1 Thereof he inferreth, that good heed must be given to Christ’s doctrine: 9 And he setteth him out unto us even as our brother in our flesh, that we may with a good will yield up ourselves wholly unto him.

Wherefore [a]we ought diligently to give heed to the things which [b]we have heard, lest at any time we [c]run out.

For if the [d]word spoken by Angels was steadfast, and every transgression, and disobedience received a just recompense of reward,

How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation, [e]which at the first began to be preached by the Lord, and afterward was confirmed unto us by [f]them that heard him.

(A)God bearing witness thereto, both with [g]signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the holy Ghost, according to his own will?

[h]For he hath not put in subjection unto the Angels the [i]world to come, whereof we speak.

[j]But (B)one in a certain place witnessed, saying, [k]What is man, that thou shouldest be mindful of him? or the [l]son of man, that thou wouldest consider him?

Thou [m]madest him a little inferior to the Angels: thou crownedst him with [n]glory and honor, and hast set him above the works of thine hands.

(C)Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. And in that he hath put all things in subjection under him, he left nothing that should not be subject unto him. [o]But we yet see not all things subdued unto him,

[p]But we [q]see Jesus crowned with glory and honor, (D)which was made little [r]inferior to the Angels, [s]through the [t]suffering of death, that by God’s grace he might [u]taste death for [v]all men.

10 [w]For it became [x]him, for whom are all these things, and by whom are all these things, [y]seeing that he brought many children unto glory, [z]that he should consecrate the [aa]Prince of their salvation through afflictions.

11 [ab]For he that [ac]sanctifieth, and they which are sanctified, are all of [ad]one: wherefore he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

12 [ae]Saying, (E)I will declare thy Name unto my brethren: in the midst of the Church will I sing praises to thee.

13 [af]And again, (F)I will put my [ag]trust in him. And again, (G)[ah]Behold, here am I, and the children which God hath given me.

14 Forasmuch then as the children are [ai]partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part with them, that he might destroy (H)through death, him that had the [aj]power of death, that is, the [ak]devil,

15 And that he might deliver all them, which for fear of [al]death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

16 [am]For he in no sort took on him the [an]Angels’ nature, but he took on him the [ao]seed of Abraham.

17 [ap]Wherefore in [aq]all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be [ar]merciful, and a [as]faithful high Priest in things concerning God, that he might make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

