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;

HEBREWS 2:14KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“partakers” Greek G2841 · used in 8 verses

  • Romans 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
  • Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
  • 1 Timothy 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

“he” Greek G3348 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 9:10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

“power” Greek G2904 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 1:51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
  • Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
  • 1 Peter 5:11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

“is” Greek G5123 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
  • Romans 9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
  • Hebrews 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: