Chapter 2
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
2For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
3How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
4God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
5For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.
6But 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?
7Thou 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:
8Thou 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.
9But 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.
10For 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.
11For both he that sanctifieth and they who 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 church will I sing praise unto thee.
13And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
14Forasmuch 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;
15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
16For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
17Wherefore 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.
18For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
“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.”
Overview
The author warns against neglecting the great salvation announced by Christ, arguing that if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, how much more shall we give heed to the salvation confirmed by the Lord Himself. He explains why Christ took on human nature — to taste death for every man, to destroy the devil who had the power of death, and to become a merciful and faithful high priest.
Key Themes
The Danger of Neglect
If transgressing the law delivered by angels brought punishment, drifting from the salvation delivered by Christ brings far greater consequence.
Christ's True Humanity
Jesus partook of flesh and blood so that through death He might destroy the devil and deliver those held in lifelong bondage to the fear of death.
Christ as Merciful High Priest
Because He suffered being tempted, He is able to succour those who are tempted, making Him a compassionate mediator between God and man.
Study Questions
Why does the author say we should 'give the more earnest heed' to the things we have heard (v. 1), and what does drifting look like practically?
How does knowing that Jesus tasted death 'for every man' (v. 9) give you assurance of God's love?
What does it mean that Jesus was made 'perfect through sufferings' (v. 10), and how does His suffering relate to our own?
How does Christ's destruction of the devil's power over death (v. 14) change the way believers face mortality?
In what ways does Jesus' ability to 'succour them that are tempted' (v. 18) encourage you in your daily struggles?
Connection to Christ
Jesus took on human flesh, becoming lower than the angels for a season, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for every person. Through His death He destroyed the devil's hold and became the merciful and faithful High Priest who makes reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Hebrews 2. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?