Hebrews 2:18
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Original Language Analysis
ᾧ
that
G3739
ᾧ
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 10
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πέπονθεν
hath suffered
G3958
πέπονθεν
hath suffered
Strong's:
G3958
Word #:
4 of 10
to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)
αὐτὸς
himself
G846
αὐτὸς
himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 10
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πειραζομένοις
being tempted
G3985
πειραζομένοις
being tempted
Strong's:
G3985
Word #:
6 of 10
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.Jude 1:24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,Hebrews 5:2Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.Revelation 3:10Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.2 Peter 2:9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:2 Timothy 1:12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.John 10:29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.Luke 22:53When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.Philippians 3:21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Historical Context
This verse addresses the pastoral concern of believers facing persecution and temptation to apostasy. Christ's temptations in the wilderness, Gethsemane, and on the cross demonstrate His empathy with human weakness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing Christ was tempted yet without sin encourage you in your battles with temptation?
- In what current temptation do you need Christ's help and understanding?
Analysis & Commentary
'Suffered being tempted' emphasizes Christ's actual experience of temptation's pressure. The Greek 'peirazo' (tempted/tested) and 'paschein' (suffered) show that temptation itself involved suffering for the sinless One. His victory over temptation through suffering uniquely qualifies Him to aid ('boetheo'—run to the cry of) those currently being tempted. This is experimental, not just theoretical knowledge.