Hebrews 2:11

KJV

For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified [are] all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} both {G5037} he that sanctifieth {G37} and {G2532} they who are sanctified {G37} are all {G3956} of {G1537} one {G1520}: for {G1223} which {G3739} cause {G156} he is {G1870} not {G3756} ashamed {G1870} to call {G2564} them {G846} brethren {G80},

Complete Jewish Bible

For both Yeshua, who sets people apart for God, and the ones being set apart have a common origin — this is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 2:11 profoundly articulates the deep solidarity between Jesus Christ, the Sanctifier, and believers, the sanctified. It reveals that both share a common origin or spiritual kinship, leading to the astonishing truth that Christ is not ashamed to embrace and acknowledge His redeemed as His own brethren. This verse underscores the humility, grace, and profound identification of Jesus with humanity, establishing an intimate familial bond rooted in His redemptive work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within Hebrews chapter 2, which primarily focuses on the superiority of Jesus Christ over angels, yet paradoxically emphasizes His necessary humanity. The preceding verses establish Christ's temporary humiliation in becoming human, suffering death for all humanity ([Hebrews 2:9](/hebrews/2-9 "Hebrews 2:9 - Jesus Tasted Death for Everyone")), and His role in bringing "many sons to glory" ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Bringing Many Sons to Glory")). Verse 11 provides the theological rationale for this process, explaining *why* Christ had to become human and *how* His humanity enables the sanctification and adoption of believers into God's family. It sets the stage for further discussion in the chapter about Jesus' shared humanity, His role as a merciful and faithful High Priest, and His victory over death and the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus' Shared Humanity and Victory")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism. A core argument throughout the book is the absolute supremacy of Christ over the Old Covenant institutions, including angels, Moses, the priesthood, and sacrifices. In the Jewish tradition, angels were highly revered as divine messengers and agents of God's law. To assert that Jesus, the Son of God, became "lower than the angels" ([Hebrews 2:7](/hebrews/2-7 "Hebrews 2:7 - Jesus Lower Than Angels")) and identified with humanity to the point of calling them "brethren" was a radical theological claim. This statement would have challenged their preconceptions about divine majesty and human unworthiness, highlighting the unprecedented intimacy offered through Christ. The concept of "sanctification" (being set apart for God) was deeply rooted in Old Testament sacrificial and priestly rituals, and the author reinterprets it through the lens of Christ's perfect sacrifice and shared humanity.

* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 2:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Hebrews. The theme of **Christ's Superiority and Humanity** is central, as the verse demonstrates how His divine nature is not compromised by His shared humanity, but rather perfected through it for the purpose of salvation. The concept of **Sanctification** is also prominent, emphasizing that believers are made holy and set apart for God through Christ's work. This verse also introduces the profound theme of **Solidarity and Identification**, showcasing Jesus' willingness to fully identify with humanity, not only in suffering but also in familial relationship. This deep identification is foundational to His role as the sympathetic High Priest, as explored in [Hebrews 4:15-16](/hebrews/4-15-16 "Hebrews 4:15-16 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest"), who understands human weakness because He experienced it Himself. Finally, the theme of **Divine Humility and Grace** shines through, as the Creator of the universe condescends to call His redeemed creatures "brethren," revealing the boundless love of God for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sanctifieth / sanctified (Greek, _hagiázō'_):** This verb, derived from the root _hagios_ (holy), means "to make holy," "to purify," or "to consecrate." In this context, "he that sanctifieth" refers to Jesus Christ, who, through His atoning work, sets believers apart for God, purifying them from sin and dedicating them to a sacred purpose. "They who are sanctified" refers to believers who are made holy by Christ's work, entering into a new state of consecration and purity before God. The use of the same root for both highlights that the holiness of the believers flows directly from the holiness and work of Christ.

* **one (Greek, _heîs'_):** This numeral signifies "a single unit" or "unity." The phrase "all of one" (Greek: _ek henos pantes_, "all from one") implies a shared origin, common nature, or spiritual kinship. It points to a profound unity established between Christ and believers, suggesting they are all part of the same spiritual family, drawing their life and holiness from the same divine source—God the Father, through Christ. It's not a unity of identical being, but of shared spiritual purpose, destiny, and familial relationship.

* **ashamed (Greek, _epaischýnomai'_):** This verb means "to feel shame for something" or "to be put to shame." In this verse, the negative "is not ashamed" powerfully conveys Christ's complete acceptance and embrace of humanity, despite their fallen state. It emphasizes His profound humility and unwavering commitment to His redemptive mission. Despite His divine glory and the sinfulness of humanity, Jesus willingly identifies with His redeemed, demonstrating a love that transcends any potential for disdain or embarrassment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified":** This clause introduces the two key parties in the spiritual relationship: Jesus Christ, the one who makes holy, and believers, who are made holy by Him. It establishes a clear distinction in roles but immediately sets the stage for their profound connection. The present participles "sanctifieth" (_hagiazōn_) and "sanctified" (_hagiazomenoi_) indicate an ongoing state or process, emphasizing Christ's continuous work of setting apart and purifying His people.

* **"[are] all of one":** This central phrase declares the profound unity and shared spiritual origin between Christ and believers. The Greek "all from one" (_ek henos pantes_) signifies a common source, nature, or spiritual kinship. It implies that both Christ and those He sanctifies are ultimately from God, sharing a divine purpose and familial connection, which is the basis for their relationship. This unity is not one of identical being but of shared spiritual life and destiny, flowing from God the Father.

