King James Version
Hebrews 2
18 verses with commentary
Warning Against Neglect
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. let: Gr. run out as leaking vessels
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KJV Study Commentary
The Greek 'prosechein' (pay attention) introduces the first of five warning passages in Hebrews. The maritime metaphor 'lest we drift away' (pararryomen) pictures a ship drifting from its mooring due to neglect. If the law given through angels demanded strict obedience, how much more the salvation declared by the Lord Himself? This establishes a 'lesser to greater' argument central to Hebrews.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
II.
(1-4) These verses must be closely joined with the first chapter. Before advancing to the next step in his argument, the writer pauses to enforce the duty which results from what has been already established. But (as in Hebrews 4:14-16) the exhortation does not interrupt the thought, but rather serves as a connecting link. (See Note on Hebrews 2:5.)
(1) Therefore we ought to give the more earn...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. Honour--**by setting on the church roll, as fit objects of charitable sustenance (1Ti 5:9, 17, 18; Ac 6:1). So "honor" is used for support with necessaries (Mt 15:4, 6; Ac 28:10).
**widows indeed--**(1Ti 5:16). Those really desolate; not like those (1Ti 5:4) having children or relations answerable for their support, nor like those (in 1Ti 5:6) "who live in pleasure"; but such as, from their...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The apostle exhorts Timothy to persevere with diligence, like a soldier, a combatant, and a husbandman.(1-7)
Encouraging him by assurances of a happy end of his faithfulness.(8-13)
Warnings to shun vain babblings and dangerous errors.(14-21)
Charges to flee youthful lusts, and to minister with zeal against error, but with meekness of spirit.(22-26)
*...
Read full commentary →For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
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KJV Study Commentary
The progression from 'spoken by the Lord' to confirmed 'by them that heard him' establishes apostolic authentication of the gospel. The fourfold testimony—the Lord's words, eyewitness confirmation, signs, wonders, miracles, and Holy Spirit gifts—provides overwhelming evidence. The Greek 'bebaioo' (confirmed) is a legal term meaning to guarantee or make valid.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **The word spoken by angels.**—Or rather, *through angels* (comp. Hebrews 1:2): the word was God’s, but angels were the medium through which it was given to men. In accordance with the tone of the whole passage (in which the thought is not the reward of obedience, but the peril of neglect of duty), “the word” must denote divine *commands* delivered by angels, and—as the close parallel presente...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. if any widow have children--**not "a widow indeed," as having children who ought to support her.
**nephews--**rather, as Greek, "descendants," or "grandchildren" [Hesychius]. "Nephews" in old English meant "grandchildren" [Hooker, Ecclesiastical Polity, 5.20].
**let them--**the children and descendants.
**learn first--**ere it falls to the Church to support them.
**to show piety at ho...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The apostle exhorts Timothy to persevere with diligence, like a soldier, a combatant, and a husbandman.(1-7)
Encouraging him by assurances of a happy end of his faithfulness.(8-13)
Warnings to shun vain babblings and dangerous errors.(14-21)
Charges to flee youthful lusts, and to minister with zeal against error, but with meekness of spirit.(22-26)
*...
Read full commentary →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;
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KJV Study Commentary
The rhetorical question expects the answer: there is no escape. 'Neglect' (Greek 'amelesantes') implies not rejection but indifference or carelessness toward salvation. This is more dangerous than outright rejection because it appears less serious. 'So great salvation' encompasses deliverance from sin's penalty, power, and eventually presence—past, present, and future aspects of redemption.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **How shall we escape?**—In a different context these words might naturally mean, “How shall we, transgressors of the law, escape from the penalty it threatens, if we neglect the one means of deliverance now offered us?” (Comp. Galatians 3:13; Galatians 4:5.) Here, however, are placed in contrast the command and threatening which came through angels and the salvation “spoken through the Lord”;...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. widow indeed, and desolate--**contrasted with her who has children or grandchildren to support her (1Ti 5:4).
**trusteth in God--**perfect tense in Greek, "hath rested, and doth rest her hope in God." 1Ti 5:5 adds another qualification in a widow for Church maintenance, besides her being" desolate" or destitute of children to support her. She must be not one "that liveth in pleasure" (1Ti 5...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The apostle exhorts Timothy to persevere with diligence, like a soldier, a combatant, and a husbandman.(1-7)
Encouraging him by assurances of a happy end of his faithfulness.(8-13)
Warnings to shun vain babblings and dangerous errors.(14-21)
Charges to flee youthful lusts, and to minister with zeal against error, but with meekness of spirit.(22-26)
*...
