What does Hebrews 2:17 mean?

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. Hebrews 2:17

Explanation

The verse Hebrews 2:17 suggests that Jesus Christ, being the Son of God, took on human form and experienced human life so that he could fully understand and empathize with humanity. By doing so, He became a “merciful and faithful high priest,” a mediator between God and humans. The role of the high priest in Jewish tradition was to offer sacrifices to God on behalf of the people to atone for their sins. Jesus, as the ultimate high priest, offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice to reconcile humanity with God, thus addressing the problem of sin.

Historical Context

Hebrews is a New Testament epistle written primarily to Jewish Christians, possibly before the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D. The recipients of the letter were familiar with the Old Testament and the Levitical priesthood, which made regular sacrifices for sin. The concept of Jesus as a high priest connects with the religious practices these early Christians would have been accustomed to before their conversion to Christianity.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints focus on the Christological implications of this verse:

• Incarnational Theology: Emphasizes that Jesus became fully human to fully understand our condition.
• Atonement Theology: Sees Jesus as the one who makes atonement for humanity’s sins once and for all.
• Priesthood of All Believers: Some traditions hold that this verse underscores that Christ’s priesthood is unique, but also that all believers share in a spiritual priesthood.

Practical Applications

Believers today might draw several applications from this verse:

• Seek to empathize with others, as Christ empathizes with us.
• Trust in Jesus’ sacrifice as the basis for forgiveness and relationship with God.
• Emulate Christ’s role as mediator by being peacemakers and reconcilers.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 4:15-16: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
• Philippians 2:7: “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”
• 1 John 2:1-2: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• ὁμοιότης (homoiotes): meaning likeness or similarity. It implies Jesus was made like his brethren in every way.
• ἐλεήμων (eleemon): meaning merciful, showing the quality of mercy that Jesus holds as a high priest.
• ἱερεύς (hiereus): the Greek word for priest, particularly a mediator who offers sacrifices to God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient religions, there are figures that serve as intermediaries between gods and humans. For instance, in ancient Egyptian religion, pharaohs were considered divine and acted as mediators. Unlike these figures, however, Jesus is portrayed as both fully divine and fully human.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly engage with scientific subjects, the broader discourse about the incarnation may involve considerations about the nature of reality, human consciousness, and personhood, all of which intersect with areas of psychology and neuroscience.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary: Notes that Christ took not on Him the nature of angels, but the seed of Abraham, thereby being made like unto His brethren in all things.
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: Stresses the necessity of the Saviour’s sufferings, and remarks on His qualification to be a compassionate mediator.
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary: Emphasizes Christ’s solidarity with humanity in His role as high priest.