* **"for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren":** This concluding clause explains the astonishing consequence of the shared unity: because of this profound spiritual kinship, Jesus, the divine Son, willingly and without hesitation, embraces and acknowledges believers as His "brethren." This highlights Christ's incredible humility, love, and complete solidarity with humanity. Despite His inherent superiority and divine glory, He willingly enters into a familial relationship with those He redeems, demonstrating the depth of His identification and acceptance.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several literary devices to convey the profound truths of [Hebrews 2:11](/hebrews/2-11 "Hebrews 2:11 - Christ Not Ashamed to Call Us Brethren"). **Parallelism** is evident in the phrasing "he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified," which creates a balanced structure emphasizing the reciprocal relationship between Christ's action and the believers' state. This highlights the source of sanctification (Christ) and its recipients (believers). The statement "all of one" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** or **Synecdoche**, representing a shared spiritual origin or familial bond, where "one" stands for a common divine Fatherhood or spiritual essence. Furthermore, the declaration that Jesus "is not ashamed to call them brethren" employs **Understatement** (litotes) to emphasize the immense significance of Christ's humility and acceptance. By stating what He is *not* (ashamed), the text powerfully affirms what He *is* (proud, willing, and eager to acknowledge them). This also serves as a stark **Contrast** between Christ's divine majesty and His profound condescension and solidarity with humanity, underscoring the depth of His love and grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 2:11 unveils a cornerstone of Christian theology: the profound and intimate union between Christ and His people. This unity is rooted in Christ's willingness to share in our humanity, not merely as an act of empathy, but as the very means by which He sanctifies us and brings us into God's family. The "all of one" speaks to a shared divine origin and purpose, emphasizing that both the Sanctifier and the sanctified are ultimately from God and for God. Christ's lack of shame in calling us "brethren" reveals the depth of God's love and acceptance, transforming a master-servant relationship into one of familial intimacy. This theological truth assures believers of their secure standing in God's family and the unwavering solidarity of their High Priest.

* [John 20:17](/john/20-17 "John 20:17 - Jesus Calls Disciples His Brothers")
* [Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")
* [Ephesians 1:4-5](/ephesians/1-4-5 "Ephesians 1:4-5 - Chosen and Adopted in Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The truth that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is not ashamed to call us His brethren is a profound source of comfort, security, and identity for every believer. It means that despite our imperfections, our past sins, and our ongoing struggles, we are fully accepted, deeply loved, and intimately connected to the very heart of God's family through Christ. This reality should dismantle any feelings of unworthiness or distance from God, empowering us to approach Him with confidence and boldness, knowing that our High Priest fully identifies with our human experience. It calls us to live lives worthy of this sacred relationship, reflecting the holiness to which we have been called and extending the same grace and love to others, recognizing them as fellow brethren in Christ. Our identity is no longer defined by our failures but by our adoption into God's family, secured by Christ's unwavering solidarity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does knowing that Jesus is not ashamed to call you "brethren" impact your sense of identity and belonging in God's family?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge any feelings of unworthiness or distance you might have from God?**
* **How should the truth of Christ's solidarity with you influence your willingness to identify with and serve others, especially those whom society might deem "unworthy"?**

### FAQ

**What does "all of one" mean in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "all of one" (Greek: _ek henos pantes_) signifies a shared origin, common nature, or spiritual kinship between Jesus Christ and those He sanctifies. It does not mean that believers become divine in the same way Christ is, but rather that both Christ and believers ultimately derive their existence and spiritual life from the same divine source—God the Father. This unity forms the basis for Christ's willingness to call believers His "brethren," emphasizing a profound familial bond and shared destiny in God's redemptive plan. It highlights that all who are sanctified by Christ are brought into the one family of God, with Christ as the firstborn among many brethren ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")).

**Why is it significant that Jesus is "not ashamed" to call believers brethren?**

Answer: The significance of Jesus "not being ashamed" is immense. It underscores His profound humility, boundless love, and complete acceptance of humanity despite our fallen nature and sin. In ancient cultures, one might be ashamed to associate with those of lower status, or those who brought dishonor. For the divine Son of God, who is infinitely glorious and holy, to willingly identify with sinful humanity to the point of calling them "brethren" is an act of extraordinary grace. It demonstrates that His love overcomes any potential for disdain or embarrassment, affirming the deep value and dignity He bestows upon those He redeems. This willingness to identify fully with humanity is crucial for His role as our High Priest, who can sympathize with our weaknesses because He Himself was tempted in every way, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 2:11 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies both the Sanctifier and the "one" from whom all spiritual life flows. His incarnation, where He willingly "partook of the same" flesh and blood as humanity ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Jesus Shared in Flesh and Blood")), is the supreme act of solidarity that enables this profound brotherhood. By becoming human, Jesus entered into our condition, experiencing temptation, suffering, and death, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). This shared humanity is not a mere formality but the very foundation upon which He sanctifies us, setting us apart for God through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. His resurrection and ascension confirm His victory over sin and death, establishing Him as the "firstborn among many brethren" ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")), who leads "many sons to glory" ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Bringing Many Sons to Glory")). Thus, Christ's willingness to call us "brethren" is the glorious outcome of His entire redemptive mission, culminating in our adoption as children of God ([Galatians 4:4-7](/galatians/4-4-7 "Galatians 4:4-7 - Adoption as Sons")) and co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), a testament to His perfect love and unwavering commitment to His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 10:10

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all].

John 20:17

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and [to] my God, and your God.

Hebrews 10:14

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Hebrews 13:12

Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

John 17:19

And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

Matthew 12:48

But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

Matthew 12:50

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.