Darby Bible
Hebrews 2:16
16For he does not indeed take hold of angels [by the hand], but he takes hold of the seed of Abraham.
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
14Since therefore the children partake of blood and flesh, he also, in like manner, took part in the same, that through death he might annul him who has the might of death, that is, the devil; 15and might set free all those who through fear of death through the whole of their life were subject to bondage. For he does not indeed take hold of angels [by the hand], but he takes hold of the seed of Abraham. 17Wherefore it behoved him in all things to be made like to [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things relating to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people; 18for, in that himself has suffered, being tempted, he is able to help those that are being tempted.
Read all of Hebrews 2Hebrews 2:16 word by word
οὐ γὰρ δήπου ἀγγέλων ἐπιλαμβάνεται, ἀλλὰ σπέρματος Ἀβραὰμ ἐπιλαμβάνεται.Read the interlinear
Cross-references for Hebrews 2:16
- Hebrews 6:16For men indeed swear by a greater, and with them the oath is a term to all dispute, as making matters sure.
- Hebrews 12:10For they indeed chastened for a few days, as seemed good to them; but he for profit, in order to the partaking of his holiness.
- Romans 2:25For circumcision indeed profits if thou keep [the] law; but if thou be a law-transgressor, thy circumcision is become uncircumcision.
- 1 Peter 1:20foreknown indeed before [the] foundation of [the] world, but who has been manifested at the end of times for your sakes,
- Genesis 22:18and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth bless themselves, because thou hast hearkened to my voice.
- Matthew 1:1Book of the generation of Jesus Christ, Son of David, Son of Abraham.
- Romans 4:16Therefore [it is] on the principle of faith, that [it might be] according to grace, in order to the promise being sure to all the seed, not to that only which [is] of the law, but to that also which [is] of Abraham's faith, who is father of us all,
- Galatians 3:16But to Abraham were the promises addressed, and to his seed: he does not say, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed; which 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
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