Hebrews 2:18
New International Version
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

New Living Translation
Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.

English Standard Version
For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Berean Standard Bible
Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.

Berean Literal Bible
For in that He Himself has suffered, having been tempted, He is able to help those being tempted.

King James Bible
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

New King James Version
For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

New American Standard Bible
For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.

NASB 1995
For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.

NASB 1977
For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.

Legacy Standard Bible
For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to help those who are tempted.

Amplified Bible
Because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted, He is able to help and provide immediate assistance to those who are being tempted and exposed to suffering.

Christian Standard Bible
For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For since He Himself was tested and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested.

American Standard Version
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.

Contemporary English Version
And now that Jesus has suffered and was tempted, he can help anyone else who is tempted.

English Revised Version
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Because Jesus experienced temptation when he suffered, he is able to help others when they are tempted.

Good News Translation
And now he can help those who are tempted, because he himself was tempted and suffered.

International Standard Version
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

NET Bible
For since he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

New Heart English Bible
For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

Webster's Bible Translation
For in that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.

Weymouth New Testament
For inasmuch as He has Himself felt the pain of temptation and trial, He is also able instantly to help those who are tempted and tried.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.

World English Bible
For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for in that He suffered, Himself being tempted, He is able to help those who are tempted.

Berean Literal Bible
For in that He Himself has suffered, having been tempted, He is able to help those being tempted.

Young's Literal Translation
for in that he suffered, himself being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

Smith's Literal Translation
For in that he himself has suffered, having been tempted, he is able to help the tempted.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For in that, wherein he himself hath suffered and been tempted, he is able to succour them also that are tempted.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For in as much as he himself has suffered and has been tempted, he also is able to assist those who are tempted.

New American Bible
Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

New Revised Standard Version
Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For in that he himself has suffered, being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For in this, because he has suffered and was tempted, he can help those who are tempted.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For, inasmuch as he himself has suffered in being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

Godbey New Testament
For in that he himself suffered being tempted, he is able to succor those who are tempted.

Haweis New Testament
for inasmuch as he hath himself suffered, having been tempted, he is able to succour those who are tempted.

Mace New Testament
for having himself stood the test of sufferings, he is capable of being moved to relieve those who undergo such tryals.

Weymouth New Testament
For inasmuch as He has Himself felt the pain of temptation and trial, He is also able instantly to help those who are tempted and tried.

Worrell New Testament
for in that He Himself hath suffered, being tempted, He is able to succor those who are tempted.

Worsley New Testament
for as He himself hath suffered, in being tempted, He is able to succour those that are tempted.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Like His Brothers
17For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.

Cross References
Matthew 4:1-11
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. / After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. / The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” ...

Matthew 26:36-46
Then Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He told them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” / He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. / Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” ...

Luke 4:1-13
Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, / where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He was hungry. / The devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” ...

Luke 22:39-46
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him. / When He came to the place, He told them, “Pray that you will not enter into temptation.” / And He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, where He knelt down and prayed, ...

Mark 1:12-13
At once the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness, / and He was there for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels ministered to Him.

Mark 14:32-42
Then they came to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus told His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” / He took with Him Peter, James, and John, and began to be deeply troubled and distressed. / Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch.” ...

Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.

Philippians 2:7-8
but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. / And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.

1 Peter 2:21-24
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: / “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” / When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. ...

1 Peter 4:1
Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same resolve, because anyone who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.

2 Corinthians 1:4-5
who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. / For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

Romans 8:3
For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh,

Isaiah 53:3-5
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 63:9
In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.


Treasury of Scripture

For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.

suffered.

Hebrews 4:15,16
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 5:2,7-9
Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity…

Matthew 4:1-10
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil…

he is.

Hebrews 7:25,26
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them…

John 10:29
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

Philippians 3:21
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

them.

1 Corinthians 10:13
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; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure…

2 Peter 2:9
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

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Hebrews 2
1. We ought to be obedient to Christ Jesus;
5. and that because he condescended to take our nature upon himself;
14. as it was necessary.














Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted
This phrase highlights the humanity of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that He experienced suffering and temptation just as humans do. The Gospels, particularly Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13, detail Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, where He faced direct challenges from Satan. This suffering was not only physical but also emotional and spiritual, as He endured the full range of human experiences. Theologically, this underscores the doctrine of the Incarnation, where Jesus, fully God, became fully man (John 1:14). His suffering was necessary to fulfill His role as the perfect High Priest, who can empathize with human weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15).

He is able to help those who are being tempted
This part of the verse assures believers of Jesus' ongoing support and intercession. His ability to help is rooted in His victory over temptation and sin, as seen in His earthly ministry and ultimately in His death and resurrection. This help is not just theoretical but practical, as He provides strength and guidance through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17). The concept of Jesus as a helper is consistent with His role as an advocate (1 John 2:1) and a mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). This assurance is a source of comfort and encouragement for believers facing trials, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this verse, Jesus is portrayed as both fully divine and fully human. His suffering and temptation are key to His role as our High Priest and Savior.

2. Temptation
A significant event in the life of Jesus, temptation is a trial or test of faith and obedience. Jesus' experience with temptation is crucial for His empathetic role in aiding believers.

3. Believers
Those who follow Christ and are subject to temptation. This verse assures them of Jesus' help and understanding in their struggles.
Teaching Points
The Empathy of Christ
Jesus' experience with temptation allows Him to empathize with our struggles. He understands our weaknesses and is compassionate towards us.

The Power of Christ's Help
Jesus is not only empathetic but also powerful to help. His victory over temptation assures us that He can aid us in overcoming our own.

