Hebrews 2:18
“For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.”
King James Version (KJV)
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The chapter explains why the Son took on flesh and blood -- to share fully in the human condition and become a merciful and faithful high priest. Verse 18 draws the comforting conclusion of that argument.
What Does Hebrews 2:18 Mean?
Hebrews 2:18 says that because Jesus personally endured temptation and suffering, He is able to help those who are being tempted right now. The word "himself" carries the weight of the verse: this is not help offered from a safe distance, but aid from One who has been through it. He did not observe human struggle from above; He entered it, feeling its pull and its pain.
The verb "succour" means to run to the cry of someone in need, to come quickly to the rescue. The picture is of a helper who hears a call and hurries to the side of the one crying out. Because Jesus knows temptation from the inside -- its pressure, its weariness, its lonely intensity -- He responds not with cold instruction but with understanding strength. The earlier verses of the chapter explain why He took on flesh and blood: so that He could share our condition and stand with us in it. This verse draws the practical conclusion. The same Lord who reigns on high is the Lord who has walked the hard road, and that combination is precisely what makes Him a Savior we can run to in our weakest moments.
In the Original Language
The Greek boētheō ("succour") combines the ideas of a cry and running, picturing one who hastens to answer a call for help.
Cross References
“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
- Hebrews 4:15
“There 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.”
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
“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.”
- Hebrews 2:17
Application
When you face temptation, you can turn to Jesus knowing He understands the struggle from the inside and is eager to come to your aid.