Read full commentary →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? gifts: or, distributions
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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?</strong> This verse concludes the author's warning against neglecting salvation, emphasizing divine authentication of the gospel message. "God also bearing witness" (<em>sunepimarturountos</em>, συνεπιμαρτυροῦντος) uses a compound Greek verb meaning ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **God also bearing them witness.**—That is, *bearing witness with them to* the truth they preached. Mark 16:20 is a striking parallel; see also Acts 4:30. The divine attestation was given by miracles and by “gifts” (literally, *distributions, *as in the margin; see 1Corinthians 12:11) “of the Holy Ghost.” We have here, as in Acts 2:22 and 2Corinthians 12:12 (see the Notes), the full threefold ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. she that liveth in pleasure--**the opposite of such a widow as is described in 1Ti 5:5, and therefore one utterly undeserving of Church charity. The Greek expresses wanton prodigality and excess [Tittmann]. The root expresses weaving at a fast rate, and so lavish excess (see on Jas 5:5).
**dead while she liveth--**dead in the Spirit while alive in the flesh (Mt 8:22; Ep 5:14).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The apostle exhorts Timothy to persevere with diligence, like a soldier, a combatant, and a husbandman.(1-7)
Encouraging him by assurances of a happy end of his faithfulness.(8-13)
Warnings to shun vain babblings and dangerous errors.(14-21)
Charges to flee youthful lusts, and to minister with zeal against error, but with meekness of spirit.(22-26)
*...
Read full commentary →Jesus Made Lower Than Angels
For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.
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KJV Study Commentary
The 'world to come' (Greek 'oikoumenēn tēn mellousan') refers to the age inaugurated by Christ's first coming and consummated at His return. Angels do not rule this new order - humanity does, through Christ the second Adam. Reformed eschatology sees this as the restoration of humanity's original dominion mandate (Genesis 1:28), fulfilled in Christ and extended to believers through union with Him.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5-18) It was needful that Jesus, as Author of salvation to man, should in all points be made like to those whom He saves, and in their likeness suffer and die; thus He becomes for them a merciful and faithful High Priest.
(5) **For.**—There is a very clear connection between this verse and Hebrews 1:14. “Angels are but ministering spirits, serving God in the cause of those who shall inherit salva...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. these things--**just now spoken (1Ti 5:5, 6).
**that they may be blameless--**namely, the widows supported by the Church.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-9**
Neither the state in which the church is at present, nor its more completely restored state, when the prince of this world shall be cast out, and the kingdoms of the earth become the kingdom of Christ, is left to the government of the angels: Christ will take to him his great power, and will reign. And what is the moving cause of all the kindness God shows to men in giving Chris...
Read full commentary →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?
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KJV Study Commentary
Quoting Psalm 8:4, the author uses 'diemartusato' (testified) to introduce Scripture as authoritative divine witness. The rhetorical question 'What is man?' highlights humanity's apparent insignificance, setting up the contrast with God's gracious exaltation of humanity. Reformed anthropology acknowledges both human depravity and dignity - made in God's image yet fallen, redeemed only by grace.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **But one in a certain place.**—Better, *somewhere.* The expression is perfectly indefinite (comp. Hebrews 4:4). As a rule, the words of Scripture are in this Epistle quoted as God’s own utterances; and though the nature of the quotation (which is an address to God) made this impossible here, the writer seems gladly to avoid the mention of the human prophet, perhaps as distracting the thought ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. But--**reverting to 1Ti 5:4, "If any (a general proposition; therefore including in its application the widow's children or grandchildren) provide not for his own (relations in general), and especially for those of his own house (in particular), he hath (practically) denied the faith." Faith without love and its works is dead; "for the subject matter of faith is not mere opinion, but the grac...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-9**
Neither the state in which the church is at present, nor its more completely restored state, when the prince of this world shall be cast out, and the kingdoms of the earth become the kingdom of Christ, is left to the government of the angels: Christ will take to him his great power, and will reign. And what is the moving cause of all the kindness God shows to men in giving Chris...
