Hebrews 2:4

KJV

God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

KJV (with Strong's)

God {G2316} also bearing them witness {G4901}, both {G5037} with signs {G4592} and {G2532} wonders {G5059}, and {G2532} with divers {G4164} miracles {G1411}, and {G2532} gifts {G3311} of the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}, according to {G2596} his own {G846} will {G2308}?

Complete Jewish Bible

while God also bore witness to it with various signs, wonders and miracles, and with gifts of the Ruach HaKodesh which he distributed as he chose.

Berean Standard Bible

and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 2:4 powerfully asserts God's divine authentication of the gospel message, initially proclaimed by the Lord Jesus himself and then confirmed by His apostles. This authentication was manifested through a cascade of supernatural phenomena—signs, wonders, and diverse miracles—all empowered by the Holy Spirit and orchestrated precisely "according to his own will." The verse serves to bolster the faith of the original audience, reminding them of the unshakeable foundation of the Christian message and the grave implications of neglecting such a divinely validated salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal component of a solemn warning passage in Hebrews 2, immediately following the author's emphasis on the surpassing glory of Jesus Christ over angels in [Hebrews 1](/hebrews/1 "Hebrews 1 - The Superiority of Christ"). Having established Christ's preeminence, the author transitions to an urgent exhortation in [Hebrews 2:1-3](/hebrews/2-1-3 "Hebrews 2:1-3 - Warning Against Drifting"), cautioning against drifting away from the "great salvation" spoken by the Lord. Hebrews 2:4 then provides the irrefutable evidence for the divine origin and authority of this message, underscoring *why* neglecting it is so perilous. It highlights that the message was not merely human testimony but was unequivocally affirmed by God Himself, thus reinforcing the gravity of the preceding warning and setting the stage for the subsequent discussion of Jesus' shared humanity and priestly work.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The recipients of the Epistle to the Hebrews were likely Jewish Christians, possibly living in Rome, facing significant pressure and persecution, tempting them to revert to their former Jewish practices. In the Jewish worldview, divine authentication of a prophet or a message was often demonstrated through miraculous signs (e.g., Moses' miracles in [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7-12 "Exodus 7-12 - The Plagues of Egypt"), Elijah's contest on Mount Carmel in [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel")). Therefore, the author's appeal to "signs and wonders" would resonate deeply with their understanding of how God validates His truth. The early church, as depicted in the Book of Acts, experienced a profusion of these supernatural manifestations, which served as powerful testimonies to both Jews and Gentiles, confirming the apostolic message and the new covenant reality.

* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 2:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the epistle. Foremost is the **Divine Validation of the Gospel**, emphasizing that the Christian message is not a human invention but a divinely attested revelation. This verse underscores the **Authority of the Apostolic Witness**, affirming that those who first proclaimed the gospel after hearing it from Christ were divinely empowered and confirmed. It also highlights the **Indispensable Role of the Holy Spirit** in the inauguration of the New Covenant era, as the Spirit is the agent through whom God distributes His power and gifts. Finally, the phrase "according to his own will" points to **God's Sovereign Purpose** in orchestrating these supernatural events, revealing that they were not random occurrences but part of His deliberate plan to establish and confirm the "great salvation" introduced by Jesus, as referenced in [Hebrews 2:3](/hebrews/2-3 "Hebrews 2:3 - The Great Salvation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bearing witness (Greek, _synepimartyréō'_):** From G4901, meaning "to testify further jointly, i.e. unite in adding evidence." This word emphasizes a collaborative divine testimony. God Himself joins in bearing witness alongside the human messengers (the apostles), providing corroborating evidence to their proclamation. It signifies a powerful, undeniable confirmation from the highest authority.
* **miracles (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** From G1411, meaning "force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)." This term refers to acts of inherent divine power, demonstrating God's supernatural might breaking into the natural order. These were not mere tricks but powerful demonstrations of God's ability to effect change, often resulting in physical healing or other supernatural interventions that proved the divine origin of the message.
* **gifts (Greek, _merismós'_):** From G3311, meaning "a separation or distribution." In this context, it refers to "distributions" or "allotments" of the Holy Spirit. This highlights that the supernatural abilities and manifestations (like prophecy, healing, tongues, etc., as described in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts")) were not humanly generated but were sovereignly bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon believers for the common good and the advancement of God's kingdom. They were divine endowments, not human achievements.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"God also bearing [them] witness":** This initial clause establishes the ultimate source of validation. It is not merely the apostles' testimony, but God Himself actively and jointly testifies to the truth of their message. The "them" refers to the initial human witnesses who heard the Lord, likely the apostles and those directly commissioned by Christ.
* **"both with signs and wonders":** This phrase describes the *manner* of God's attestation. "Signs" (Greek: _sēmeia_) are miraculous events that point beyond themselves to a deeper spiritual truth or reality, serving as indicators of divine presence and purpose. "Wonders" (Greek: _terata_) are events that evoke awe, amazement, and even fear, causing observers to marvel at the extraordinary nature of what is transpiring. Together, they signify events that are both revelatory and awe-inspiring.
* **"and with divers miracles":** The addition of "divers miracles" (Greek: _poikilais dynamesin_) further elaborates on the nature of God's powerful acts. "Divers" (or "manifold") indicates a variety of these powerful acts, emphasizing the breadth and scope of God's intervention. "Miracles" (or "powers") here refers to the actual demonstrations of divine power, often resulting in tangible, observable changes, such as healings or exorcisms.
* **"and gifts of the Holy Ghost":** This clause reveals the divine agent behind these supernatural manifestations. The "Holy Ghost" (Holy Spirit) is the one who distributes or allots these "gifts" (Greek: _merismois_), which are specific spiritual abilities or manifestations given to believers. This highlights the Spirit's active role in empowering the early church's ministry and providing the necessary evidence for the gospel's truth.
* **"according to his own will?":** This concluding phrase underscores God's absolute sovereignty and intentionality. These powerful displays were not random occurrences or humanly conjured events, but were precisely orchestrated by God's deliberate, sovereign purpose. They were part of His divine plan for the inauguration of the New Covenant and the authentication of His Son's message.

#### Literary Devices
The author employs several literary devices to amplify the persuasive force of Hebrews 2:4. **Polysyndeton**, the repeated use of the conjunction "and" ("both with signs **and** wonders, **and** with divers miracles, **and** gifts of the Holy Ghost"), creates a sense of overwhelming accumulation, emphasizing the sheer volume and variety of divine attestations. This serves to build an undeniable case for the gospel's authenticity. Closely related is **Enumeration** or **Parallelism**, as the verse lists four distinct categories of supernatural phenomena (signs, wonders, miracles, gifts of the Holy Ghost), each reinforcing the others and painting a comprehensive picture of God's active involvement. Finally, the device of **Divine Agency** is paramount, with "God" explicitly named as the primary actor, underscoring that these powerful events originated not from human effort or trickery but from the sovereign will of the Almighty. This collective use of devices powerfully conveys the unassailable truth and divine authority of the Christian message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 2:4 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine revelation and the means by which God authenticates His truth. It asserts that the gospel message is not a human invention or philosophical speculation, but a divinely validated word, bearing the unmistakable stamp of God's own authority. This authentication, through a symphony of signs, wonders, miracles, and spiritual gifts, underscores God's active involvement in the establishment of the New Covenant. It reveals a God who does not merely speak, but who also powerfully confirms His words through supernatural demonstration, ensuring that His message is received with the gravity and certainty it deserves. The verse highlights the foundational role of the Holy Spirit in empowering the early church and confirming the apostolic witness, demonstrating that the Spirit's work is integral to God's redemptive plan and the spread of the gospel.

