An Exegetical Analysis of Hebrews 2:18: The Nuance of Suffering and Testing
This exegetical study of Hebrews 2:18, focusing on πεπονθεν and πειρασθεισ, is based on a b-greek discussion from Fri Jul 30 08:47:18 EDT 1999. The initial inquiry posed questions regarding the aspect of the aorist participle πειρασθεισ in combination with the perfect verb πεπονθεν, questioning whether the participle implied “having been tempted” and if its event time was simultaneous with that of πεπονθεν. The discussion sought to understand if the perfect tense emphasizes a resulting state and the participle the time of the testing itself, and whether the phrase collectively highlights both Christ’s state of having been tested and the experience of testing/temptation as reasons for his ability to aid those who are tested.
The main exegetical issue at hand revolves around the precise semantic and temporal relationship between the perfect active indicative verb πεπονθεν (from πάσχω, “to suffer”) and the aorist passive participle πειρασθεισ (from πειράζω, “to test, tempt”), both occurring within a causal clause introduced by ἐν ᾧ γὰρ. Specifically, interpreters grapple with whether the testing (πειρασθεισ) occurred prior to, concurrently with, or as the means of the suffering (πεπονθεν). Additionally, the force of πειράζω—whether it denotes mere testing/trial or temptation to sin—and the exact function of the introductory phrase ἐν ᾧ (locative, instrumental, or causal) significantly impact the verse’s theological implications concerning Christ’s empathetic capacity to assist suffering believers.
Hebrews 2:18 (Nestle 1904):
ἐν ᾧ γὰρ πεπονθεν αὐτὸς πειρασθεις, δύναται τοῖς πειραζομένοις βοηθῆσαι.
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- No significant textual variants concerning the terms πεπονθεν, πειρασθεισ, or ἐν ᾧ are recorded between the Nestle 1904/NA28 editions and the SBLGNT (2010) for Hebrews 2:18. Modern critical editions are in agreement on these specific words within the verse.
Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes
The textual critical apparatus of NA28 confirms the reading of πεπονθεν, πειρασθεισ, and ἐν ᾧ as found in the primary manuscript traditions. No significant variants are noted for these particular terms, indicating a stable text.
Lexical Notes:
- πεπονθεν (from πάσχω): This is the perfect active indicative of πάσχω, meaning “to suffer, undergo an experience, endure.” BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, Gingrich, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) indicates that the perfect tense typically describes a completed action with ongoing results or a resulting state. In this context, it refers to Christ’s historical experience of suffering, the effects or implications of which continue into the present. KITTEL (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament) extensively documents the range of suffering (physical, emotional, spiritual) associated with πάσχω, often linking it to redemptive or vicarious suffering, which is highly relevant for understanding Christ’s experience in Hebrews.
- πειρασθεισ (from πειράζω): This is an aorist passive participle, meaning “having been tested” or “having been tempted.” BDAG notes that πειράζω can mean “to try, test, prove” (e.g., testing one’s loyalty or endurance) or “to tempt” (i.e., to entice to evil). The context in Hebrews often favors the former, emphasizing Christ’s endurance of trials and challenges to his faithfulness and obedience, rather than enticement to sin in the same manner as humans. KITTEL’s entry for πειράζω also highlights this duality, distinguishing between testing as a means of proving character and tempting as an incitement to sin. The argument within the b-greek discussion, particularly by Gibson, strongly leans towards “testing” related to potential apostasy or challenges to faithfulness, aligning with the broader context of Hebrews.
- ἐν ᾧ: This prepositional phrase, literally “in which,” can function in several ways in Koine Greek. BDAG lists its potential meanings, including locative (“in that wherein”), instrumental (“by which”), and notably, causal (“because, in that”). The b-greek discussion, referencing Zerwick-Grosvenor and BDAG, affirms the causal interpretation as a strong possibility, meaning “because” or “in that case.” This causal force explains *why* Christ is able to help, grounding his ability in his past experience.
Translation Variants and Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The interplay of πεπονθεν and πειρασθεισ presents a key challenge. The perfect tense of πεπονθεν suggests a completed past action with present results or an enduring state. As noted by Conrad in the discussion, it signifies Christ as an “accomplished sufferer,” whose suffering is a “fait accompli as of now.” The aorist participle πειρασθεισ, grammatically, can indicate action prior to, concurrent with, or instrumental to the main verb. Initial interpretations debated whether the suffering and testing were simultaneous or if the testing preceded the suffering. Conrad initially suggested πειρασθεισ was temporally prior, while the initial inquirer considered them concurrent.
A significant contribution from the discussion, citing Burton, proposed viewing πειρασθεισ as an adverbial participle of means, rendering it “suffered by being tested.” This interpretation harmonizes the two verbs, suggesting that Christ’s suffering was intimately bound up with the process of being tested. This aligns well with the broader theological argument of Hebrews 2, where Christ’s human experience, including suffering and testing, qualifies him as a merciful and faithful high priest who can sympathize with human weakness (Heb 2:17).
The semantic range of πειράζω is also critical. While “temptation” (enticement to sin) is a common rendering, the context of Hebrews 2:18 and 4:15 often favors “testing” or “trial” (a proving of faithfulness or endurance). Gibson forcefully argued that the testing in view is not general enticements to sin but specific trials related to faithfulness and the potential for apostasy, mirroring the challenges faced by the readers of Hebrews. This rhetorical choice underscores Christ’s solidarity with believers facing severe pressures to abandon their faith.
Finally, the phrase ἐν ᾧ introduces the causal ground for Christ’s ability to help. While a locative “in that wherein” (as suggested by Conrad) is grammatically possible, the causal sense (“because,” “in that”) gains strong support from lexical authorities and parallel usages in the NT (e.g., Rom 8:3), as pointed out by Mealy and Larsen in the discussion. This causal understanding emphasizes that Christ’s capacity to assist stems directly from his own experience of having undergone suffering through testing.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The exegesis of Hebrews 2:18 reveals a profound theological statement concerning Christ’s empathetic capacity. The perfect tense πεπονθεν emphasizes the enduring reality and efficacy of Christ’s past suffering, establishing him as the “accomplished sufferer” whose experience is complete and whose resulting state is one of competence to aid. The aorist participle πειρασθεισ, most effectively understood as a participle of means, describes *how* this suffering occurred—through testing or trial. This testing pertains more to the endurance of challenges to faithfulness than to enticement to sin. The introductory clause ἐν ᾧ γὰρ functions causally, explaining the basis of Christ’s ability to provide help. Therefore, the verse asserts that Christ’s aid for those undergoing trials is rooted in his own complete and proven experience of suffering through testing.
Here are three suggested translations, emphasizing different nuances:
- For because he himself has suffered by being tested, he is able to help those who are being tested.
This translation emphasizes the causal nature of ἐν ᾧ and interprets πειρασθεισ as the means by which Christ suffered, highlighting his active endurance of trials. - For in that he himself has completely experienced suffering through testing, he is able to come to the aid of those who are being tested.
This rendering stresses the perfect aspect of πεπονθεν (completed experience with present effect) and views πειρασθεισ as an integral part of that suffering experience, conveying both the cause and the manner. - Indeed, since he himself has suffered having been put to the test, he is able to assist those who are facing trials.
This option prioritizes a clear causal link (since), understands πειρασθεισ as a past action defining the nature of his suffering, and uses “put to the test” to emphasize the evaluative aspect of πειράζω.