New Testament
Hebrews 2:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Since the children share in flesh and blood, he also himself took part in the same; so that through death he might destroy the one who holds the power of death, that is, the devil;
Compare translations
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;
What Hebrews 2:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the author of Hebrews explains that Jesus became human, sharing in our physical existence, which includes flesh and blood. This was essential for Him to experience death, as it allowed Him to confront and defeat the devil, who has the power of death. By dying, Jesus broke the hold that death and the devil had over humanity, offering salvation and freedom from fear. This act of taking on human nature was crucial for our redemption, as it enabled Jesus to fully relate to our struggles and ultimately triumph over evil. The passage emphasizes the significance of Jesus' incarnation and His victory over death, reassuring believers of their hope and security in Him.
How to apply Hebrews 2:14 to your life
Understanding that Jesus shared in our humanity helps us relate to Him better. It encourages us to trust in His power over death and the devil, reminding us that we can live without fear, knowing He has already secured our victory through His sacrifice.
Curated for this public verse page. Hebrews Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57–8:2)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Hebrews 2:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Hebrews 2:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Hebrews
- Author
- Author unknown; traditionally attributed to Paul
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Letter and sermon
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Hebrews 2:14 mean?
Hebrews 2:14 explains that Jesus became human to share in our physical existence, allowing Him to experience death. This was necessary for Him to defeat the devil, who has power over death, thus offering salvation and freedom from fear.
What is the significance of Jesus' incarnation in Hebrews 2:14?
The significance of Jesus' incarnation in Hebrews 2:14 is that by becoming human, He could fully relate to our struggles and ultimately conquer death and the devil, providing hope and security for believers.
How does Hebrews 2:14 relate to fearlessness?
Hebrews 2:14 relates to fearlessness by assuring believers that Jesus' victory over death means they no longer need to fear death or the devil, as He has secured their redemption through His sacrifice.
What is the main message of Hebrews 2:14?
The main message of Hebrews 2:14 is that Jesus took on human nature to confront death and defeat the devil, emphasizing His role in providing salvation and hope for humanity.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.