Hebrews 2:17-18
What is written? (ESV)
Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
What does it say?
Therefore he (Jesus) conformed to His kinsmen in all ways so that He could become a merciful and true High Priest of God, the Father, making propitiation for the sins of the people. It’s because of the fact He suffered when tempted that He can help those being tempted.
What is its immediate context?
The writer is concluding his introductory argument of Jesus’ supremacy over all of those messengers that for the Jews have come before. Specifically, he has contrasted Jesus against the prophets and angels by “calling forward” and interpreting several Old Testament prophecies and sayings.
How Hebrews 2:17-18 is applied across Bible answers
Did Jesus live under the new covenant?
Jesus came and was like His Jewish brethren "in every respect".
How was Jesus both God and man at the same time?
Jesus was not only made like His fellow Jewish countrymen "in every respect" (e.g. human, under the Law of Moses), He had to be made this way to fulfill His role of high priest, interceding on our behalf.
