Hebrews 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.
Original Language Analysis
ὅθεν
Wherefore
G3606
ὅθεν
Wherefore
Strong's:
G3606
Word #:
1 of 24
from which place or source or cause (adverb or conjunction)
ὤφειλεν
it behoved him
G3784
ὤφειλεν
it behoved him
Strong's:
G3784
Word #:
2 of 24
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
κατὰ
in
G2596
κατὰ
in
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
3 of 24
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοῖς
unto his brethren
G80
ἀδελφοῖς
unto his brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
6 of 24
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὁμοιωθῆναι
to be made like
G3666
ὁμοιωθῆναι
to be made like
Strong's:
G3666
Word #:
7 of 24
to assimilate, i.e., compare; passively, to become similar
γένηται
he might be
G1096
γένηται
he might be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
10 of 24
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀρχιερεὺς
high priest
G749
ἀρχιερεὺς
high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
13 of 24
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
in things pertaining to
G4314
πρὸς
in things pertaining to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
15 of 24
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεόν
God
G2316
θεόν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
17 of 24
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
18 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱλάσκεσθαι
make reconciliation for
G2433
ἱλάσκεσθαι
make reconciliation for
Strong's:
G2433
Word #:
20 of 24
to conciliate, i.e., (transitively) to atone for (sin), or (intransitively) be propitious
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hebrews 2:14Forasmuch 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 7:26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;Romans 5:10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.Daniel 9:24Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.Hebrews 3:5And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;Hebrews 2:11For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,Hebrews 7:28For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.Colossians 1:21And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciledRomans 15:17I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.Leviticus 8:15And he slew it; and Moses took the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation upon it.
Historical Context
Jewish high priests represented the people before God on the Day of Atonement. Christ fulfills and surpasses this role by being both the priest and the sacrifice, offering Himself to satisfy divine justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's merciful nature as High Priest give you confidence to approach God?
- What sins do you need to bring before your faithful and merciful High Priest today?
Analysis & Commentary
The necessity ('he ought') of incarnation flows from Christ's high priestly role. 'Made like unto his brethren' emphasizes full identification with humanity except for sin (4:15). The dual qualifications of a high priest are faithfulness toward God and mercy toward people. 'Propitiation' (Greek 'hilaskomai') means to satisfy God's wrath and reconcile sinners through sacrificial atonement.