New Testament
Hebrews 2:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Therefore, in all things, he had to be made like his brethren, so he could be a merciful and faithful high priest in matters related to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Compare translations
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.
What Hebrews 2:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the author of Hebrews emphasizes the necessity of Jesus becoming fully human, just like us. This was essential for Him to serve as a high priest who understands our struggles and can compassionately intercede for us before God. By sharing in our humanity, He is able to relate to our experiences and offer mercy and faithfulness. His role as a high priest is crucial because it allows Him to mediate between God and humanity, making it possible for our sins to be forgiven. This reconciliation is vital for restoring our relationship with God, which was broken by sin. Jesus' identification with us not only highlights His compassion but also His commitment to fulfilling God's plan for salvation. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He provides a way for us to be reconciled with God, demonstrating the depth of His love and the importance of His priestly role.
How to apply Hebrews 2:17 to your life
Understanding Jesus as our high priest encourages us to approach Him with our struggles and sins. We can trust that He understands our challenges and offers us mercy. This assurance motivates us to seek reconciliation with God and others, knowing that forgiveness is available.
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 2:17
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 2:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 2:17 mean?
Hebrews 2:17 explains that Jesus had to become fully human to serve as a high priest who understands our struggles. This allows Him to compassionately intercede for us and make reconciliation for our sins.
What is the significance of Jesus being a high priest in Hebrews 2:17?
In Hebrews 2:17, Jesus being a high priest signifies His role in mediating between God and humanity. His understanding of our human experiences enables Him to offer mercy and faithfulness in addressing our sins.
How does Hebrews 2:17 relate to the concept of reconciliation?
Hebrews 2:17 highlights that Jesus' humanity is essential for making reconciliation possible. By sharing in our experiences, He can effectively mediate for our sins, restoring our relationship with God.
Why is Jesus' identification with humanity important in Hebrews 2:17?
Jesus' identification with humanity in Hebrews 2:17 is important because it allows Him to relate to our struggles. This connection enables Him to fulfill His role as a high priest who can genuinely intercede for us.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.