used here - ̓́ epilambanetai- means, to take hold upon; to seize; to surprise; to take hold with a view to detain for oneself. Robinson. Then it means to take hold of one as by the hand - with a view to aid, conduct, or succour; Mark 8:23; Acts 23:19. It is rendered “took,” Mark 8:23; Luke 9:47; Luke…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 14-18Verses 14-18 The angels fell, and remained without hope or help. Christ never designed to be the Saviour of the fallen angels, therefore he did not take their nature; and the nature of angels could not be an atoning sacrifice for the sin of man. Here is a price paid, enough for all, and suitable to all, for it was in our nature. Here the wonderful love of God appeared, that, when Christ knew what he must suffer in our nature, and how he must die in it…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 16descendants of Abraham: Jesus died on the cross for those who inherit God's promises to Abraham, not for the angels.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1616. For verily--Greek, "For as we all know"; "For as you will doubtless grant." Paul probably alludes to Is 41:8; Jr 31:32, Septuagint, from which all Jews would know well that the fact here stated as to Messiah was what the prophets had led them to expect. took not on him, &c.--rather, "It is not angels that He is helping (the present tense implies duration); but it is the seed of Abraham that He is helping." The verb is literally, to help by taking one…Read the comment
Topics related to Hebrews 2:16
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Hebrews 2
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
Christian Standard Bible — © 2017 Holman Bible Publishers
Commentaries