Hebrews 2:13

KJV

And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} again {G3825}, I {G1473} will {G2071} put my trust {G3982} in {G1909} him {G846}. And {G2532} again {G3825}, Behold {G2400} I {G1473} and {G2532} the children {G3813} which {G3739} God {G2316} hath given {G1325} me {G3427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also,

“I will put my trust in him, . . .”

and then it goes on,

“Here I am, along with the children God has given me.”

Berean Standard Bible

And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And once again: “Here am I, and the children God has given Me.”

American Standard Version

And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold, I and the children whom God hath given me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 2:13 presents two profound Old Testament quotations from Isaiah 8:17-18, applied to Jesus Christ, which powerfully underscore His complete identification with humanity and His perfect reliance on God the Father. These verses are crucial for understanding the incarnation, Christ's solidarity with believers, and His role as the Son who leads many "children" to glory through His perfect obedience and trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The immediate literary context of [Hebrews 2:13](/hebrews/2-13 "Hebrews 2:13 - Christ's Solidarity with Humanity") is the author's argument for the superiority of Christ over angels, yet paradoxically, His temporary humiliation. [Hebrews 2:9](/hebrews/2-9 "Hebrews 2:9 - Jesus Tasted Death for Everyone") establishes that Jesus was "made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death," emphasizing His full humanity as a necessary step for His atoning work. Following this, [Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Bringing Many Sons to Glory") explains that God, "for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, made the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." This sets the stage for Christ's identification with humanity, as He is the one who sanctifies, and those who are sanctified are all from one source ([Hebrews 2:11](/hebrews/2-11 "Hebrews 2:11 - Christ Not Ashamed to Call Them Brethren")). The preceding verse, [Hebrews 2:12](/hebrews/2-12 "Hebrews 2:12 - Christ Declares God's Name Among Brethren"), quotes Psalm 22:22, where Christ declares God's name "in the midst of the congregation," further solidifying His bond with His people. Hebrews 2:13 continues this theme of solidarity, using two more Old Testament passages to demonstrate Jesus' deep, familial connection with those He redeems, portraying Him as both trusting in God and leading His spiritual offspring.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were likely facing persecution or temptation to revert to Judaism. The author's primary aim is to demonstrate the absolute supremacy and finality of Jesus Christ and His New Covenant work over the Old Covenant system, including the Law, the priesthood, and the angelic mediation. The extensive use of Old Testament quotations, as seen in [Hebrews 2:13](/hebrews/2-13 "Hebrews 2:13 - Christ's Solidarity with Humanity"), served to prove to this Jewish audience that Jesus was indeed the long-awaited Messiah, the fulfillment of their Scriptures. The specific quotes from [Isaiah 8:17-18](/isaiah/8-17-18 "Isaiah 8:17-18 - Isaiah's Trust and Children as Signs") originally referred to the prophet Isaiah and his children serving as "signs and wonders" in Israel, demonstrating God's faithfulness amidst national crisis. By applying these verses to Christ, the author recontextualizes them, showing that Jesus embodies the ultimate prophetic sign, and His followers are His spiritual "children," given to Him by God. This reinterpretation would have resonated with an audience steeped in prophetic tradition, emphasizing the continuity and fulfillment of God's plan in Christ.

* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 2:13 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Hebrews and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Christ's Full Humanity and Incarnation**. Despite His divine nature, Jesus fully entered into the human experience, including the need to trust God, thus becoming a sympathetic High Priest ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Our Sympathetic High Priest")). Secondly, it highlights **Christ's Perfect Trust and Obedience** to the Father, even unto death, setting Him apart as the ideal example for believers and the perfect sacrifice. Thirdly, the verse underscores **Christ's Solidarity and Identification with Humanity**, particularly with believers whom He is "not ashamed to call brethren" ([Hebrews 2:11](/hebrews/2-11 "Hebrews 2:11 - Christ Not Ashamed to Call Them Brethren")). This deep bond forms the basis of the new **Family of God**, where believers are seen as Christ's "children" given to Him by the Father. Finally, the use of Old Testament quotations emphasizes the theme of **Messianic Fulfillment**, demonstrating that ancient prophecies find their ultimate and profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ, validating His messianic claims to a Jewish audience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **peíthō (Greek, _peíthō'_):** To convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty). In the context of "I will put my trust in him," this word signifies a deep, inward certainty and reliance on God. It speaks to Jesus' active and complete submission to the Father's will, demonstrating His perfect human faith and dependence, even in the face of suffering. This trust is not a mere intellectual assent but a profound, active reliance that shaped His entire incarnate life.
* **paidíon (Greek, _paidíon'_):** A childling (of either sex), i.e. (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian. When the author of Hebrews applies this term to believers as "the children which God hath given me," it emphasizes a familial, dependent relationship. It highlights Christ's role as the elder brother and guardian, and believers as His spiritual offspring, implying His care, protection, and responsibility for their spiritual growth and ultimate salvation. The term underscores the intimacy and belonging within the family of God.
* **dídōmi (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** To give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection). In the phrase "which God hath given me," this verb emphasizes the divine initiative and sovereignty in the salvation process. Believers are not merely self-chosen but are divinely "given" by the Father to the Son. This concept highlights the Father's role in the redemptive plan and the Son's perfect reception and stewardship of those entrusted to Him, reinforcing the security of believers in Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And again, I will put my trust in him."**: This clause is a quotation from [Isaiah 8:17](/isaiah/8-17 "Isaiah 8:17 - Isaiah's Trust in the Lord"). The "again" indicates a further Old Testament witness, building on the previous quote in [Hebrews 2:12](/hebrews/2-12 "Hebrews 2:12 - Christ Declares God's Name"). Attributed to Jesus, it profoundly demonstrates His full humanity and His perfect example of faith. Even as the Son of God, in His incarnate state, Jesus lived a life of absolute reliance and unwavering trust in God the Father. This statement underscores His complete identification with humanity, experiencing the human condition, including the need for faith, yet without sin. It portrays Him as the ultimate model of dependence on God.
* **"And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me."**: This second clause is a quotation from [Isaiah 8:18](/isaiah/8-18 "Isaiah 8:18 - Isaiah and His Children as Signs"), where Isaiah speaks of himself and his children as "signs and wonders in Israel." The "again" signals another prophetic testimony. The author of Hebrews applies this directly to Jesus, presenting believers as Christ's "children" or spiritual offspring. This powerfully emphasizes Jesus' deep identification with those He came to save. He does not merely save them from a distance; He embraces them as His own, sharing in their humanity to redeem them. The phrase "which God hath given me" highlights the Father's sovereign role in bringing believers to Christ, underscoring the divine initiative in salvation and the secure relationship between Christ and His chosen ones.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices in [Hebrews 2:13](/hebrews/2-13 "Hebrews 2:13 - Christ's Solidarity with Humanity"). The most prominent is **Quotation/Allusion**, as the verse consists entirely of two direct quotations from [Isaiah 8:17-18](/isaiah/8-17-18 "Isaiah 8:17-18 - Isaiah's Trust and Children as Signs"). This technique serves to ground the author's theological arguments in the authoritative Old Testament Scriptures, thereby appealing to the Jewish background of his audience and demonstrating the continuity of God's redemptive plan. Furthermore, the author employs **Typology** by re-contextualizing Isaiah's words, originally about the prophet and his natural children, and applying them to Jesus and His spiritual children (believers). This shows how Old Testament figures and events foreshadowed the ultimate reality found in Christ. The repeated phrase "And again" functions as a **Literary Marker**, signaling the introduction of additional scriptural proofs and emphasizing the cumulative weight of prophetic testimony. Finally, the verse utilizes **Personification** by attributing the words of Isaiah directly to Jesus, thereby highlighting Christ's full humanity and His active role in the family of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 2:13 profoundly articulates the theological truth of Christ's full humanity and His intimate solidarity with those He came to save. By quoting Isaiah 8:17, the author emphasizes that Jesus, though divine, fully embraced human dependence, living a life of perfect trust in the Father. This trust was not a weakness but a necessary aspect of His obedient submission, qualifying Him to be the perfect High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses because He was tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Our Sympathetic High Priest")). The second quotation from Isaiah 8:18 reveals the profound familial bond between Christ and believers. We are not merely subjects but "children" given to Him by God, signifying a deep, secure, and intimate relationship. This highlights the Father's sovereign act in salvation and the Son's loving embrace of those entrusted to Him, establishing the church as the new family of God, with Christ as its head and elder brother.

