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READER>> Hebrews 2:16 Does Not Say Fallen Angels Are Damned

ME>> Let's look at the passage more closely.

The KJV translates Hebrews 2:16, "For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham."

The KJV translation paraphrases this verse to emphasize the argument that Jesus became a man and not an angel and so Jesus is empathetic to the needs of mankind.

The NASB translates Hebrews 2:16, "For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham."

The NASB, however, interprets the verse to mean that because Jesus became a man he is therefore the helper / redeemer of mankind and not of angels.  Check out the verse for yourself at the http://www.blueletterbible.org for further study.

Consider the whole argument flow of Hebrews 2 (WEB) below,

1) Therefore we ought to pay greater attention to the things that were heard, lest perhaps we drift away. 2) For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, 3) how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation—which at the first having been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard, 4) God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will?

Point 1: Pay attention because Jesus is greater than angels.

5) For he didn’t subject the world to come, of which we speak, to angels. 6) But one has somewhere testified, saying, 'What is man, that you think of him? Or the son of man, that you care for him? 7) You made him a little lower than the angels. You crowned him with glory and honor.  8) You have put all things in subjection under his feet.'

For in that he subjected all things to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we don’t see all things subjected to him, yet. 9) But we see him who has been made a little lower than the angels, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for everyone.

Point 2: The world to come is also subject to mankind, not to angels, with Jesus leading the charge in dominion by tasting death for us.

10) For it became him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many children to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11) For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12) saying,

'I will declare your name to my brothers. Among the congregation I will sing your praise.' 13) Again, 'I will put my trust in him.' Again, 'Behold, here I am with the children whom God has given me.'

Point 3: Jesus is not ashamed to call us his brothers and sisters.

14) 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, 15) and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16) For most certainly, he doesn’t give help to angels, but he gives help to the offspring of Abraham. 17) Therefore he was obligated in all things to be made like his brothers, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18) For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

Point 4: Jesus broke the power of Satan because he is not the helper of sinful angels, but the helper of sinful mankind. 

The literal translation of Hebrews 2:16 (WEB) from the Greek is:

In conclusion, it would seem that the KJV is guilty of allowing a bias of understanding to wrongly influence the translation.  Hebrews 2:16 is saying that Jesus is not the helper of Satan and his angels.  Does the verse go as far to say that the Devil and his angels are outside of the redemption purchased at the cross?  Some have interpreted the "apokatastasis" of Acts 3:21 and the "all things" of Colossians 1:20 to include fallen angels as well.  The happy news is that the redemption of ALL mankind is explicitly taught in Scripture.  As for Satan, the arch enemy of Christ, it is also explicitly taught that Christ is not his helper and his destiny is the Lake of Fire.  Is there an end to his condemnation to the Lake of Fire?  The Scriptures are silent on that question.