18 For in that he suffered, and was [at]tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 2:1 Now as it were pausing with himself and showing to what end and purpose all these things were spoken, to wit, to understand by the excellency of Christ above all creatures, that his doctrine, majesty and Priesthood is most perfect, he useth an exhortation taken from a comparison.
  2. Hebrews 2:1 He maketh himself an hearer.
  3. Hebrews 2:1 They are said to let the word run out, which hold it not fast when they have heard it.
  4. Hebrews 2:2 The Law which appointed punishment for the offenders: and which Paul saith was given by Angels, Gal. 3:19, and Stephen, Acts 7:53.
  5. Hebrews 2:3 If the breach and trangression of the word spoken by Angels was not suffered unpunished, much less shall it be lawful for us to neglect the Gospel which the Lord of Angels preached, and was confirmed by the voice of the Apostles, and with so many signs and wonders from heaven, and especially with so great and mighty working of the holy Ghost.
  6. Hebrews 2:3 By the Apostles.
  7. Hebrews 2:4 This is the true end of miracles. Now they are called signs, because they appear one thing, and represent another: and they are called wonders, because they represent some strange and unaccustomed things and virtues, because they give us a glimpse of God’s mighty power.
  8. Hebrews 2:5 If it were an heinous matter to contemn the Angels which are but servants, much more heinous is it to contemn that most mighty King of the restored world.
  9. Hebrews 2:5 The world to come, whereof Christ is Father, Isa. 9:6, or the Church, which as a new world, was to be gathered together by the Gospel.
  10. Hebrews 2:6 He showeth that the use of this kingly dignity consisteth herein, that men might not only [in] Christ recover that dignity which they have lost, but also might be through him advanced above all things, which dignity of men David describeth most excellently.
  11. Hebrews 2:6 What is there in man that thou shouldest have so great regard of him, and do him that honor?
  12. Hebrews 2:6 He calleth all the citizens of that heavenly kingdom as they are considered in themselves, before that God giveth them the liberty, of that city in Christ, Man, and Son of man.
  13. Hebrews 2:7 This is the first honor of the citizens of the world to come, that they are next [to] the Angels.
  14. Hebrews 2:7 For they shall be in very great honor, when they shall be partakers of the kingdom. And he speaketh of the thing that shall be, as though it were already, because it is so certain.
  15. Hebrews 2:8 An objection: But where is this so great rule and dominion?
  16. Hebrews 2:9 The answer: this is already fulfilled in Jesus Christ our head, who was for a time for our sakes inferior to the Angels, being made man: but now is advanced into most high glory.
  17. Hebrews 2:9 By his virtue and power which appeareth manifestly in the Church.
  18. Hebrews 2:9 Who abased himself for a season, and took upon him the position of a servant.
  19. Hebrews 2:9 He showeth the cause of this subjection, to wit, to taste of death for our sakes, that so doing the part of a redeemer, he might not only be our Prophet and King, but also our high Priest.
  20. Hebrews 2:9 That he might die.
  21. Hebrews 2:9 Feel death.
  22. Hebrews 2:9 Herein consisteth the force of the argument: for we could not at length be glorified with him, unless he was abased for us even all the faithful. And by this occasion the Apostle cometh to the other part of the declaration of Christ’s person, wherein he proveth him to be in such sort God, and he is also man.
  23. Hebrews 2:10 He proveth moreover by other arguments, why it behooveth the Son of God who is true God (as he proveth a little before) to become man notwithstanding, subject to all miseries, sin only except.
  24. Hebrews 2:10 God.
  25. Hebrews 2:10 First of all, because the Father, to whose glory all these things are to be referred, purposed to bring many sons unto glory. And how could he have men for his sons, unless his only begotten Son had become brother to men?
  26. Hebrews 2:10 Secondly, The Father determined to bring those sons to glory, to wit, out of that ignominy wherein they lay before. Therefore the Son should not have been seen plainly to be made man, unless he had been made like unto other men, that he might come to glory in the selfsame way, by which he should bring others: yea rather, it became him which was Prince of the salvation of others, to be consecrated above others, through those afflictions, Prophet, King, and Priest, which are the parts of that principality for the salvation of others.
  27. Hebrews 2:10 The Chieftain, who as he is chiefest in dignity, so is he the first begotten from among the dead, amongst many brethren.
  28. Hebrews 2:11 The ground of both the former arguments: for neither should we be sons through him, neither could he be consecrated through afflictions, unless he hath been made man like unto us. But because this Sonhood dependeth not upon nature only, for no man is accompted the son of God, unless that besides that he is a son of a man, he be also Christ’s brother, (which is by sanctification, that is, by becoming one with Christ, who sanctifieth us through faith) therefore the Apostle maketh mention of the sanctifier, to wit, of Christ, and of them that are sanctified, to wit, of all the faithful, whom therefore Christ vouchsafeth to call brethren.
  29. Hebrews 2:11 He useth the time that now is, to show us that we are yet still going on, and increasing in this sanctification, and by sanctification he meaneth our separation from the rest of the world, our cleansing from sin, and our dedication wholly unto God, all which Christ alone worketh in us.
  30. Hebrews 2:11 One, of one selfsame nature of man.
  31. Hebrews 2:12 That which he taught before of the incarnation of the sanctifier, he applieth to the prophetical office.
  32. Hebrews 2:13 He applieth the same to the kingly power of Christ in delivering his from the power of the devil and death.
  33. Hebrews 2:13 I will commit myself to him, and to his defense.
  34. Hebrews 2:13 This Isaiah speaketh of himself and his disciples, but betokening thereby all ministers, as also his disciples signify the whole Church. And therefore seeing Christ is the head of the Prophets and ministers, these words are more rightly verified of him, than of Isaiah.
  35. Hebrews 2:14 Are made of flesh and blood which is a frail and brittle nature.
  36. Hebrews 2:14 The devil is said to have the power of death, because he is the author of sin: and from sin cometh death, and for this cause he eggeth us daily to sin.
  37. Hebrews 2:14 He speaketh of one as of the Prince, joining to him secretly all his angels.
  38. Hebrews 2:15 By (death) thou must understand here that death which is joined with the wrath of God, as it must needs be, if it be without Christ, then there can be nothing devised more miserable.
  39. Hebrews 2:16 He expoundeth those words of flesh and blood, showing that Christ is true man, and not by turning his divine nature, but by taking on man’s nature. And he nameth Abraham, respecting the promises made to Abraham in this behalf.
  40. Hebrews 2:16 The nature of Angels.
  41. Hebrews 2:16 The very nature of man.
  42. Hebrews 2:17 He applieth the same to the Priesthood, for which he should not have benefit, unless he had become man, and that like unto us in all things, sin only except.
  43. Hebrews 2:17 Not only as touching nature, but qualities also.
  44. Hebrews 2:17 That he might be truly touched with the feeling of our miseries.
  45. Hebrews 2:17 Doing his office sincerely.
  46. Hebrews 2:18 Was tried and egged to wickedness by the devil.

Warning to Pay Attention

We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.(A) For since the message spoken(B) through angels(C) was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment,(D) how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?(E) This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord,(F) was confirmed to us by those who heard him.(G) God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles,(H) and by gifts of the Holy Spirit(I) distributed according to his will.(J)

Jesus Made Fully Human

It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. But there is a place where someone(K) has testified:

“What is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    a son of man that you care for him?(L)
You made them a little[a] lower than the angels;
    you crowned them with glory and honor
    and put everything under their feet.”[b][c](M)

In putting everything under them,[d] God left nothing that is not subject to them.[e] Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them.[f] But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor(N) because he suffered death,(O) so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.(P)

10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists,(Q) should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.(R) 11 Both the one who makes people holy(S) and those who are made holy(T) are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.[g](U) 12 He says,

“I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;
    in the assembly I will sing your praises.”[h](V)

13 And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”[i](W)

And again he says,

“Here am I, and the children God has given me.”[j](X)

14 Since the children have flesh and blood,(Y) he too shared in their humanity(Z) so that by his death he might break the power(AA) of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil(AB) 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear(AC) of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants.(AD) 17 For this reason he had to be made like them,[k](AE) fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful(AF) and faithful high priest(AG) in service to God,(AH) and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.(AI) 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.(AJ)

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 2:7 Or them for a little while
  2. Hebrews 2:8 Psalm 8:4-6
  3. Hebrews 2:8 Or You made him a little lower than the angels;/ you crowned him with glory and honor/ and put everything under his feet.”
  4. Hebrews 2:8 Or him
  5. Hebrews 2:8 Or him
  6. Hebrews 2:8 Or him
  7. Hebrews 2:11 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verse 12; and in 3:1, 12; 10:19; 13:22.
  8. Hebrews 2:12 Psalm 22:22
  9. Hebrews 2:13 Isaiah 8:17
  10. Hebrews 2:13 Isaiah 8:18
  11. Hebrews 2:17 Or like his brothers