16-18 It’s obvious, of course, that he didn’t go to all this trouble for angels. It was for people like us, children of Abraham. That’s why he had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest to get rid of the people’s sins, he would have already experienced it all himself—all the pain, all the testing—and would be able to help where help was needed.

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17 Therefore, in all things He [a]had (A)to be made like His brothers so that He might (B)become a merciful and faithful (C)high priest in (D)things pertaining to God, to (E)make [b]propitiation for the sins of the people.

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Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 2:17 Lit was obligated to be
  2. Hebrews 2:17 I.e., reconciliation with God by atoning for the sins

17 For this reason Jesus had to be made like his brothers and sisters in every way so he could ·be their [L become a] merciful and faithful high priest in ·service [L the things pertaining] to God. Then Jesus could ·die in their place to take away [make atonement for; be the sacrifice that pays for; be the sacrifice that appeases God’s wrath against] ·their sins [L the sins of the people].

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