TRV
Hebrews 2:5
Bible Versions
¶ For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.
For it was not to angels that God subjected the ‘olam haba — which is what we are talking about.
For it is not to angels that He has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking.
For not unto angels did he subject the world to come, whereof we speak.
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2 Peter 3:13
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. -
Revelation 11:15
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. -
Hebrews 6:5
And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
Hebrews 2:5 serves as a pivotal statement in the author's argument for the unparalleled supremacy of Jesus Christ. Following a detailed exposition in Hebrews chapter 1 about Christ's divine nature and His exalted position far above all angels, this verse directly addresses the future dominion of the world.
Context
The Book of Hebrews is written to a Jewish Christian audience, likely experiencing persecution and tempted to revert to aspects of Judaism. The author consistently presents Jesus as superior to anything in the Old Covenant: superior to prophets, superior to angels, superior to Moses, superior to the Aaronic priesthood, and superior to the Old Covenant itself. Chapter 1 establishes Christ's inherent superiority over angels, portraying Him as God's Son, heir of all things, and the one through whom the universe was made. Verse 5 sets the stage for the crucial point that while angels serve God, they are not appointed to rule the coming age; that role is reserved for Christ, and by extension, for humanity in Him.
Meaning of the Verse
The verse "For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak" makes a definitive declaration about the future. It asserts that the eschatological age—the new creation, the future reign of God, or the Messianic Kingdom—will not be under the authority or dominion of angels. This directly contrasts with the previous age, where angels played significant roles in mediating the Law (Acts 7:53) and interacting with humanity. The author is emphasizing that the ultimate governance of God's future plan, which is the subject of the entire book, rests solely with Jesus Christ, not with any angelic being.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "the world to come" translates the Greek oikoumene mellousan (οἰκουμένην μέλλουσαν). Oikoumene typically refers to the "inhabited earth" or "the world" (as in the Roman Empire's inhabited world). Mellousan signifies something "about to be" or "future." Therefore, it speaks not merely of a spiritual realm, but specifically of the future, renewed physical world where God's kingdom will be fully manifest. The term "subjection" (Greek: hypotasso) implies being placed under authority or rule, clearly indicating that angels are not given this ultimate governing power over the coming age.
Practical Application
For believers today, Hebrews 2:5 offers profound assurance and a clear perspective on God's sovereign plan. It reminds us that:
The verse emphasizes that Christ is not only superior in His divine nature but also in His appointed role as the one who will bring in and rule the glorious "world to come," a world where believers will share in His triumph.