Hebrews 2
Berean Standard Bible Par ▾ 

Salvation Confirmed

1We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment, 3how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?

This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.

Jesus like His Brothers

5For it is not to angels that He has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. 6But somewhere it is testified in these words:

“What is man that You are mindful of him,

or the son of man that You care for him?

7You made him a little lowera than the angels;

You crowned him with glory and honorb

8and placed everything under his feet.”c

When God subjected all things to him, He left nothing outside of his control. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. 9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.

10In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting for God, for whom and through whom all things exist, to make the authord of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11For both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. 12He says:

“I will proclaim Your name to My brothers;

I will sing Your praises in the assembly.”e

13And again:

“I will put My trust in Him.”f

And once again:

“Here am I, and the children God has given Me.”g

14Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, 15and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

16For surely it is not the angels He helps, but the descendants of Abraham. 17For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonementh for the sins of the people. 18Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.

Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible.

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Hebrews 2 Summary
Jesus like His Brothers

Verses 1–4 – Do Not Drift Away
The writer urges readers to “pay much closer attention to what we have heard” so they will not drift. The salvation announced by the Lord, confirmed by eyewitnesses, and certified by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit is too great to neglect. If breaking the word delivered by angels brought sure judgment, ignoring this greater message will bring even heavier consequences.

Verses 5–9 – Jesus Crowned with Glory and Honor
God has not subjected the coming world to angels but to Jesus, the true Man. Quoting Psalm 8, the author reminds us that humanity’s destiny is dominion over creation. Though “we do not yet see everything subjected” to people, we do see Jesus—made a little lower than the angels in His suffering—now crowned with glory because He tasted death for everyone by God’s grace.

Verses 10–13 – The Pioneer of Salvation
It was fitting that God should make “the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.” Jesus, who sanctifies, and those being sanctified, all come from one Father; therefore He calls them brothers and openly identifies with them, quoting Psalm 22 and Isaiah 8. His shared humanity secures a family relationship with believers.

Verses 14–18 – The Merciful and Faithful High Priest
Taking on flesh and blood, Jesus destroyed the devil—the one holding the power of death—and freed those who lived in lifelong slavery to fear. As the seed of Abraham, He had to be made like His brothers in every way. Because He suffered and was tempted, He is able to help those who are tempted and to act as a merciful, faithful High Priest, making atonement for sins.


Hebrews 2 presents the superiority of Jesus Christ over angels, drawing a contrast between His divinity and His humanity. It expands on the theme of His shared humanity and the purpose behind His suffering and death, illustrating how Jesus offers salvation and perfect mediation between God and humanity. It also emphasizes the danger of neglecting God’s message and the grace offered through Christ.

Author and Audience

Jewish believers under pressure to abandon Christ and return to the synagogue form the likely readership. Every reference to angels, Moses, the priesthood, and the covenant assumes familiarity with Israel’s Scriptures and worship.

Setting in the Letter

Chapter 1 exalts the Son above angels. Chapter 2 applies that truth: if the Son is higher than angels, His message is higher than the Law mediated by angels (Deuteronomy 33:2; Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19). The first of five warning passages begins here.

Warning Against Drifting (2:1–4)

• “We must pay much closer attention” – a nautical phrase: tying a boat securely so it does not slip away.

• “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” – escape from what? God’s just judgment (Hebrews 10:31).

• Confirmed by eyewitnesses – highlights apostolic testimony (Acts 2:32).

• Signs, wonders, miracles – echoes Mark 16:20; Acts 2:43; 5:12.

Application: staying attentive involves Scripture, fellowship, and worship so the anchor holds.

The World to Come Subject to Christ (2:5–9)

• “The world to come” points to Messiah’s kingdom (Isaiah 11; Revelation 20).

Psalm 8 celebrates humanity’s royal task; Jesus fulfills it as the Last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45).

• “Crowned… because He suffered death” – paradox: suffering leads to glory. Compare Philippians 2:8-11.

Jesus Our Brother (2:10–13)

• “Perfect through suffering” – not moral improvement but complete qualification to save.

• “Author” (archēgos) – pioneer, trailblazer. He opens the path and walks it first.

• Family language: He says, “I will proclaim Your name to My brothers” (Psalm 22:22); “Here am I with the children God has given Me” (Isaiah 8:18).

Destroying the Devil’s Power of Death (2:14–18)

• The devil’s power is the ability to hold humanity in dread of death. At the cross, Christ broke that grip (Colossians 2:14-15).

• “Seed of Abraham” links to covenant promises (Genesis 22:17-18).

• As High Priest He “makes propitiation” (hilaskomai)—He satisfies God’s just anger, removing guilt (Romans 3:25).

