OET interlinear HEB 2:16

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: grammar-connect-logic-result

γὰρ

for

Here, the word For introduces an explanation of why the Son shared in “flesh and blood” and died. He did this because he takes hold of humans, not angels. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation. Alternate translation: “He did those things because”

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / infostructure

οὐ & ἀγγέλων ἐπιλαμβάνεται, ἀλλὰ σπέρματος Ἀβραὰμ ἐπιλαμβάνεται

not & ˱of˲_/the/_angels ˱he˲_/is/_taking_hold but ˱of˲_/the/_seed ˱of˲_Abraham ˱he˲_/is/_taking_hold

If your language would not put the negative statement before the positive statement, you could reverse them. Alternate translation: “he takes hold of the offspring of Abraham. He does not take hold of angels.”

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

οὐ & ἐπιλαμβάνεται & ἐπιλαμβάνεται.

not & ˱he˲_/is/_taking_hold & ˱he˲_/is/_taking_hold

Here, the phrase take hold of could refer to: (1) how someone takes someone by the hand or the shoulder and leads them where they need to go. The author speaks in this way to refer to how someone helps or takes care of other people. Alternate translation: “he does not assist … he assists” (2) how someone takes someone else’s specific nature or kind. In other words, Jesus took the nature of the descendant of Abraham, not the nature of the angels. Alternate translation: “he does not take the nature of … he takes the nature of”

σπέρματος

˱of˲_/the/_seed

Here, the word offspring is a singular noun that refers to many descendants. It may be more natural in your language to use a plural form. Alternate translation: “descendants”

Note 4 topic: translate-kinship

σπέρματος Ἀβραὰμ

˱of˲_/the/_seed ˱of˲_Abraham

Here, the phrase offspring of Abraham refers to those who are descended from Abraham, which are the Israelites or Jews. However, the author applies a promise made to Abraham to his audience, whether they were Jews or not (See: 6:13–20). Because of this, he thinks that each person who believes in Jesus receives the promise and is a offspring of Abraham. In your translation, make it clear that offspring is not just about physical descendants but rather about who belongs in Abraham’s family, whether they were born in that family or not. Alternate translation: “the spiritual offspring of Abraham” or “each one whom God considers an offspring of Abraham”