Hebrews 2:17

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅθεν
Wherefore
from which place or source or cause (adverb or conjunction)
#2
ὤφειλεν
it behoved him
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
#3
κατὰ
in
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#4
πάντα
all things
all, any, every, the whole
#5
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἀδελφοῖς
G80
unto his brethren
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#7
ὁμοιωθῆναι
to be made like
to assimilate, i.e., compare; passively, to become similar
#8
ἵνα
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#9
ἐλεήμων
a merciful
compassionate (actively)
#10
γένηται
he might be
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
πιστὸς
faithful
objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful
#13
ἀρχιερεὺς
high priest
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
#14
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
πρὸς
in things pertaining to
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,
#16
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
θεόν
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#18
εἰς
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#19
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
ἱλάσκεσθαι
make reconciliation for
to conciliate, i.e., (transitively) to atone for (sin), or (intransitively) be propitious
#21
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
ἁμαρτίας
the sins
a sin (properly abstract)
#23
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
λαοῦ
of the people
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Hebrews. The concept of faith reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood faith. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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