• Because He faced real temptation (Matthew 4; Luke 22:44), He can aid ours (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Old Testament Background

Psalm 8 highlights human dignity and dominion; Hebrews sees Jesus restoring that destiny.

Exodus 19 and Deuteronomy 33 present the Law as mediated by angels; thus Hebrews contrasts greater mediation in the Son.

• Day of Atonement imagery underlies “make atonement” (Leviticus 16).

Archaeological and Cultural Notes

• First-century synagogues unearthed at Gamla and Capernaum show community life built around Scripture reading, echoing Hebrews’ exhortation to listen closely.

• Ossuaries in Jerusalem often bore Psalm or Isaiah inscriptions, showing Jews looked to these texts for hope—passages the author now applies to Jesus.

• Roman inscriptions describe fear of death gods; Hebrews responds with Christ’s triumph.

Word Study Highlights

• “Drift away” (pararreō) – used of a ring slipping off a finger; subtle, gradual loss, not sudden rebellion.

• “Author” (archēgos) – captain, founder, pathfinder. Seen also in Acts 3:15, “Author of life.”

• “Help” (boētheō) – run to the cry of someone; immediate aid. Found in Matthew 15:25 (“Lord, help me!”).

Links to the Rest of Hebrews

• 2:17 “merciful and faithful High Priest” anticipates chapters 4–10 on Jesus’ priesthood.

• 2:1–4’s warning pairs with 3:12 “take care… lest any of you have an evil heart of unbelief.”

• 2:14–15 echoes 12:24: Jesus’ blood “speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”

Connections to Other New Testament Books

1 John 3:8: “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.”

Romans 8:15: believers receive “the Spirit of adoption… not again to fear.”

Revelation 1:18: Jesus holds “the keys of Death and Hades.”

Practical Implications for Believers

• Anchor your mind in Scripture to avoid drift.

• See suffering as part of God’s fitting process to shape Christlike maturity.

• Live free from the terror of death; Christ broke its chains.

• Approach Him confidently in temptation; He understands firsthand.

Connections to Additional Scriptures
Philippians 2:5-11
This passage complements Hebrews 2 by describing Christ's humility and exaltation, emphasizing His willingness to become a servant.

1 Peter 5:8-9
These verses warn against the devil's schemes, echoing the need for vigilance mentioned in Hebrews 2:1.

Romans 8:3-4
Paul speaks of God sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, aligning with the theme of Christ's incarnation in Hebrews 2.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Drifting Away
Hebrews 2:1 warns, We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. This verse emphasizes the importance of being vigilant in our faith and not neglecting the message of salvation.

The Supremacy of Christ
Verses 5-9 highlight that Jesus was made a little lower than the angels for a time, yet crowned with glory and honor. This underscores His authority and the fulfillment of God's plan through His incarnation.

Christ's Humanity and Suffering
Hebrews 2:14-18 explains that Jesus shared in our humanity to destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil. His suffering was necessary for our redemption and to become a merciful and faithful High Priest.

The Purpose of Christ's Incarnation
Verse 17 states, For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. This highlights the necessity of Jesus' full identification with humanity.
Practical Applications
Stay Anchored in Faith
Regularly engage with Scripture and prayer to prevent spiritual drift. Make it a priority to remind yourself of the truths of the Gospel.

Embrace Christ's Supremacy
Recognize Jesus' authority in every aspect of your life. Submit to His lordship and trust in His perfect plan.

Find Comfort in Christ's Humanity
When facing trials, remember that Jesus understands your struggles. He has walked the path of suffering and can empathize with your weaknesses.

Live in the Light of Atonement
Let the reality of Christ's sacrifice motivate you to live a life of gratitude and holiness, knowing that your sins have been atoned for.
People
1. Jesus
Referred to as the Son of God, Jesus is central to the chapter. Hebrews 2:9 states, "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone." The Greek term used here for Jesus is Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous), emphasizing His role in salvation.

2. Angels
Mentioned in contrast to Jesus, angels are described as beings to whom the world to come is not subjected. Hebrews 2:5 says, "For it is not to angels that He has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking." The Greek word for angels is ἄγγελοι (angeloi), meaning messengers.

3. God
Implicitly referenced throughout the chapter, God is the one who subjects all things under Jesus' feet and is the source of salvation. Hebrews 2:10 states, "In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting for God, for whom and through whom everything exists, to make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering."

4. The Devil
Referred to as the one who holds the power of death. Hebrews 2:14 mentions, "Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil." The Greek term used is διάβολος (diabolos), meaning accuser or slanderer.

