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
We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. ​
2
For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment, ​
3
how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, ​
4
and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will. ​

The Son Rules the World to Come

5
For it is not to angels that He has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. ​
6
But somewhere it is testified in these words: “What is man that You are mindful 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
and placed everything under his feet.” When God subjected all things to him, He left nothing outside of his control. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. ​
9
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. ​

Jesus Made Perfect Through Suffering

10
In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting for God, for whom and through whom all things exist, to make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. ​
11
For both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. ​
12
He says: “I will proclaim Your name to My brothers; I will sing Your praises in the assembly.” ​
13
And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And once again: “Here am I, and the children God has given Me.”

The Necessity of the Incarnation

14
Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, ​
15
and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. ​
16
For surely it is not the angels He helps, but the descendants of Abraham. ​
17
For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people. ​
18
Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being 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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