Hebrews 2:16

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

14Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, so that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15and free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. For clearly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendants of Abraham. 17Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brothers so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.

Hebrews 2:16 word by word

οὐ γὰρ δήπου ἀγγέλων ἐπιλαμβάνεται, ἀλλὰ σπέρματος Ἀβραὰμ ἐπιλαμβάνεται.Read the interlinear

• For clearlyδήπουdēpou · surelyG1222
• giveἐπιλαμβάνωepilambanomai · to catchG1949
• to angelsἄγγελοςaggelos · angelG32
• descendantsσπέρμαsperma · seed: offspringG4690
• of AbrahamἈβραάμAbraam · AbrahamG11

Cross-references for Hebrews 2:16

• Hebrews 6:16For people swear an oath by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath serving as confirmation is an end of every dispute.
• Hebrews 12:10For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.
• Romans 2:25For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you are a violator of the Law, your circumcision has turned into uncircumcision.
• 1 Peter 1:20For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you
• Genesis 22:18And in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”
• Matthew 1:1The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham:
• Romans 4:16For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who 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 one would in referring to many, but rather as in referring to one, “And to your seed,” that 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

• Afflictions and Adversities
• Angel (a Spirit)
• Jesus Continued
• Salvation

In the dictionaries

• Abraham
• Abraham, Abram
• Bondage
• Heed
• Neglect
• Recompense
• Reconciliation
• Taste
• Congregation
• Ebionism; Ebionites

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