* [John 6:37](/john/6-37 "All Given to Jesus Will Come")
* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")
* [Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Conformed to the Image of His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 2:13 offers immense encouragement and a powerful pattern for Christian living. First, it reminds us that Jesus, our Savior, fully understands the human experience, including the profound need for trust and reliance on God. His perfect trust in the Father, even unto death on the cross, is not merely an abstract theological concept but a tangible example for us to emulate in all circumstances. When we face trials, uncertainties, or temptations, we can look to Christ's unwavering faith as our guide, knowing that He has walked this path before us. Second, this verse reaffirms our incredibly secure position as members of God's family through Christ. We are not just saved individuals, but "children" given to Him by the Father, deeply loved, cared for, and eternally secure in His embrace. This truth should inspire profound confidence in His protection, provision, and perseverance, knowing that our Elder Brother has identified with us completely and will never abandon His own. Our identity is rooted in being His, a gift from the Father, leading to a life of worship and grateful obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you find it most challenging to fully "put your trust in Him" as Jesus did?**
* **How does knowing that you are one of the "children which God hath given" to Jesus impact your sense of belonging, security, and identity as a believer?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to live out a deeper, more active trust in God, following Christ's example?**

### FAQ
**Why does the author of Hebrews quote Isaiah 8:17-18 and apply it to Jesus?**

Answer: The author quotes [Isaiah 8:17-18](/isaiah/8-17-18 "Isaiah 8:17-18 - Isaiah's Trust and Children as Signs") to demonstrate Christ's full identification with humanity and His perfect obedience. In its original context, Isaiah spoke of his own trust in God and presented himself and his children as signs. By attributing these words to Jesus, the author shows that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of these prophetic themes. The first quote ("I will put my trust in him") highlights Jesus' perfect human faith and dependence on the Father, a crucial aspect of His incarnate life and His qualification as a sympathetic High Priest ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Our Sympathetic High Priest")). The second quote ("Behold I and the children which God hath given me") emphasizes Jesus' solidarity with believers, portraying them as His spiritual family, given to Him by the Father. This reinforces the idea that Christ is not ashamed to call believers His "brethren" ([Hebrews 2:11](/hebrews/2-11 "Hebrews 2:11 - Christ Not Ashamed to Call Them Brethren")), establishing a profound familial bond.

**Who are the "children which God hath given me" in this verse?**

Answer: The "children which God hath given me" refers to believers, those who have been redeemed by Christ and brought into God's family. The author of Hebrews applies the original words of Isaiah (who spoke of his own biological children as signs) to Jesus' spiritual offspring. This signifies that believers are not merely individuals saved by Christ, but they are intimately connected to Him as His spiritual family. This concept is echoed in other New Testament passages, such as [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God"), where those who receive Christ are given the right to become "children of God," and [John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All Given to Jesus Will Come"), where Jesus states that "all that the Father gives me will come to me." It underscores the divine initiative in salvation and the secure, familial relationship between Christ and His redeemed people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 2:13 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus as the incarnate Son of God, who perfectly embodies both divine authority and human solidarity. The first quotation, "I will put my trust in him," reveals Jesus' perfect human dependence on the Father, a dependence that was essential for Him to fully identify with humanity and become the perfect sacrifice for sin. He lived a life of unwavering faith, modeling for us the very trust required to please God ([Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith Pleases God")). This perfect trust culminated in His obedient death on the cross, where He fully submitted to the Father's will, thereby securing our salvation. The second quotation, "Behold I and the children which God hath given me," beautifully encapsulates Christ's redemptive purpose: to bring many "sons" to glory ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Bringing Many Sons to Glory")). Through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, Jesus has gathered a spiritual family, those whom the Father has "given" to Him ([John 17:6](/john/17-6 "John 17:6 - Those Given to Jesus")). He is not ashamed to call us His "brethren" ([Hebrews 2:11](/hebrews/2-11 "Hebrews 2:11 - Christ Not Ashamed to Call Them Brethren")), having shared in our humanity so that we might share in His divine life. Thus, this verse points to Jesus as the faithful Son who, through His perfect trust and solidarity, brings us into the secure and intimate family of God, making us co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")) and members of His body, the Church, over which He is the head ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")).

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

Isaiah 8:17

And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.

Isaiah 8:18

Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me [are] for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.

Isaiah 12:2

Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.

John 10:29

My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.

1 Corinthians 4:15

For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet [have ye] not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

Psalms 91:2

I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Genesis 48:9

And Joseph said unto his father, They [are] my sons, whom God hath given me in this [place]. And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them.