What does Hebrews 2:14 mean?
"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
Hebrews 2:14 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "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."
This verse is part of the larger context of the book of Hebrews, which is a New Testament letter that focuses on the supremacy of Jesus Christ and the truth of the gospel. The author, traditionally attributed to the apostle Paul, addresses Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and struggling with doubts about their faith. The book of Hebrews seeks to strengthen the believers' understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ, helping them to persevere in their faith.
The verse starts by conveying the nature of humanity - "the children are partakers of flesh and blood." This simple, yet profound statement emphasizes the humanity of human beings. We are finite, mortal, and bound by the limitations of our physical bodies. The author wants to emphasize that Jesus willingly entered into this human condition, becoming a partaker of flesh and blood just like us.
The second part of the verse speaks about this act of identification with humanity on the part of Jesus. It says that "he also himself likewise took part of the same." This underscores the amazing truth of the Incarnation – that the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, took on human flesh and became fully human while still remaining fully divine. This is a central tenet of the Christian faith, and the author of Hebrews is stressing the significance of this event.
The verse then goes on to explain the purpose of this act of taking on human form - "that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil." This part of the verse explains the reason for Jesus' incarnation - to defeat the devil and his power over death. The author is highlighting the victory of Christ's death and resurrection over the forces of evil and death. This victory is the central message of the gospel, and the author wants to affirm that through Christ's sacrificial death, the power of sin, death, and the devil has been utterly defeated.
The theme of victory over death and the devil is pervasive throughout the New Testament, and it carries significant symbolism. It represents the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and life over death. This verse also points to the idea of Jesus as the "second Adam" (1 Corinthians 15:45), who undoes the effects of the first Adam's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Jesus, through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, brings redemption and life to all who believe in Him.
In conclusion, Hebrews 2:14 is a powerful and significant verse that emphasizes the humanity of Jesus Christ and His ultimate victory over sin, death, and the devil. It serves as an encouragement and reminder to believers that in Christ, we have been set free from the power of death and given the hope of eternal life. This verse is a beautiful and profound expression of the central message of the gospel, and it continues to inspire and strengthen the faith of Christians throughout history.
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Hebrews 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;"
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."
"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
"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." - Hebrews 2:14-15
Hebrews 1:14
Hebrews 1:14
Hebrews 11:14 - "For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country."
Hebrews 13:14 - "For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come."
Hebrews 10:14 - "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."
Hebrews 1:14 - "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"
Hebrews 6:14 - "Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee."
Hebrews 12:14 - "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:"
Hebrews 7:14 - "For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood."
Hebrews 3:14 - "For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;"
"For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country." - Hebrews 11:14
Hebrews 11:2 - "For by it the elders obtained a good report."
Hebrews 2:2 - "For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;"
Hebrews 4:14 - "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession."
"For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come." - Hebrews 13:14
Hebrews 5:14 - "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
"For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." - Hebrews 10:14
Hebrews 6:2 - "Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment."
1 Samuel 14:11 - "And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves."
Hebrews 6:14 - "Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee."
Hebrews 8:2 - "A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man."
"For by it the elders obtained a good report." - Hebrews 11:2
Hebrews 13:2 - "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
"Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee." - Hebrews 6:14
Hebrews 3:2 - "Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house."
Hebrews 2:5 - "For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak."