Do not neglect salvation
Hebrews 2:1–4FocusResponsibility to heed the message
Connection to the wholeThe preceding revelation of the Son's greatness becomes a warning to attend to the confirmed message of salvation.
interpretation Hebrews 2:17
KJVWherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Read it in context
Jesus shares flesh and blood
Start reading at Hebrews 2:5 (Hebrews 2:5 to Hebrews 2:18).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The chapter explains Jesus' suffering and solidarity with those He saves, bringing the discussion toward His merciful and faithful priesthood.
- 2:5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.
- 2:6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
- 2:7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
- 2:8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.
- 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
- 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
- 2:11 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,
- 2:12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
- 2:13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
- 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
- 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
- 2:16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
- 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
- 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Who
- Who wrote the book? The author is unknown. Paul is a longstanding attribution, while Barnabas and Apollos are among other historical proposals; none can be established with certainty. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Hebrews 1:1–4:16): The writer addresses a Christian community, warning its members to hold firmly to what they have heard and using Israel's wilderness generation as an example. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A community of Christians who had endured suffering and needed perseverance. They are traditionally identified as Jewish Christians, but their precise location and ethnic composition are uncertain. Biblical references: Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 5:12; Hebrews 10:32; Hebrews 13:22. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Jesus shares flesh and blood. Read Hebrews 2:5 through Hebrews 2:18 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The chapter explains Jesus' suffering and solidarity with those He saves, bringing the discussion toward His merciful and faithful priesthood. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The writing refers to the readers' earlier suffering and continuing need for endurance. It does not supply a calendar date or identify its author. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The exact destination and place of composition are not explicitly settled. The reference to those of Italy is a greeting and does not by itself establish where the writer is located. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jesus shares flesh and blood (Hebrews 2:5 to Hebrews 2:18). Start reading at Hebrews 2:5. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus' priesthood, sacrifice, and help for the tempted govern the exposition. The repeated warnings and calls to hold fast belong to that same argument and should not be explained away. See Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:38. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Hold fast, encourage one another, and obey the word heard. Read assurance and access through Christ alongside the warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back. interpretation
Cited: Hebrews 2:5, Hebrews 2:18, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:38
Who wrote it, and how we know
Uncertain; Pauline authorship is held by many
Not known
What Scripture saysThe letter does not name its author.
Early traditionAncient opinion was divided. Some in the East accepted Pauline authorship; Origen concluded that only God knows who wrote it. Tertullian suggested Barnabas.
What is debatedThe author is genuinely unknown. The polished Greek and the manner of citing Scripture differ from Paul's letters. Claiming certainty here overstates the evidence.
Related passages
- it Heb 2:11,14 Phil 2:7-8
- a merciful Heb 3:2,5 Heb 4:15-16 Heb 5:1-2 Isa 11:5
- to make Lev 6:30 Lev 8:15 2 Chr 29:24 Ezek 45:15,17,20 Dan 9:24 Rom 5:10 2 Cor 5:18-21 Eph 2:16
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Hebrews 2
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back.
Hebrews 2:1 Hebrews 3:1 Hebrews 10:32 Hebrews 10:39
FocusSuffering, deliverance, and help
Connection to the wholeThe chapter explains Jesus' suffering and solidarity with those He saves, bringing the discussion toward His merciful and faithful priesthood.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Hebrews
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back.
Hebrews 2:1 Hebrews 3:1 Hebrews 10:32 Hebrews 10:39
FocusRevelation, salvation, and shared humanity
Connection to the wholeThe opening establishes the Son's greatness, warns against neglecting salvation, and explains His participation in flesh and blood and help for the tempted.
interpretation Hear His voice and enter rest
Hebrews 3:1–4:13FocusChrist, the wilderness warning, and faith
Connection to the wholeComparison with Moses leads to the wilderness example and the continuing appeal to hear God rather than harden the heart.
interpretation The great high priest
Hebrews 4:14–7:28FocusAccess, maturity, and an enduring priesthood
Connection to the wholeChrist's priesthood is developed through exhortation, warning, and the scriptural figure of Melchisedec.
interpretation Covenant and sacrifice
Hebrews 8:1–10:18FocusA sufficient offering
Connection to the wholeThe discussion of sanctuary and offerings explains Christ's priestly work and the significance of His once-for-all sacrifice.
interpretation Hold fast and endure
Hebrews 10:19–12:29FocusFaith, discipline, and the unshaken kingdom
Connection to the wholeThe doctrinal argument leads to sustained exhortation, examples of faith, and warnings that preserve the readers' responsibility to continue.
interpretation Faithfulness in the community
Hebrews 13:1–25FocusLove, worship, and obedience
Connection to the wholePractical instructions and final requests apply the preceding exhortation to the readers' conduct together and their continuing confession.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.