Hebrews 2 14

Hebrews 2:14 kjv

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

Hebrews 2:14 nkjv

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,

Hebrews 2:14 niv

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death?that is, the devil?

Hebrews 2:14 esv

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,

Hebrews 2:14 nlt

Because God's children are human beings ? made of flesh and blood ? the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.

Hebrews 2 verses

Hebrews 2 14 Meaning

Hebrews 2:14 states that because human beings are composed of "flesh and blood," meaning they share a physical and mortal nature, Jesus Christ similarly took on that exact same human nature. His purpose in doing so was to overcome death itself and neutralize the power of the one who wields dominion over death, namely the devil. This verse articulates the absolute necessity of Christ's incarnation for the accomplishment of human redemption, establishing His victory over sin, death, and Satan.

Hebrews 2 14 Context

Hebrews 2:14 is situated within a broader theological argument in the Book of Hebrews emphasizing the supreme preeminence of Jesus Christ over angels, a central theme countering contemporary views that might have overemphasized angelic mediation. While Chapter 1 establishes Christ's deity and superiority, Chapter 2 explains why the divine Son, far superior to angels, nonetheless "for a little while" (v.9) had to become human and suffer death. Verses 10-13 detail that it was "fitting" for Christ, the captain of salvation, to be made perfect through suffering, in order that He might identify with those He calls "brothers." Verse 14 builds directly on this, presenting Christ's sharing in "flesh and blood" as the necessary means to conquer the twin powers that held humanity captive: death itself and the devil who exploited death's power. It addresses the fundamental human experience of mortality and fear of death, showing that Christ's true humanity enables Him to deal directly with these realities.

Hebrews 2 14 Word analysis

• "Since therefore" (ἐπεὶ οὖν, epei oun): This conjunctive phrase introduces a logical conclusion or inference based on the preceding statements (v. 10-13). It highlights the logical necessity of Christ's action in light of His solidarity with humanity.
• "the children" (τὰ παιδία, ta paidia): Refers to those whom Christ came to save—human beings, called His "brothers" in previous verses (v. 11-13). It underscores their shared origin with Christ in humanity.
• "share in" (κεκοινώνηκεν, kekoinōnēken): Derived from koinōneō, meaning to participate in, to have fellowship or communion with, or to partake of. The perfect tense indicates a completed action with continuing results—a deep, real, and lasting involvement in the human condition.
• "flesh and blood" (σάρκος καὶ αἵματος, sarkos kai haimatos): This is a standard biblical idiom denoting true human nature in its entirety—physicality, mortality, and vulnerability. It means Christ became genuinely human, not merely appearing to be so. It differentiates humanity from spirit or angelic beings (cf. Mt 16:17, 1 Cor 15:50).
• "he himself likewise" (καὶ αὐτὸς παραπλησίως, kai autos paraplēsiōs): "He himself" places strong emphasis on Christ. "Likewise" (paraplēsiōs) means in a completely corresponding manner, truly and actually. This counters any notion of a pseudo-incarnation or mere appearance. Christ's participation was as real as that of the "children."
• "partook of the same" (μετέσχεν τῶν αὐτῶν, meteschen tōn autōn): Derived from metechō, another verb emphasizing sharing or having a share. It reinforces the reality of His identification with humanity. The aorist tense indicates a definite, historical event (the incarnation).
• "that through death" (ἵνα διὰ τοῦ θανάτου, hina dia tou thanatou): The "ἵνα" (hina) clause signals the purpose. Christ’s own death, willingly endured, was the essential means to achieve His redemptive goal. His suffering and mortality were not a defeat, but a strategic path to victory.
• "he might destroy" (καταργήσῃ, katargēsē): This key Greek term means to render ineffective, nullify, abolish, or make powerless. It does not imply annihilation but disarming or dismantling the operational power and authority. Satan is not eradicated from existence, but his hold, his power over death as a means of human enslavement, is broken for those in Christ.
• "the one who has the power of death" (τὸν τὸ κράτος ἔχοντα τοῦ θανάτου, ton to kratos echonta tou thanatou): "Κράτος" (kratos) signifies mighty power, strength, dominion, or oppressive control. The devil’s power over death stemmed from sin, which he lured humanity into. He uses the fear of death as a tool of bondage.
• "that is, the devil" (τοῦτ' ἔστιν τὸν διάβολον, tout' estin ton diabolon): This direct identification clarifies who "the one who has the power of death" is. "Διάβολος" (diabolos) means slanderer, accuser, or calumniator. He is the adversary who exploits humanity's sin and fear of death.
• Words-Group analysis:
  • "the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same": This phrase emphasizes the complete solidarity and identification of Christ with humanity. He entered the human condition fully, sharing its vulnerability and mortality, to reverse humanity's fallen state from within.
  • "that through death he might destroy...the power of death": This highlights the counter-intuitive yet divinely designed strategy. What typically represents ultimate defeat—death—becomes the very instrument of victory over death's dominion. Christ absorbed death's sting within Himself.
  • "destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil": This reveals the ultimate spiritual battle behind the physical reality of death. The incarnation and death of Christ are direct blows to Satan's dominion, removing his principal weapon and source of power over humanity.

Hebrews 2 14 Bonus section

• Satan's Power of Death: It's important to clarify that the devil's "power of death" does not mean he initiates or directly controls every instance of death. Rather, it refers to his tyrannical authority and influence established through sin (Rom 5:12) and his role as tempter and accuser, leading humanity into spiritual bondage and the fear of mortality. He exploits death as a means to enslave humanity through fear (Heb 2:15). Christ’s work renders this oppressive power impotent for believers.
• The Nature of "Destroy" (katargēsē): As discussed, this term doesn't mean annihilation of the devil or the physical end of death as an experience, but rather the abolishment of their power and effectiveness. Satan is disarmed, and death's condemnation for believers is nullified. The devil still exists, but his ultimate sway over the elect is broken; his reign of terror through the fear of death is shattered.
• Christ as the Victor: This verse establishes Christ not merely as a sympathetic priest, but fundamentally as a cosmic warrior who decisively triumphs over the forces of evil. His humanity allowed Him to engage and conquer on the enemy's turf, achieving victory in the very sphere where humanity was defeated.

Hebrews 2 14 Commentary

Hebrews 2:14 presents a profound summary of Christ's incarnation and its salvific purpose. It underscores the absolute necessity of the Son of God becoming truly human, a being of "flesh and blood," just like those He came to save. This was not a casual act but a divine strategy to disarm death and defeat its orchestrator, the devil. Through His own death, Jesus Christ, fully human, broke the power that death and Satan held over humanity, freeing believers from the tyranny of fear that death imposes. His victory dismantled the legal and spiritual dominion that Satan exercised, ensuring that while death remains a physical reality, its sting, its ultimate power to condemn and separate, has been removed for those united with Christ. This assures believers that Christ understands their vulnerability and has conquered their greatest adversaries by sharing their very nature.