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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - Hebrews 2:18 - 2:18
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18. ἐν ᾦ γὰρ πέπονθεν αὐτὸς πειρασθείς. These words have been taken, and grammatically may be explained, in eight or nine different ways. One of the best ways is that given by the A. V. and endorsed by the R. V. This method regards the Greek ἐν ᾦ as equivalent to the Hebrew בַּאֲשֶׁר, which means “in so far as.” “By His Passion,” says Bp Wordsworth, “He acquired compassion.” Of other possible ways, the most tenable is that which takes ἐν ᾦ quite literally, “In that sphere wherein (ἐν τούτῳ ὅ, comp. 1Pe 2:12) He suffered by being tempted”—the sphere being the whole conditions of human life and trial (comp. Heb 6:17; Rom 8:3). But the first way seems to be the better. Temptation of its own nature involves suffering, and it is too generally overlooked that though our Lord’s severest temptations came in two great and solemn crises—in the wilderness and at Gethsemane—yet Scripture leads us to the view that He was always liable to temptation—though without sin, because the temptation was always repudiated with the whole force of His will throughout the whole course of His life of obedience. After the temptation in the wilderness the devil only left Him “for a season” (Luk 4:13). We must remember too that the word “temptation” includes all trials.
τοῖς πειραζομένοις, “that are under temptation” (lit., “that are being tempted,” i. e. men in their mortal life of trial). This thought is the one so prominent throughout the Epistle, viz. the closeness of Christ’s High-Priestly sympathy, Heb 4:15, Heb 5:1-2. The aor. βοηθῆσαι implies the immediate help to those who are being continuously tempted.