What is the meaning of Hebrews 2:5? For it is not to angels • Hebrews begins by showing that angels are real, glorious servants of God—yet they are never promised rule (Hebrews 1:14; Psalm 103:20). • Scripture repeatedly keeps angels in a ministering role, while humans—redeemed in Christ—are promised authority (1 Corinthians 6:3). • By starting with “not to angels,” the writer underscores that the coming dominion is reserved for someone else, preparing us to look to Jesus and, in Him, to redeemed humanity. that He has subjected • God alone grants and withdraws authority; the verb “has subjected” points to His sovereign decision (Genesis 1:26-28). • Psalm 8:5-6 says mankind was created “ruler of the works of Your hands,” yet Hebrews 2:8 notes we do not presently see that promise fulfilled. • Through Christ, the original mandate will be literally realized: “God put everything under His feet” (Ephesians 1:22; 1 Corinthians 15:27). • This subjection is not theoretical; it will be as concrete as Eden once was. the world to come • Hebrews speaks of a definite future order—“the coming age” (Hebrews 6:5)—not merely a spiritual attitude. • Isaiah 65:17 and 2 Peter 3:13 promise “new heavens and a new earth” where righteousness dwells. • Revelation 21:1-4 pictures that renewed creation, free from death and pain, where God visibly dwells with His people. • Jesus called it “the renewal of all things” (Matthew 19:28), and believers “will reign upon the earth” (Revelation 5:10). • This “world to come” is therefore literal, physical, and under Messiah’s administration, with His redeemed sharing in that rule. about which we are speaking • Hebrews 1:1-2 introduced God’s final word in His Son; Hebrews 2:1-4 urged readers not to neglect “so great a salvation.” • The writer has been explaining Christ’s supremacy over angels, prophets, and creation itself—now he clarifies the subject: the future kingdom that salvation leads to. • By reminding, “about which we are speaking,” he ties every prior warning and promise to this concrete hope. • The audience is invited to keep this destination in view so they will hold fast (Hebrews 3:6; 10:23). summary Hebrews 2:5 teaches that the literal, future world is not destined for angelic control but for Christ and those united to Him. God, who first granted dominion to humanity, will fulfill that purpose by subjecting the renewed creation to His Son, and through Him, to redeemed mankind. This promise anchors the call to steadfast faith, assuring believers that their salvation culminates in reigning with Christ in the tangible “world to come.” |
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