Hebrews 2:18

Context

The author of Hebrews is not identified in the text. Many scholars hold that the recipients were a Jewish Christian community whose faith was wavering under persecution (see Hebrews 10:32-39). Chapter 2 quotes Psalm 8 to show that the Son, made for a little while lower than the angels, was made perfect through suffering (2:10). The passage then explains that he shared in flesh and blood and passed through death in order to destroy the devil and to deliver those who feared death (2:14-15). Hebrews 2:17 says that "in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren," so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest; this is the first occurrence of the title "high priest" in Hebrews. Verse 18 supplies the reason for this and opens the high-priestly theme, which is developed at greater length in 4:14-16 and 5:7-9.

Interpretation

The Greek verb peirazō, translated "tempted," can denote both trials that come from without and enticement to sin. Readings of the verse therefore differ according to emphasis.

• Christological reading: The Protestant commentary tradition reads this verse as evidence that Jesus Christ was truly human. It holds that the incarnate Jesus genuinely experienced temptation, while also affirming, as 4:15 states, that he was "yet without sin."
• Pastoral reading: This reading takes the verse as a ground of sympathy and comfort: because he experienced temptation himself, he understands the plight of those who are tempted.
• Priestly reading: This reading takes "succour" not as mere general sympathy but as the mercy and intercession of the high priest. It connects the verse with 7:25, which says that Jesus ever lives to make intercession for his people.
• Historical reading: Some scholars find the primary meaning of the verse in the persecution the recipients faced and the pressure on them to abandon their faith.

Debates and Issues

There is little sharp disagreement among denominations, but the following questions are discussed.

• The reality of the temptation: How could the temptation of one who was without sin be genuine? Among theologians, some hold that Jesus was not able to sin, while others hold that he was able not to sin. Both views affirm that Jesus was without sin. This division falls among individual theologians rather than along denominational lines (see Christology).
• Translation: The Greek expression at the beginning of the verse can be read causally, as in "because he suffered," or as indicating scope, as in "in that which he suffered when tempted." The Korean Revised Version renders it with a phrase meaning "since he suffered," bringing out the causal sense.
• Breadth of application: Preachers often extend "temptation" to difficulties in general, such as illness or financial hardship. Since the context focuses on the struggle to persevere in the faith, interpreters differ on how far that application should extend.

Related Passages

• Hebrews 2:14-17
• Hebrews 4:14-16
• Hebrews 5:7-9
• Matthew 4:1-11
• James 1:12-14