Hebrews 2:14 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 2:14 mean?

Hebrews 2:14 explains that since human beings share in flesh and blood, Jesus himself also became human, so that by dying he could break the power of the devil, who holds the power of death. The verse highlights that Jesus shared fully in our humanity to defeat death and the one who uses it to harm people.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing Jewish Christians, showing how Jesus’ humanity was necessary for his mission. The verse emphasizes that Jesus did not remain distant or untouched by human experience; instead, he took on the same nature as those he came to save. By doing so, his death became the means to overcome the devil’s hold over death, a central theme in the letter’s explanation of Jesus’ role.

The Greek behind Hebrews 2:14

• "κοινωνέω" (koinōneō, “partakers”): This word means to share or participate in something together. Here, it stresses that humans all share the same physical nature, and Jesus willingly joined in that same experience.
• "μετέχω" (metechō, “took part”): This word also means to share or take part, but it can carry a nuance of taking hold of something not originally one’s own. It highlights that Jesus, who was not by nature flesh and blood, chose to take on humanity.
• "καταργέω" (katargeō, “destroy”): This word means to render powerless or make ineffective, not to annihilate. The verse is saying Jesus’ death breaks the devil’s power, not that the devil ceases to exist.
• "κράτος" (kratos, “power”): This word refers to strength or dominion. The verse points out that the devil’s power is specifically related to death, which Jesus overcomes through his own death.

Why Hebrews 2:14 matters

• Hebrews 2:14 clears up the idea that Jesus was only “spirit” or somehow separate from real human experience; it insists he truly became human in every way.
• The verse explains why Jesus’ death was necessary: only by fully sharing in human life and death could he break the devil’s hold over death.
• This verse connects to the wider argument in Hebrews that Jesus is the perfect high priest and savior because he fully entered into human suffering and mortality.