* [Acts 2:22](/acts/2-22 "Acts 2:22 - Jesus Attested by God")
* [Acts 5:12](/acts/5-12 "Acts 5:12 - Apostles Perform Many Signs and Wonders")
* [1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4-11 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Diversity of Spiritual Gifts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 2:4 offers profound assurance and vital challenges for believers today. For those who embrace the Christian faith, it provides an unshakeable foundation: our faith is not built on human cunning or persuasive rhetoric, but on the undeniable, divinely attested truth of God's revelation. This should instill deep confidence and security, knowing that the gospel we believe has been confirmed by the Creator of the universe through powerful, supernatural means. Furthermore, the verse reminds us of the ongoing, vital work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church. While the specific manifestations of signs and wonders might have been particularly concentrated during the foundational period of the early church, the Holy Spirit continues to indwell, empower, and transform believers, bearing witness to Christ's truth in myriad ways, including conviction of sin, spiritual transformation, and empowerment for ministry. We are called to live in dependence on the Spirit, trusting that God continues to work according to His sovereign will to advance His kingdom and confirm His Word, even if the forms of attestation differ across eras. This truth should inspire boldness in our proclamation of the gospel, knowing that God stands behind His message and will confirm it in the hearts of those who hear.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine authentication described in Hebrews 2:4 strengthen your confidence in the gospel message today?**
* **In what ways do you see the Holy Spirit "bearing witness" to God's truth in the world or in your own life today, even if not through overt signs and wonders?**
* **How does understanding that God acts "according to his own will" impact your trust in His sovereignty amidst life's uncertainties?**

### FAQ

**Are signs and wonders still happening today, or were they only for the early church?**

Answer: The question of whether signs and wonders, as described in Hebrews 2:4, continue today is a subject of ongoing theological discussion. Cessationists believe that these miraculous gifts largely ceased after the apostolic age, having served their purpose of authenticating the apostles and the foundational message of the New Testament. Continuationists, on the other hand, believe that all spiritual gifts, including signs and wonders, continue to be active in the church today, distributed by the Holy Spirit as He wills. Regardless of one's theological position on the frequency or nature of these phenomena, Hebrews 2:4 primarily emphasizes God's sovereign act of authenticating His message. While the specific manifestations may vary across church history and geographical contexts, the underlying principle remains: God is capable of, and does, confirm His Word and empower His people for His purposes, according to [His own will](/hebrews/2-4 "Hebrews 2:4 - According to His Own Will").

**What is the primary purpose of God bearing witness through signs, wonders, and miracles?**

Answer: The primary purpose of God bearing witness through signs, wonders, and miracles, as seen in Hebrews 2:4, is to **authenticate the divine origin and authority of the gospel message and its messengers**. In the context of the early church, these supernatural demonstrations served as irrefutable proof that the message proclaimed by Jesus and His apostles was indeed from God. They were not merely spectacles, but powerful indicators that validated the truth claims of Christianity, confirming that the "great salvation" spoken by the Lord was truly God's redemptive plan for humanity. This divine attestation provided a solid foundation for faith, especially for a Jewish audience accustomed to God's miraculous interventions, as seen throughout the Old Testament and in the ministry of Jesus Christ, who was "attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs" ([Acts 2:22](/acts/2-22 "Acts 2:22 - Jesus Attested by God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 2:4 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the supreme object and source of God's divine attestation. The "great salvation" mentioned in [Hebrews 2:3](/hebrews/2-3 "Hebrews 2:3 - The Great Salvation") was first "spoken by the Lord," making Jesus the primary divine messenger. His entire earthly ministry was a continuous display of God "bearing witness" through unparalleled "signs and wonders" and "divers miracles"—from healing the sick and casting out demons to calming storms and raising the dead, all demonstrating His divine authority and identity as the Son of God. The ultimate sign, however, was His resurrection from the dead, which God used to "attest" Him as Lord and Christ ([Acts 2:32-36](/acts/2-32-36 "Acts 2:32-36 - God Made Him Both Lord and Christ")). Furthermore, after His ascension, Jesus, having received the promised Holy Spirit from the Father, poured out the Spirit at Pentecost ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Jesus Pours Out the Spirit")), empowering His apostles with "gifts of the Holy Ghost" to continue bearing witness to Him. Thus, Hebrews 2:4 underscores that the entire enterprise of salvation, from its initial proclamation to its ongoing confirmation, is centered on Christ, divinely validated by the Father through the Spirit, all "according to his own will" for the redemption of humanity.

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

Acts 14:3

Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Mark 16:20

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with [them], and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Ephesians 1:5

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

1 Corinthians 12:4

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:11

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Romans 15:18

For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

Romans 15:19

Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.