Hebrews 2:17

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Cross-reference

Hebrews 2:11 explains that Jesus and believers share one origin, providing the basis for him calling them brothers and becoming like them.

Hebrews 2:14 states Jesus partook of flesh and blood to destroy the devil's power of death, revealing the purpose of his becoming like his brothers.

Hebrews 3:2 Parallel

Hebrews 3:2 highlights Jesus' faithfulness to God who appointed him, comparing him to Moses and expanding the 'faithful high priest' role.

Hebrews 5:2 Parallel

Hebrews 5:2 explains why the high priest can be merciful: he himself is subject to weakness, enabling compassion on the ignorant and wayward.

Hebrews 4:15 expands on Christ's ability to sympathize, showing He was tempted in all points yet without sin — thus He is the merciful high priest.

Hebrews 4:16 draws the practical conclusion: because Christ is merciful, believers can boldly approach the throne of grace for mercy and help.

Hebrews 5:1 Parallel

Hebrews 5:1 defines the high priest's role — appointed for men in things pertaining to God to offer gifts and sacrifices — which Christ fulfills as described here.

Hebrews 10:21 reiterates Jesus as great priest over God's house, continuing the high priest theme from here.

Hebrews 3:1 Parallel

Hebrews 3:1 directly continues this theme, calling readers to consider Jesus as our high priest.

Hebrews 4:14 reaffirms Jesus as our great high priest, building on the same high priestly identity introduced here.

Hebrews 9:11 develops the high priestly role of Christ, now entering the heavenly sanctuary — a direct expansion of this verse.

Daniel 9:24 Prophetic fulfillment

Daniel 9:24 predicts making atonement for iniquity and finishing transgression — something Jesus fulfills as high priest.

2 Chronicles 29:24 describes a sin offering for all Israel — a clear type of Christ's propitiation for the people's sins that the high priest accomplishes.

Colossians 1:21 Related theme

Colossians 1:21 describes former alienation now reconciled by Christ's death — echoes the reconciliation theme of Hebrews 2:17.

Romans 5:10 Parallel

Romans 5:10 states we were reconciled to God through Christ's death — the same reconciliation Jesus achieves as merciful high priest.

2 Cor 5:18-21 explains God reconciling the world through Christ, not counting sins — directly parallel to Jesus making propitiation.

Ephesians 2:16 says Christ reconciled both Jew and Gentile to God through the cross — expanding the scope of reconciliation in Hebrews.

Philippians 2:7 describes Jesus' incarnation as taking the form of a servant, adding humility to his being made like his brothers.

Philippians 2:8 shows Jesus' obedience to death on a cross, the ultimate act of his high priestly faithfulness and propitiation.

1 Samuel 2:35 Prophetic fulfillment

1 Samuel 2:35 promises a faithful priest who will do God’s will, which Hebrews 2:17 sees fulfilled in Jesus.

Leviticus 16:15 describes the Day of Atonement sacrifice, prefiguring Christ’s once-for-all propitiation for sins.

Leviticus 9:15 shows Aaron making atonement for the people, a direct parallel to Jesus as high priest making propitiation.

John 1:29 Parallel

In John 1:29, John declares Jesus the Lamb of God who takes away sin—directly aligning with Hebrews' statement that he makes propitiation for sins.

Leviticus 4:20 describes the priest making atonement through a sin offering — directly parallels Jesus making propitiation as high priest.

Colossians 1:20 Related theme

Colossians 1:20 expands on reconciliation through Christ's blood — same atoning work as the propitiation mentioned here.

John 11:35 Parallel

In John 11:35, Jesus' tears show his deep compassion for grieving friends—embodying the merciful high priest who sympathizes with human sorrow.

John 4:6 Parallel

In John 4:6, Jesus' weariness from travel reveals his human limitations—fitting the description of being made like his siblings in every respect.

Luke 22:43 Parallel

In Luke 22:43, an angel strengthens Jesus in Gethsemane, showing his human weakness and dependence—an aspect of being 'made like his brothers'.

Mark 11:12 Parallel

In Mark 11:12, Jesus' hunger demonstrates his full humanity—'made like his brothers in every respect'—including physical needs.

Leviticus 6:30 details a sin offering whose blood is brought into the sanctuary for atonement — a ritual that prefigures Christ's propitiatory sacrifice.

Luke 7:13 Parallel

In Luke 7:13, Jesus' compassion for the widow moves him to raise her son—a concrete example of the mercy Hebrews attributes to him as high priest.

Mark 8:2 Parallel

In Mark 8:2, Jesus again expresses compassion for a hungry crowd, mirroring the mercy expected of a high priest who identifies with human weakness.

Mark 6:34 Parallel

In Mark 6:34, Jesus' compassion for the shepherdless crowd echoes the merciful high priest theme—he sees their need and teaches.

Mark 1:41 Parallel

Mark 1:41 shows Jesus moved with compassion to heal a leper, directly reflecting his mercy as high priest.

Matthew 20:34 records Jesus’ compassion for blind men, reinforcing the merciful character of his high priesthood.

Numbers 25:13 commends Phinehas for making atonement with zeal, echoing the faithful priestly work Christ performs.

Leviticus 8:15 records the consecration of the altar with blood for atonement — a priestly rite that foreshadows Christ's work as high priest.

Mark 10:49 Parallel

In Mark 10:49, Jesus calls a blind beggar to himself—an act of mercy that illustrates his compassionate, personal care as the merciful high priest.