5. Abraham
Mentioned in the context of Jesus' mission to help the descendants of Abraham. Hebrews 2:16 states, "For surely it is not the angels He helps, but the descendants of Abraham." Abraham is a patriarch in the Hebrew tradition, and his descendants are central to the narrative of God's chosen people.
Places
1. Heaven
The chapter discusses the exaltation of Christ and His position in heaven. Hebrews 2:9 states, "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone." The Greek word for "crowned" (στεφανόω, stephanoō) indicates a royal or victorious position, emphasizing His heavenly authority.

2. Earth
The chapter references the earthly realm in the context of Jesus' incarnation and His temporary position "a little lower than the angels" (Hebrews 2:7). This reflects His earthly ministry and human experience. The Greek term for "lower" (ἐλαττόω, elattoō) signifies a temporary state of humility.

3. The World to Come
Hebrews 2:5 mentions "the world to come," which is a future place or era under Christ's dominion. The Greek phrase "οἰκουμένην τὴν μέλλουσαν" (oikoumenēn tēn mellousan) refers to the inhabited world or age that is to come, highlighting eschatological themes.
Events
1. Warning Against Neglecting Salvation
The chapter begins with a warning to pay closer attention to the message of salvation, emphasizing the danger of drifting away. The author states, "For this reason, we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away" (Hebrews 2:1). The Greek word for "drift away" (παραρρέω, pararreō) suggests a gradual slipping or flowing past, indicating the subtlety of neglect.

2. The Certainty of Divine Justice
The text underscores the certainty of divine justice by comparing the message declared by angels to the salvation announced by the Lord. It says, "For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment" (Hebrews 2:2). The Greek term for "binding" (βέβαιος, bebaios) conveys the idea of being firm or steadfast.

3. The Greatness of Salvation
The author questions how one can escape if they ignore such a great salvation, which was first announced by the Lord and confirmed by those who heard Him. "How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3). The Greek word for "neglect" (ἀμελέω, ameleō) implies a disregard or lack of concern.

4. God's Testimony Through Signs and Wonders
God also testified to this salvation through signs, wonders, and various miracles, as well as gifts of the Holy Spirit. "God also testified to it by signs, wonders, and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will" (Hebrews 2:4). The Greek word for "testified" (συνεπιμαρτυρέω, synepimartyreō) means to bear witness together.

5. The Subjection of the World to Come
The author explains that the world to come is not subjected to angels but to humanity, referencing Psalm 8. "For it is not to angels that He has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking" (Hebrews 2:5).

6. Jesus Made Lower Than the Angels
Jesus was made a little lower than the angels for a short time, so that by the grace of God, He might taste death for everyone. "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone" (Hebrews 2:9).

7. Bringing Many Sons to Glory
It was fitting for God, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. "In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting for God, for whom and through whom everything exists, to make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering" (Hebrews 2:10).

8. Jesus as the Sanctifier
Jesus, who sanctifies, and those who are sanctified are of the same family, which is why He is not ashamed to call them brothers. "Both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers" (Hebrews 2:11).

9. Jesus' Humanity and Victory Over Death
Jesus shared in humanity to destroy the devil's power over death and free those who were held in slavery by their fear of death. "Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death" (Hebrews 2:14-15).

10. Jesus as a Merciful and Faithful High Priest
Jesus became a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, making atonement for the sins of the people. "For this reason, He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people" (Hebrews 2:17).

11. Jesus' Ability to Help the Tempted
Because Jesus Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. "Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted" (Hebrews 2:18).
Topics
1. Warning Against Neglecting Salvation
The chapter begins with a warning to pay careful attention to the message of salvation delivered by Jesus, lest we drift away. The Greek word "παραρρέω" (pararreō) is used here, meaning to drift away or slip away, emphasizing the danger of neglect.

2. The Supremacy of Christ's Message
The message delivered by angels was binding, but the salvation announced by the Lord is even greater. The text underscores the importance of the message confirmed by those who heard Him, highlighting the divine testimony through signs, wonders, and various miracles.

3. Jesus Made Lower than the Angels
Verses 5-9 discuss how Jesus was made a little lower than the angels for a time, to fulfill His mission on earth. The Greek term "βραχύ τι" (brachy ti) means "a little while," indicating the temporary nature of His humbling.

4. Christ's Suffering and Glory
The chapter explains that Jesus, through His suffering and death, was crowned with glory and honor. This was necessary for bringing many sons to glory, emphasizing the purpose and result of His suffering.

5. Jesus as the Pioneer of Salvation
Jesus is described as the "author" or "pioneer" of salvation, made perfect through suffering. The Greek word "ἀρχηγός" (archēgos) conveys the idea of a leader or originator, highlighting His role in leading believers to salvation.

6. Jesus' Solidarity with Humanity
Verses 11-13 emphasize Jesus' identification with humanity, calling them brothers and sharing in their experiences. This solidarity is rooted in His shared human nature and His role in sanctification.

