Hebrews 2:14 Meaning: Christ's Death Broke the Devil's Grip
Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Seeing, then, the children have partaken of flesh and blood, he himself also in like manner did take part of the same, that through death he might destroy him having the power of death--that is, the devil--
Since therefore the children partake of blood and flesh, he also, in like manner, took part in the same, that through death he might annul him who has the might of death, that is, the devil;
Meaning in one sentence
Hebrews 2:14 explains why Jesus became human: to break the devil's power over death and free us from fear. His death defeated our greatest enemy.
Context
The letter to the Hebrews was written to believers who were tempted to turn back from following Christ. They faced pressure, suffering, and the threat of death. In chapter 2, the writer shows why Jesus, the Son of God, had to become a human being. He was made lower than the angels for a time so that he could taste death for everyone. The verses just before verse 14 call Jesus the pioneer of salvation, one who is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters. Then verse 14 gives the reason: since we share in flesh and blood, he shared it too. He did not need to become an angel because he came to save human beings, not fallen angels. His incarnation was necessary for his mission.
Key Words
The verse uses two different Greek words for sharing, and the difference matters. For the children, it says they have shared in flesh and blood. The verb (kekoinōnēken) is in the perfect tense, describing an ongoing state. Being human is simply what we are. But when it says Christ took part in the same, the verb (meteschen) is a moment in the past. It points to one specific, voluntary act: the incarnation. He freely chose to enter our condition from outside it.
The word translated destroy or bring to nothing is katargēsē. This does not mean to annihilate. It means to render something powerless, to make it idle and inoperative. The devil is still alive and active, but his hold over death has been broken. Like a king who has lost his throne, he still rages but no longer rules.
The phrase flesh and blood (literally blood and flesh in the Greek order) points to our whole human condition, weak, mortal, dependent. By taking on this same nature, Jesus put himself within reach of death so he could meet our enemy on our ground.
How Christians Read This Verse
Across Christian traditions, there is deep agreement that Christ's death accomplished a real defeat of the devil's power. Reformed commentators like Calvin and the Geneva Bible Notes emphasise that the devil still exists but his ability to harm believers is destroyed. Wesley and Clarke, from the Methodist tradition, speak of Christ counterworking the devil's influence and rendering it useless. The Cambridge Bible (Anglican) and Barnes (Protestant) note that bring to nothing means rendering impotent, not eliminating the devil's existence. Historic Christian teaching has understood this as the decisive blow foreshadowed in Genesis 3:15, the serpent's head is crushed, though the battle continues. Catholics and Orthodox both affirm that Christ's death broke the power of death and the devil, opening the way for humanity to share in God's life.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading goes like this: Since the devil still tempts and death still comes, Christ's victory seems incomplete. In fact, the word destroy (katargeō) means to render powerless, not to eliminate. The devil's dominion over death has been broken. He can still cause trouble, but he cannot hold those who belong to Christ in death's grip. The bondage of fear that once enslaved us is gone. The victory is real, even though the final battle is not yet over.
Living This Out
What does this verse ask of you this week? Maybe you avoid thinking about death. Maybe a health scare has shaken you, or you lie awake worrying about someone you love. Hebrews 2:14 invites you to let that fear go. Not by pretending death is not real, but by trusting that Christ has already taken the power out of it. The devil cannot use death to threaten you anymore. You are free to live, and to die, with hope. When fear creeps in, you can say quietly: Jesus shared my nature. Jesus died. He broke the power. I am safe. That is not just a thought. It is the truth this verse gives you to hold.
Main takeaway: Jesus took on our human nature and died, rendering the devil's power over death completely powerless for all who trust him.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Jesus became a real person, just like you. He died and beat the devil. Now we do not have to be scared of death anymore.
For ages 9, 12
Jesus shared our human nature so he could die. By dying, he broke the devil's power over death. The devil still tries to scare us, but he has already lost. Jesus' resurrection proves that death is not the end for those who trust him. We can live without being afraid.
Questions People Ask
What does 'bring to nothing' mean in Hebrews 2:14?
The Greek word is katargeō, which means to render powerless or inoperative. It does not mean to annihilate the devil. Christ's death stripped the devil of his authority over death. He still exists and can tempt, but he can no longer hold believers in death's grip.
If Christ defeated the devil, why do we still see evil and death?
Christ's death was the decisive blow that broke the devil's power, but the final removal of evil awaits Christ's return. The devil is like a defeated enemy who still causes trouble until he is fully removed. Meanwhile, believers are freed from the fear of death and can live in hope.
Who are 'the children' in this verse?
Most commentators agree that 'the children' refers to those whom God brings to glory (verse 10), the people Christ saves. Some, like Adam Clarke, understand it as the whole human race, since Christ died for all. Others see it more specifically as the spiritual children of God given to Christ.
Why did Jesus have to become human to defeat the devil?
Only by sharing our flesh and blood could Jesus die, because God cannot die. And only by dying could he break the power of death. An angel could not do this. By becoming human, Jesus became our close relative (kinsman-redeemer) and could act on our behalf.
Does this verse say the devil has 'the power of death'?
Yes. The devil holds power over death in the sense that he uses death to threaten and enslave people through fear. He is not the ultimate ruler of death, God is. But by God's permission, the devil had the ability to wield death as a weapon against humanity. Christ's death took that weapon away.
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