Hebrews2

Hebrews 2 begins with a solemn warning to give earnest heed to the great salvation, which was first spoken by the Lord and confirmed by God with signs and wonders, lest one neglect it. It establishes Jesus' superiority over angels, noting that humanity, not angels, is destined for the "world to come," a destiny fulfilled in Jesus. Jesus was made lower than angels to suffer death, thereby destroying the devil's power and becoming a merciful High Priest able to succour the tempted.
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The Danger of Drifting Away

1
Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them. ​
2
For if the word spoken through angels proved stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; ​
3
how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having at the first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard; ​
4
God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders, and by manifold powers, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will. ​

The Son Rules the World to Come

5
For not unto angels did he subject the world to come, whereof we speak. ​
6
But one hath somewhere testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him? ​
7
Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; Thou crownedst him with glory and honor, And didst set him over the works of thy hands:
8
Thou didst put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he subjected all things unto him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we see not yet all things subjected to him. ​
9
But we behold him who hath been made a little lower than the angels, even Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for every man. ​

Jesus Made Perfect Through Suffering

10
For it became him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. ​
11
For both he that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, ​
12
saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, In the midst of the congregation will I sing thy praise. ​
13
And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold, I and the children whom God hath given me.

The Necessity of the Incarnation

14
Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; ​
15
and might deliver all them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. ​
16
For verily not to angels doth he give help, but he giveth help to the seed of Abraham. ​
17
Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. ​
18
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. ​

Study Notes for Hebrews 2

Verse 1

The chapter begins with a stern exhortation, building upon the argument in chapter 1 that Christ’s revelation is superior to all previous forms of communication (including angels).

Verse 2

The Law (the 'word spoken by angels,' referring to its traditional transmission at Sinai) brought strict accountability; therefore, the greater message of salvation must bring even greater accountability.

Verse 3

This verse emphasizes the gravity of neglecting salvation, which was initially declared by the Lord himself and then verified by the apostles (them that heard him).

Verse 4

The message of salvation was authenticated by God through visible, powerful confirmations, including 'signs and wonders' and the distribution of spiritual gifts.

Verse 5

The author returns to the theme of Christ's superiority over angels, asserting that the new, perfected creation ('the world to come') is not placed under angelic authority.

Verse 6

The author quotes Psalm 8:4-6 to show God’s original intention for humanity to rule creation. The term 'son of man' here refers generally to humanity.

Verse 8

While scripture states 'all things' are subject to humanity, the author notes that this promise is not yet fully realized in the present age. This sets up the transition to Jesus.

Verse 9

Jesus is the fulfillment of Psalm 8. He experienced the temporary humiliation of death ('made a little lower than the angels') in order to achieve the ultimate destiny of glory for humanity.

Verse 10

God designed that Jesus, the 'captain' (pioneer or author, Gk. *archēgos*) of salvation, should be fully qualified ('perfect') for his role through the experience of suffering and death.

Verse 11

The solidarity between Christ (the sanctifier) and believers (the sanctified) is so complete that he is not ashamed to call them 'brethren,' demonstrating his full identification with humanity.

Verse 12

This quotes Psalm 22:22, which is interpreted here as Christ declaring God’s name among his people, emphasizing his role as the worshipper alongside his brethren.

Verse 14

This explains the necessity of the incarnation: by taking on flesh and blood, Jesus was able to confront death on its own ground and thus 'destroy' (render powerless) the devil, who wielded death.

Verse 15

Christ’s victory over death freed humanity from the paralyzing 'fear of death,' which had previously held people in psychological and spiritual slavery.

Verse 16

The author explicitly states that Christ did not assume the nature of angels, but rather the human nature descending from Abraham. This was necessary for him to serve as a representative High Priest.

Verse 17

The incarnation qualified Jesus to be a 'merciful and faithful high priest.' Having shared human experience, he could effectively make atonement ('reconciliation') for human sin.

Verse 18

Because Christ personally experienced suffering and temptation, he is fully equipped and able to provide aid and support (*succour*) to believers facing similar trials.

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