The Importance of Scripture
Just as Jesus used Scripture to combat temptation, we too should rely on God's Word as a tool and source of strength in our spiritual battles.

The Role of Prayer
In times of temptation, turning to Jesus in prayer is crucial. He invites us to approach Him with confidence, knowing He is ready to assist us.

Living in Victory
Understanding that Jesus has already overcome temptation encourages us to live victoriously, trusting in His strength rather than our own.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Hebrews 2:18?

2. How does Hebrews 2:18 encourage us when facing personal temptations and trials?

3. In what ways can Jesus' suffering help us trust Him more deeply?

4. How does Hebrews 2:18 connect with Jesus' role as our High Priest?

5. How can we apply Jesus' example of overcoming temptation in our daily lives?

6. What other Scriptures reinforce the message of Jesus aiding us in temptation?

7. How does Hebrews 2:18 demonstrate Jesus' ability to empathize with human suffering and temptation?

8. Why is Jesus' experience of temptation significant for believers according to Hebrews 2:18?

9. How does Hebrews 2:18 support the belief in Jesus' dual nature as fully human and divine?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 2?

11. What are the Bible's teachings on temptation?

12. Can you help me, God?

13. How to handle attraction to someone else when married?

14. What are the Bible's teachings on temptation?
What Does Hebrews 2:18 Mean
Because He Himself suffered

“Because He Himself suffered …” (Hebrews 2:18)

• Jesus’ suffering was tangible: He felt pain, loss, rejection, and the crushing weight of the cross (Isaiah 53:3-5; Philippians 2:7-8).

• His sufferings were not only physical but emotional and relational (John 11:35; Mark 14:34).

• This fulfills God’s redemptive plan foretold in the Law and the Prophets and affirms that every detail of Scripture is historically true and purposeful (Luke 24:26-27).

• Because the Son willingly entered human pain, we can trust Him with ours (Hebrews 5:8).


When He was tempted

“… when He was tempted …” (Hebrews 2:18)

• Jesus experienced real temptation—hunger, power, despair—yet never sinned (Matthew 4:1-11; Hebrews 4:15).

• His temptations were constant, not limited to the wilderness: garden agony (Luke 22:44), mockery on the cross (Matthew 27:42-43).

• Unlike Adam who fell, the Last Adam stood firm (Romans 5:19), proving that obedience is possible through perfect reliance on the Father.


He is able to help

“… He is able to help …” (Hebrews 2:18)

• “Able” points to His limitless authority and compassion joined together (Matthew 28:18; Psalm 46:1).

• Help comes in multiple forms:

– Strength to endure (2 Corinthians 12:9).

– Wisdom to discern escape routes (1 Corinthians 10:13).

– Cleansing when we stumble (1 John 1:9).

– Ongoing intercession at the Father’s right hand (Hebrews 7:25).

• Because Christ rose and reigns, His help is immediate and sufficient (Philippians 4:13).


Those who are being tempted

“… those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18)

• “Those” includes every believer; temptation is a present, continual reality (James 1:14-15).

• Temptation’s pressure is not sin itself; yielding is. Christ stands with us in the heat of the moment (Galatians 5:16).

• Practical responses He empowers:

– Draw near in prayer the instant temptation appears (Hebrews 4:16).

– Recall and speak Scripture, following His example (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10).

– Seek fellowship for accountability (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; Hebrews 10:24-25).

– Replace lies with truth; set minds on things above (Colossians 3:2-3).

• God uses resisted temptations to refine faith and deepen joy (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 5:9-10).


summary

Hebrews 2:18 affirms that the eternal Son became fully human, endured genuine suffering, and faced real temptation without sin. Having walked the path Himself, He stands ready and able to give practical, compassionate, victorious help to every believer in the thick of present temptations. His past suffering secures present aid, and His flawless victory promises ours.

(18) For.--The necessity of being "in all things made like to His brethren" has been shown from the nature of the case; it is now illustrated from the result. The "brethren" and the "people" of Hebrews 2:17 are here "the tempted." Through the temptations arose those sins of the people for which He makes propitiation. In His having been tempted lies His special ability to help the tempted, by His sympathy, by His knowledge of the help that is needed, by the position of High Priest which He has gained through suffering. It is difficult to decide between two translations of the first words of the verse: (1) "In that He Himself," (2) "Wherein He Himself hath suffered being tempted." The former is simpler, but, perhaps, less natural as a rendering of the Greek. The latter may indeed at first seem to set a bound to our Lord's ability to help, but with the recollection of the infinitude of His life (comp. John 21:25) all such limitation disappears.

Verse 18. - Such power of sympathy Christ, by undergoing human sulk. ring and temptation, acquired. For in that (or, wherein) he hath suffered himself being tempted (or having been himself tempted in that wherein he hath suffered), he is able to succor them that are tempted.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Because
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

He Himself
αὐτὸς (autos)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

suffered
πέπονθεν (peponthen)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3958: I am acted upon in a certain way, either good or bad; I experience ill treatment, suffer.

when He was tempted,
πειρασθείς (peirastheis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3985: To try, tempt, test. From peira; to test, i.e. Endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline.

He is able
δύναται (dynatai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

to help
βοηθῆσαι (boēthēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 997: To come to the rescue of, come to help, help. From boethos; to aid or relieve.

those who are
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

being tempted.
πειραζομένοις (peirazomenois)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3985: To try, tempt, test. From peira; to test, i.e. Endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline.


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NT Letters: Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself has suffered (Heb. He. Hb)
Hebrews 2:17
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