1.
Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
Verse 1
The things which we have heard, in respect to the gospel, as is shown in Hebrews 2:3.
2.
For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
Verse 2
The word spoken by angels, the law proclaimed through the instrumentality of angels.--Was steadfast; was fully maintained.
3.
How 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;
Verse 3
To be spoken; to be announced. The gospel was first made known by Jesus himself, and afterwards by those to whom he committed it.
4.
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?
5.
For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.
Verse 5
The world to come; the kingdom of Christ.
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?
Verse 6
Hebrews 2:6-8; Psalms 8:4-6.
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:
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.
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.
Verse 9
There is some obscurity in the original, in respect to the connection of the several clauses of this verse, which has given rise to somewhat varied interpretations. The general idea is, that, although Jesus, being made man, took a station somewhat lower than that of the angels, and suffered death in it, yet this was in the fulfilment of the divine designs to provide an atonement for human guilt; and Jesus, after accomplishing this object, was then crowned with glory and honor.--Taste death; suffer it.
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.
Verse 10
The Captain of their salvation; their Head and Leader, and the Author of their salvation. To make him perfect through sufferings, is to conduct him through sufferings to his final and perfect state of glory. A similar expression is used in Hebrews 5:8,Hebrews 5:9.
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,
Verse 11
He that sanctifieth; that is, by the expiation referred to in the close of Hebrews 2:9.--Of one; of one father.
12.
Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
Verse 12
Hebrews 2:12; Psalms 22:22.
13.
And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
Verse 13
These expressions seem to be taken from Hebrews 2:13; Isaiah 8:18. Considered as language used by the Messiah, they show a feeling of dependence on God, characteristic of the human condition, thus conspiring with the other considerations presented in this passage, (Hebrews 2:10-18,) to show that the promised Messiah, according to the representations of the Old Testament, was to share in his own person the nature of those whom he came to redeem.
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;
Verse 14
Took part of the same; that is, he was constituted human.--Destroy him, &c.; conquer him,--destroy his power.--That had the power of death. Satan is so designated, as it was through his agency that death was brought into the world.
15.
And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Verse 15
Subject to bondage, in a wretched and miserable condition.
16.
For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
Verse 16
The seed of Abraham, the nature of the seed of Abraham, that is, the nature of man. Such is the meaning, as the passage stands translated. There is reason to believe, however, that the original import of the passage is, He did not come to rescue and redeem the angelic race, but the seed of Abraham, that is, men.
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.
18.
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Verse 18
Being tempted; being tried; severely afflicted.--Them that are tempted; those that are in a state of suffering and trial.