7. Victory Over Death and the Devil
Jesus' death is portrayed as a means to destroy the power of the devil and free those who were held in slavery by the fear of death. The Greek term "καταργέω" (katargeō) means to render powerless or ineffective, illustrating the defeat of the devil's power.

8. Jesus as a Merciful and Faithful High Priest
The chapter concludes with Jesus being described as a merciful and faithful high priest, able to help those who are being tempted. His role as high priest is central to His ability to atone for the sins of the people, emphasizing His empathy and assistance to believers.
Themes
1. The Danger of Neglecting Salvation
Hebrews 2:1 warns believers to "pay closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." The Greek word for "drift away" (παραρρέω, pararreō) suggests a gradual slipping or drifting, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in faith.

2. The Superiority of Christ's Message
Verses 2-3 highlight the superiority of the message delivered by Christ compared to that of angels. The text states, "For if the message spoken by angels was binding... how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?" This underscores the greater authority and significance of Christ's revelation.

3. The Humanity and Suffering of Jesus
Hebrews 2:9 speaks of Jesus being "made a little lower than the angels," emphasizing His incarnation and suffering. The Greek term "βραχύ τι" (brachy ti) means "a little while" or "a little lower," indicating both His temporary human state and His humility.

4. Jesus as the Pioneer of Salvation
Verse 10 describes Jesus as the "author of their salvation," made perfect through suffering. The Greek word "ἀρχηγός" (archēgos) can be translated as "pioneer" or "leader," indicating Jesus as the initiator and perfecter of faith.

5. Christ's Solidarity with Humanity
Verses 11-14 emphasize Jesus' solidarity with humanity, stating, "Both the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family." The use of "ἀδελφοί" (adelphoi) for "brothers" highlights the familial relationship between Christ and believers.

6. Victory Over Death and the Devil
Hebrews 2:14-15 explains that through His death, Jesus destroyed "him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil." The Greek term "καταργέω" (katargeō) means "to render powerless," signifying Christ's triumph over Satan and death.

7. Jesus as a Merciful and Faithful High Priest
Verses 17-18 describe Jesus as a "merciful and faithful high priest" who can "help those who are being tempted." The Greek word "ἱλάσκομαι" (hilaskomai) refers to making atonement, underscoring His role in reconciling humanity to God.
Answering Tough Questions
1. Hebrews 2:4 mentions “signs, wonders, and miracles”—why is there no verifiable historical or archaeological evidence for these supernatural events?

2. Hebrews 2:7–8 quotes Psalm 8 about mankind’s dominion—how does this align with modern scientific understanding of humanity’s place in the universe?

3. Hebrews 2:9 says Jesus was made “lower than the angels” yet fully divine—how can Jesus be both eternally divine and temporarily beneath angels?

4. Hebrews 2:14 claims Jesus’s death destroyed Satan’s power—why does evil still thrive if Satan’s power was truly nullified?

5. Hebrews 2:17 states Jesus was made like humans in every way—how do we reconcile the claim of full humanity with the idea of his sinless nature?

Bible Study Discussion Questions

1. What does the warning against neglecting salvation mean to you personally?

2. How does the superiority of Jesus over angels impact your understanding of His divinity?

3. Why was it necessary for Jesus to be made a little lower than the angels? How does this reflect the nature of His mission?

4. How does Jesus' shared humanity and suffering influence your perception of Him?

5. Why is it significant that Jesus experienced temptation and suffering similar to ours?

6. How does the concept of Jesus as our High Priest shape your understanding of His role in your life?

7. How can we apply the warning against neglecting God's message in our daily lives?

8. In what ways can understanding Jesus' shared humanity help us when dealing with personal struggles and temptations?

9. How does Jesus 'tasting death for everyone' redefine your understanding of the extent of His love and sacrifice?

10. How might the teaching in Hebrews 2 affect your interactions with others, considering that we are all 'siblings' in Christ?

11. How can we appropriately respond to the truth that Jesus understands our weaknesses and can sympathize with our temptations?

12. If you were to explain the supremacy of Jesus to someone who doesn't understand it, how would you use the arguments in Hebrews 2?

13. In what ways can we ensure that we are not neglecting the salvation offered through Christ?

14. What are some practical steps to remind ourselves of Jesus’ sacrifice when we face challenges?

15. How does understanding the human nature of Jesus change your perspective on His ability to empathize with us?

16. In a world where neglecting God's message is common, how can we encourage others to heed His word?

17. How can we apply the role of Jesus as the High Priest in our prayers and intercession for others?

18. How can we practically acknowledge and appreciate Jesus' superiority in our daily lives?

19. How can the teachings in Hebrews 2 guide us in our journey of faith and salvation?

20. How does the understanding of Jesus' shared humanity and suffering impact your attitude towards hardships in life?



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