Heb 2:10-18 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Heb 2:10-18: 2:10-18 At least four reasons why the Son of God became human are implied in this passage. First, it was only right: It is consistent with what we know of God’s character that he would accomplish salvation in this way (2:10 ). Second, Jesus had to become human to die (2:14 ). Third, high priests, as detailed in the Old Testament law, had to come from among God’s people (2:17 ). Fourth, Jesus became a sympathetic priest, experiencing the suffering and testing we know as humans (2:18 ). 2:10 children (literally sons ): The author plays off his use of the title Son for Jesus throughout the section, here referring to the people of God as sons. The translation children makes it clear that this term refers to all God’s people, male and female. • The term translated leader had a wide range of meanings in the ancient world, including founder, hero, champion, prince, captain, leader, or scout. Jesus is a leader in that he blazed a trail for those who are saved, leading them to glory.

Summary for Heb 2:10-18: 2:10-18 ^a At least four reasons why the Son of God became human are implied in this passage. First, it was only right: It is consistent with what we know of God’s character that he would accomplish salvation in this way (2:10 ^b). Second, Jesus had to become human to die (2:14 ^c). Third, high priests, as detailed in the Old Testament law, had to come from among God’s people (2:17 ^d). Fourth, Jesus became a sympathetic priest, experiencing the suffering and testing we know as humans (2:18 ^e). 2:10 ^f children (literally sons): The author plays off his use of the title Son for Jesus throughout the section, here referring to the people of God as sons. The translation children makes it clear that this term refers to all God’s people, male and female.

• The term translated leader had a wide range of meanings in the ancient world, including founder, hero, champion, prince, captain, leader, or scout. Jesus is a leader in that he blazed a trail for those who are saved, leading them to glory.
2:11 ^g have the same Father (literally are all out of one): Based on the family terminology in the context, the phrase can be understood as referring to God. However, the author might have been thinking of Abraham as a common ancestor (see 2:16 ^h) or of human nature as a common experience (out of one nature).

• brothers and sisters: Greek adelphoi, a generic term that refers to members of the same family, both male and female.
2:12 ⁱ This verse quotes Ps 22:22 ^j, commenting on the phrase brothers and sisters in Heb 2:11 ^k. Psalm 22 ^l contains profound messianic prophecies concerning the sufferings of Christ (Ps 22:1 ^m, 7-8 ⁿ, 16-18 ^o; see Matt 27:35 ^p, 43 ^q; John 19:23-24 ^r, 31-36 ^s). Psalm 22:22 ^t shows the solidarity of the righteous sufferer (Jesus) with the people of God in praising God for his help.
2:13 ^u This verse quotes Isa 8:17-18 ^v, which comes from a broader messianic context (cp. Isa 8:14 ^w with Rom 9:33 ^x; 1 Pet 2:8 ^y).

• I will put my trust in him here declares Jesus’ trust in the Father.

• I and the children God has given me indicates a close relationship between Jesus and the children of God.
Summary for Heb 2:14-15: 2:14-15 ^z The death of the Son of God as a sacrifice for sin served to break the power of the devil: It made the devil’s power of death ineffective (1 Cor 15:56 ^aa).

• Philo, a first-century Jewish philosopher, wrote that “nothing is so calculated to enslave the mind as fearing death” (Philo, That Every Good Person Is Free 3.22). Through his sacrificial death, Christ set free those who were slaves to the fear of dying.
2:16 ^ab descendants of Abraham: Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was for the heirs of God’s promises to Abraham, rather than for the angels.
Summary for Heb 2:17-18: 2:17-18 ^ac These verses introduce Jesus’ role as our merciful and faithful High Priest, which is fully discussed in the central section of Hebrews (4:14–10:25 ^ad).

• It was necessary for him to share our humanity (see 5:1 ^ae).