Hebrews 2:14 – “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death-that is, the devil-”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse explains one of the most important reasons Jesus came into the world: to destroy the power of death and the one who used it to keep people in fear-the devil.
It begins by saying that “the children”-referring to believers, the family of God-are human beings, made of “flesh and blood.” Because we are human, Jesus became human too. He didn’t just appear as a man-He truly became one of us. He shared in our physical nature, our weaknesses, and even our experience of death.
But Jesus’ death wasn’t like any other death. His death was part of a plan to defeat the devil, who held the power of death. That doesn’t mean Satan controlled when people died, but that he used death as a weapon-especially the fear and finality of it-to keep people enslaved. Jesus’ death broke that power. He stepped into death itself and came out victorious, proving that death is no longer the end for those who belong to Him.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, death was often seen as the great unknown-a mysterious and terrifying end. People lived in fear of what came after. For many Jews of the time, death was viewed as the great consequence of sin and the result of humanity’s fall.
For early Christians, especially those facing persecution, the fear of death was real. Choosing to follow Jesus could mean imprisonment or martyrdom. So this verse gave them strong encouragement: Jesus faced death head-on and defeated it.
The writer of Hebrews wanted his readers to understand that Jesus didn’t save us from a distance. He came into our world, lived like us, suffered like us, and died like us-so He could free us.
Theological Implications
This verse speaks powerfully about the incarnation–Jesus becoming fully human-and the atonement-His death that conquered sin and death.
It teaches that Jesus had to become like us in order to save us. If He had stayed in heaven, untouched by human pain and death, He wouldn’t have fully dealt with the problem. But because He entered into our condition, He could take on death itself and break its power.
It also shows that Satan is a real enemy, but not an ultimate one. Jesus broke his power through the cross. That doesn’t mean the devil has no influence at all, but it means he no longer holds the final word over our lives or our eternity.
This verse also assures us that death is no longer something to fear. Jesus changed its meaning for those who trust Him.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses contrast and cause-effect language. The phrase “flesh and blood” emphasizes human weakness, while “he too shared” shows how Jesus chose to enter that weakness.
The key action is “he might break the power of him who holds the power of death.” That’s strong language-Jesus didn’t just weaken death; He broke it. The word “power” here implies control or hold, and Jesus came to shatter that hold.
The structure is tight and logical: because we are human, Jesus became human, so that by His death, He could defeat the one who held us in fear through death.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Philippians 2:7–8 – Jesus “made himself nothing,” taking on human nature and becoming obedient to death.
- 1 Corinthians 15:54–57 – “Death has been swallowed up in victory… thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Genesis 3:15 – God’s promise that the seed of the woman would crush the serpent’s head.
- 2 Timothy 1:10 – Jesus “destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light.”
- Revelation 1:18 – Jesus says, “I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse is deeply comforting. It tells you that you no longer have to live in fear of death. Jesus has already faced it and defeated it. It’s no longer a dead end-it’s a doorway to eternal life with Him.
It also reminds you that Jesus understands what it means to be human. He knows what it’s like to suffer, to hurt, to die. So when you face fear or pain, you can come to Him, knowing He gets it-and has already overcome it.
This verse also challenges us to remember that our enemy has been defeated. We’re still in a battle, but the outcome is already decided. Jesus wins, and in Him, we are safe.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
A loving God doesn’t watch from afar while His people struggle. He steps in. That’s exactly what this verse shows. God sent His Son to become human-not for show, but to rescue. Jesus didn’t have to die, but He chose to, because of love.
This isn’t a distant or cold kind of love. It’s personal, sacrificial, and powerful. God saw our greatest fear-death-and faced it for us, so we wouldn’t have to face it alone.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the heart of this verse. He is the one who became like us, lived with us, and died for us. He didn’t stay in heaven, untouched by our pain. He entered into our world, became vulnerable, and gave His life to defeat the enemy that held us captive.
This verse shows Jesus as both the perfect Savior and the perfect human-one who leads us out of fear and into freedom.
- John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
- Romans 5:12–19 – Jesus, the second Adam, reverses the curse of sin and death.
- Hebrews 4:15 – Jesus is able to sympathize with our weaknesses.
- John 11:25–26 – “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to you that Jesus became fully human-flesh and blood?
- How does this verse help you face fear, especially the fear of death?
- In what ways do you see the power of Jesus’ death at work in your life?
- How does knowing that the devil’s power has been broken change how you live?
- How can you encourage others with the truth of this verse?