Hebrews 2:14-15
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, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text subtly shifts its focus from humanity sharing "flesh and blood" to Christ partaking of it, highlighting that His assumption of our nature wasn't just a general sharing, but a specific, voluntary action. This distinction is crucial because it sets up His death not as an unavoidable consequence of being human, but as His chosen means to dismantle the devil's power over death.
The author is drawing a powerful contrast between believers, referred to as "children," and Jesus, the one leading them to salvation. Having established that Jesus is superior to angels and that humans are God's children, the passage now explains how Jesus became our kin and what his sacrifice achieved. This verse unpacks the necessity of Jesus taking on human nature, including flesh and blood, so that through his own death, he could dismantle the power death and the devil held over humanity.
Why would the Son of God need to 'share in flesh and blood'? It sounds like a step down, right? But in God's plan, it was the ultimate power move.
The Necessary Incarnation
The verse starts by linking "the children" (us!) with "flesh and blood." This is humanity, with all its limitations and mortality. The text then declares that Jesus "likewise partook of the same things." This isn't just Jesus becoming human; it's a deliberate act of solidarity.
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The ultimate enemy isn't just death itself, but the power behind death. Jesus' mission was to dismantle that power at its source.
The Devil's Deadly Grip
The verse states Jesus came "that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil." This is profound!
Think of it like a king whose main weapon has been captured and turned against him. The king is still a king, but his greatest threat is neutralized.
Understand the original words
haima kai sarx · Greek Noun phrase
A common biblical idiom referring to the entirety of human nature, emphasizing the fragility, mortality, and physical reality of humanity.
thanatos · Greek Noun
The cessation of biological life; biblically, it is the result of sin and the ultimate enemy that Christ conquered through His own sacrificial death and resurrection.
katargeō · Greek Verb
To render powerless, nullify, or put out of operation; it implies stripping someone or something of its effective authority or influence.
diabolos · Greek Noun
Literally "the accuser" or "slanderer"; the adversary of God and humanity who seeks to deceive, tempt, and hold captive through the fear of death and sin.
apallassō · Greek Verb
To set free or liberate from captivity, bondage, or danger, often implying the payment of a price or the intervention of a redeemer.
douleia · Greek Noun
A state of being held under the authority or control of another; in a spiritual context, it refers to the condition of those held captive by sin, fear, or demonic power.
This passage highlights the contrast between the first Adam, who was a life-giving spirit, and the last Adam, Jesus, who became a life-giving spirit, emphasizing Christ's humanity that enabled him to overcome death.
Colossians 2:15This verse directly states that Christ disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, paralleling how Jesus' death in Hebrews 2:14 aimed to destroy the devil's power.
1 John 3:8This passage explicitly states that the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil, directly supporting the purpose of Christ's incarnation and death mentioned in Hebrews 2:14.
Romans 8:3This verse explains that God sent his own Son in human likeness to deal with sin, underscoring the necessity of Christ's humanity and sacrifice to overcome the consequences of sin, which is death.
Philippians 2:7This verse describes Christ emptying himself and taking the form of a servant, becoming like men, which aligns with the concept in Hebrews 2:14 that Jesus shared in humanity to accomplish his mission.
ellicottHebrews 2:14: "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;"
(14) Forasmuch then . . . —The two members of this verse directly recall the thoughts of Hebrews 2:10 ; Hebrews 2:9 . (1) It was the will of God that salvation should be won by the Son for sons; (2) this salvation could only be won by means of death. The children.—Said with refere…
jfbHebrews 2:14: "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;"
- He who has thus been shown to be the "Captain (Greek, 'Leader') of salvation" to the "many sons," by trusting and suffering like them, must therefore become man like them, in order that His death may be efficacious for them [Alford].the children—before mentioned (Heb 2:13); th…
The text subtly shifts its focus from humanity sharing "flesh and blood" to Christ partaking of it, highlighting that His assumption of our nature wasn't just a general sharing, but a specific, voluntary action. This distinction is crucial because it sets up His death not as an unavoidable consequence of being human, but as His chosen means to dismantle the devil's power over death.
The author is drawing a powerful contrast between believers, referred to as "children," and Jesus, the one leading them to salvation. Having established that Jesus is superior to angels and that humans are God's children, the passage now explains how Jesus became our kin and what his sacrifice achieved. This verse unpacks the necessity of Jesus taking on human nature, including flesh and blood, so that through his own death, he could dismantle the power death and the devil held over humanity.
The author is drawing a powerful contrast between believers, referred to as "children," and Jesus, the one leading them to salvation. Having established that Jesus is superior to angels and that humans are God's children, the passage now explains how Jesus became our kin and what his sacrifice achieved. This verse unpacks the necessity of Jesus taking on human nature, including flesh and blood, so that through his own death, he could dismantle the power death and the devil held over humanity.
"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, and deliver all those who through fear of de…" — The text subtly shifts its focus from humanity sharing "flesh and blood" to Christ partaking of it, highlighting that His assumption of our nature wasn't just a general sharing, but a specific, vol…
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