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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes that Jesus had to become like us in every respect, not just outwardly, but in experiencing suffering and temptation. This complete identification with humanity was essential for Him to genuinely prove Himself a compassionate high priest, able to relate to our struggles and faithfully represent us before God.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having just argued that Jesus is superior to angels and that He came to help "the offspring of Abraham" (the people of God), the author now explains how Jesus fulfills this role. It was necessary for Jesus to experience humanity fully, including suffering and temptation, so He could genuinely sympathize with us and serve as our perfect High Priest. This priestly role is crucial for Him to accomplish His mission of making atonement for our sins and reconciling us to God.
Why was it absolutely essential for Jesus, the Son of God, to become human and experience our struggles?
The text states, "Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect." This wasn't just an option; it was a necessity. The Greek word translated as 'had to be' (opheilen) suggests a moral obligation or a fittingness rooted in God's plan.
Jesus is described as both 'merciful' and 'faithful.' How do these two qualities work together in His role as High Priest?
The verse paints a picture of Jesus as a High Priest who is both 'merciful and faithful.' These aren't just nice descriptors; they highlight the dual focus of His priestly work:
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These two aspects are intertwined. His mercy fuels His faithful action, and His faithfulness is the path through which His mercy reaches us.
What does it mean for Jesus to 'make propitiation for the sins of the people,' and why was this His ultimate priestly task?
The core function of Jesus as High Priest, according to this verse, is 'to make propitiation for the sins of the people.' Let's break that down:
Understand the original words
archiereus · Greek Noun
The central mediator between God and humanity. He represents the people before God, offering sacrifices to secure atonement, and serves as the ultimate fulfillment of the Levitical priesthood.
eleēmōn kai pistos · Greek Adjective
Describes a state of compassionate care and reliable trustworthiness. It implies a heart that feels the pain of others and a character that remains steadfastly committed to the covenantal obligations.
hilaskomai · Greek Verb/Noun phrase
The act of satisfying the righteous wrath of God against sin. By His sacrificial death, Christ provided the atonement that turns away judgment and reconciles sinners to a holy God.
hamartia · Greek Noun
Acts of transgression or disobedience against God's law. Sin is a failure to conform to God's moral character, resulting in separation from Him and requiring divine sacrifice for forgiveness.
This passage speaks of Christ 'emptying himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.' This directly echoes Hebrews 2:17's point that Jesus had to be made like his brothers in every respect, showing his full humanity.
Isaiah 53:5The prophecy here states, 'But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and by his wounds we are healed.' This illuminates the 'propitiation for sins' mentioned in Hebrews 2:17, showing the suffering servant bearing the penalty for sin.
Romans 3:25This verse calls Jesus a 'propitiation by his blood.' It connects directly to the function described in Hebrews 2:17, explaining how Christ's sacrifice serves as the means to appease God's justice for sin.
Hebrews 4:15This passage emphasizes that Jesus is a high priest who 'can sympathize with our weaknesses.' This expands on the idea in Hebrews 2:17 that his likeness to us enables him to be a 'merciful' high priest.
Leviticus 16:6This Old Testament passage describes the High Priest offering a bull for his own sins and then a goat for the sins of the people on the Day of Atonement. It provides the Old Testament context for the sacrificial role of a high priest that Jesus, as the ultimate High Priest, fulfills in Hebrews 2:17.
wesleyHebrews 2:17: "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people."
2:17 Wherefore it behoved him - It was highly fit and proper, yea, necessary, in order to his design of redeeming them. To be made in all things - That essentially pertain to human nature, and in all sufferings and temptations. Like his brethren - This is a recapitulation of…
ellicottHebrews 2:17: "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people."
(17) Wherefore. —Since it is “the seed of Abraham,” His brethren, that He would help. In all things.—These words must be taken with “made like.” In all respects (the single exception does not come into notice here, see Hebrews 4:15) He must be made like to “the brethren” (a r…
The verse emphasizes that Jesus had to become like us in every respect, not just outwardly, but in experiencing suffering and temptation. This complete identification with humanity was essential for Him to genuinely prove Himself a compassionate high priest, able to relate to our struggles and faithfully represent us before God.
Having just argued that Jesus is superior to angels and that He came to help "the offspring of Abraham" (the people of God), the author now explains how Jesus fulfills this role. It was necessary for Jesus to experience humanity fully, including suffering and temptation, so He could genuinely sympathize with us and serve as our perfect High Priest. This priestly role is crucial for Him to accomplish His mission of making atonement for our sins and reconciling us to God.
Having just argued that Jesus is superior to angels and that He came to help "the offspring of Abraham" (the people of God), the author now explains how Jesus fulfills this role. It was necessary for Jesus to experience humanity fully, including suffering and temptation, so He could genuinely sympathize with us and serve as our perfect High Priest. This priestly role is crucial for Him to accomplish His mission of making atonement for our sins and reconciling us to God.
"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." — The verse emphasizes that Jesus had to become like us in every respect, not just outwardly, but in experiencing suffering and temptation. This complete identification with humanity was essential…
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Last reviewed October 2026