Hebrews 2:18
For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse isn't just saying Jesus can help because he experienced hardship. It emphasizes that His suffering while being tempted is precisely what equips Him to help us in our temptations, offering a unique, experiential empathy.
The author is emphasizing Jesus' humanity and his role as High Priest, explaining why he had to become like us. After showing that he is superior to angels and truly human (taking on Abraham's seed), the text argues that he needed to be made like his brothers to be a merciful and faithful High Priest who could make atonement. This verse explains that his suffering and temptation provide him with the unique ability to sympathize with and help us when we face our own trials.
Understand the original words
paschō · Greek Verb
Physical or emotional distress, pain, or hardship. In the life of Christ, it includes the totality of His earthly life leading up to the cross, serving as the basis for His deep empathy toward His people.
peirazō · Greek Verb
The experience of being tested or solicited to do evil. While God tests His people for the purpose of growth, Satan tempts with the intent to lead into sin; Christ endured these trials without yielding.
wesleyHebrews 2:18: "For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted."
2:18 For in that he hath suffered being tempted himself he is able to succour them that are tempted - That is, he has given a manifest, demonstrative proof that he is able so to do.
ellicottHebrews 2:18: "For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted."
(18) For. —The necessity of being “in all things made like to His brethren” has been shown from the nature of the case; it is now illustrated from the result. The “brethren” and the “people” of Hebrews 2:17 are here “the tempted.” Through the temptations arose those sins of the people for which He makes propitiation. In His having been tempted lies His special ability to help the tem…
The verse isn't just saying Jesus can help because he experienced hardship. It emphasizes that His suffering while being tempted is precisely what equips Him to help us in our temptations, offering a unique, experiential empathy.
The author is emphasizing Jesus' humanity and his role as High Priest, explaining why he had to become like us. After showing that he is superior to angels and truly human (taking on Abraham's seed), the text argues that he needed to be made like his brothers to be a merciful and faithful High Priest who could make atonement. This verse explains that his suffering and temptation provide him with the unique ability to sympathize with and help us when we face our own trials.
The author is emphasizing Jesus' humanity and his role as High Priest, explaining he had to become like us. After showing that he is superior to angels and truly human (taking on Abraham's seed), the text argues that he needed to be made like his brothers to be a merciful and faithful High Priest who could make atonement. This verse explains that his suffering and temptation provide him with the unique ability to sympathize with and help us when we face our own trials.
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"For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." — The verse isn't just saying Jesus can help because he experienced hardship. It emphasizes that His suffering while being tempted is precisely what equips Him to help us in our temptations, offe…
