16 For verily he took not [1] on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

Other Translations of Hebrews 2:16

New International Version

16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants.

English Standard Version

16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham.

The Message

16 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.

New King James Version

16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham.

New Living Translation

16 We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Hebrews 2:16

Commentary on Hebrews 2:14-18

(Read Hebrews 2:14-18)

The angels fell, and remained without hope or help. Christ never designed to be the Saviour of the fallen angels, therefore he did not take their nature; and the nature of angels could not be an atoning sacrifice for the sin of man. Here is a price paid, enough for all, and suitable to all, for it was in our nature. Here the wonderful love of God appeared, that, when Christ knew what he must suffer in our nature, and how he must die in it, yet he readily took it upon him. And this atonement made way for his people's deliverance from Satan's bondage, and for the pardon of their sins through faith. Let those who dread death, and strive to get the better of their terrors, no longer attempt to outbrave or to stifle them, no longer grow careless or wicked through despair. Let them not expect help from the world, or human devices; but let them seek pardon, peace, grace, and a lively hope of heaven, by faith in Him who died and rose again, that thus they may rise above the fear of death. The remembrance of his own sorrows and temptations, makes Christ mindful of the trials of his people, and ready to help them. He is ready and willing to succour those who are tempted, and seek him. He became man, and was tempted, that he might be every way qualified to succour his people, seeing that he had passed through the same temptations himself, but continued perfectly free from sin. Then let not the afflicted and tempted despond, or give place to Satan, as if temptations made it wrong for them to come to the Lord in prayer. Not soul ever perished under temptation, that cried unto the Lord from real alarm at its danger, with faith and expectation of relief. This is our duty upon our first being surprised by temptations, and would stop their progress, which is our wisdom.