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Hebrews Chapter 2

New Testament Epistle (General) 18 Verses

What is Hebrews 2 about?

The superiority of Christ over angels, Moses, the Levitical priesthood, and the old covenant sacrificial system — the new and better covenant. The complete chapter text below provides the immediate literary context for study.

Text — American Standard Version (1901)

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. For original Hebrew/Greek interlinear text, open in BibleWord.ai.
1Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away [from them].
2For if the word spoken through angels proved stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;
3how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having at the first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard;
4God 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.
5For not unto angels did he subject the world to come, whereof we speak.
6But one hath somewhere testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
7Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; Thou crownedst him with glory and honor, And didst set him over the works of thy hands:
8Thou didst put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he subjected all things unto him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we see not yet all things subjected to him.
9But we behold him who hath been made a little lower than the angels, [even] Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for every [man].
10For it became him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
11For both he that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, In the midst of the congregation will I sing thy praise.
13And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold, I and the children whom God hath given me.
14Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15and might deliver all them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
16For verily not to angels doth he give help, but he giveth help to the seed of Abraham.
17Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
18For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.
← Hebrews 1Hebrews 3 →

What do historical commentaries say about this chapter?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · on verse 1
“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed, etc..] This is an inference from the apostle's discourse in the preceding chapter; since he, by whom God has spoke in these last days, is his Son, who is infinitely above the angels, they being his creatures, and worshippers of him, and ministers to him, and his; therefore the greater regard should be had to the Gospel spoken by him: even to the things which we have heard; which are no other than the truths of the Gospel, which had been preached unto them, and which were heard by the apostles, who had preached them to them; and they had heard them from them, or…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“DANGER OF NEGLECTING SO GREAT SALVATION, FIRST SPOKEN BY CHRIST; TO WHOM, NOT TO ANGELS, THE NEW DISPENSATION WAS SUBJECTED; THOUGH HE WAS FOR A TIME HUMBLED BELOW THE ANGELS: THIS HUMILIATION TOOK PLACE BY DIVINE NECESSITY FOR OUR SALVATION. (Heb. 2:1-18) Therefore--Because Christ the Mediator of the new covenant is so far (Heb 1:5-14) above all angels, the mediators of the old covenant. the more earnest--Greek, "the more abundantly." heard--spoken by God (Heb 1:1); and by the Lord (Heb 2:3). let them slip--literally "flow past them" (Heb 4:1).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“Therefore - Greek “On account of this” - Δια τοῦτο Dia touto - that is, on account of the exalted dignity and rank of the Messiah as stated in the previous chapter. The sense is: “Since Christ, the author of the new dispensation, is so far exalted above the prophets, and even the angels, we ought to give the more earnest attention to all that has been spoken.” We ought - It is suitable or proper (Greek δεὶ dei) that we should attend to those things. When the Son of God speaks to people, every consideration makes it appropriate that we should attend to what is spoken. To give the more earnest heed. - To give the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · on verse 1
“Lest we should let them slip - As water out of a leaky vessel. So the Greek word properly signifies. Hebrews 2:2”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · on verse 1
“2:1-4 The author makes an argument from lesser to greater: If, in the lesser situation of the Old Testament era, people who rejected God’s word as delivered by angels were severely punished, how much greater the punishment will be for those who now reject the word of salvation that has been delivered by the Son himself and confirmed by the Holy Spirit. 2:1 The truth we have heard is the message of salvation delivered through Christ (2:3). • Drift away pictures a ship getting off course. Here it speaks of getting off track spiritually due to not listening very carefully to the Good News.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · on verse 1
“Therefore: Heb 2:2-4, Heb 1:1, Heb 1:2, Heb 12:25, Heb 12:26 the more: Deu 4:9, Deu 4:23, Deu 32:46, Deu 32:47; Jos 23:11, Jos 23:12; Ch1 22:13; Psa 119:9; Pro 2:1-6; Pro 3:21, Pro 4:1-4, Pro 4:20-22, Pro 7:1, Pro 7:2; Luk 8:15, Luk 9:44 we should: Heb 12:5; Mat 16:9; Mar 8:18; Pe2 1:12, Pe2 1:13, Pe2 1:15, Pe2 3:1 let them slip: Gr. run out, as leaking vessels, Hab 1:6, Hab 2:16 Hebrews 2:2”
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