Read full commentary →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: lower: or, while inferior to
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KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'made him a little lower than the angels' can also be translated 'for a little while lower than the angels,' referring to Christ's incarnation. The crowning with 'glory and honor' (Greek 'doxē kai timē') points to Christ's exaltation after His humiliation. This demonstrates the Reformed principle that Christ's work involves both humiliation (incarnation, suffering, death) and exaltation...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9. Translate, "As a widow (that is, of the ecclesiastical order of widowhood; a kind of female presbytery), let none be enrolled (in the catalogue) who is less than sixty years old." These were not deaconesses, who were chosen at a younger age (forty was the age fixed at the Council of Chalcedon), and who had virgins (in a later age called widows) as well as widows among them, but a band of widows...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-9**
Neither the state in which the church is at present, nor its more completely restored state, when the prince of this world shall be cast out, and the kingdoms of the earth become the kingdom of Christ, is left to the government of the angels: Christ will take to him his great power, and will reign. And what is the moving cause of all the kindness God shows to men in giving Chris...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
The comprehensive scope of 'subjected all things' (Greek 'panta hypetaksas') allows no exceptions - all creation is under Christ's authority. The phrase 'we do not yet see all things subjected' acknowledges the 'already/not yet' tension of Reformed eschatology. Christ reigns now, but full manifestation of His reign awaits the parousia. This prevents both triumphalism and defeatism.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Thou hast put . . .**—There is in the Greek a studious repetition of the leading word, which should not be lost in translation: “Thou didst subject all things under his feet. For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing unsubjected to him. But now we see not yet all things subjected to him.”
**For in that . . .**—The assertion of Hebrews 2:5 is established by this Scripture; for if G...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. for good works--**Greek, "IN honourable (excellent) works"; the sphere or element in which the good report of her had place (Tit 2:7). This answers to 1Ti 3:7, as to the bishop or presbyter, "He must have a good report of them which are without."
**if--**if, in addition to being "well reported of."
**she ... brought up children--**either her own (1Ti 3:4, 12), or those of others, which i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-9**
Neither the state in which the church is at present, nor its more completely restored state, when the prince of this world shall be cast out, and the kingdoms of the earth become the kingdom of Christ, is left to the government of the angels: Christ will take to him his great power, and will reign. And what is the moving cause of all the kindness God shows to men in giving Chris...
Read full commentary →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. for the: or, by the
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KJV Study Commentary
'A little lower than the angels' quotes Psalm 8:5, applying it christologically. The paradox of incarnation—the Creator becoming creature—is captured in 'crowned with glory and honour.' The phrase 'taste death for every man' uses 'taste' (Greek 'geuomai') not to minimize but to emphasize the full experience of death. The substitutionary atonement ('for every man') is clearly taught.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **But we see Jesus . . .**—Rather, *But we see Him who has been made a little lower than angels, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honour.* There is One in whom the divine purpose is fulfilled in all its parts. He was made a little (the rendering of the margin, “a little while,” is much less probable) lower than angels, and He is crowned with glory. In one point w...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. younger--**than sixty years old (1Ti 5:9).
**refuse--**to take on the roll of presbyteress widows.
**wax wanton--**literally, "over-strong" (2Ch 26:16).
**against Christ--**rebelling against Christ, their proper Bridegroom [Jerome].
**they will--**Greek, "they wish"; their desire is to marry again.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-9**
Neither the state in which the church is at present, nor its more completely restored state, when the prince of this world shall be cast out, and the kingdoms of the earth become the kingdom of Christ, is left to the government of the angels: Christ will take to him his great power, and will reign. And what is the moving cause of all the kindness God shows to men in giving Chris...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
'Captain' (Greek 'archegos') means pioneer, founder, or champion—one who blazes the trail others follow. God's sovereign purpose ('it became him') determined that Christ's perfection would come through suffering. 'Perfect' (Greek 'teleioo') means complete or qualified, not morally improved. Christ's sufferings qualified Him as the sympathetic High Priest who brings many sons to glory.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **For**.—What seemed to Jews incredible, that the Christ should die, was ordained “by the grace of God.” For thus to make sufferings the path to His kingdom was worthy of God, for whose glory and through whose power all things exist; who as Creator commands all agencies, and who cannot but do that which will subserve His glory. If the means at which men wondered were chosen by God, no one may...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. Having--**Bringing on themselves, and so having to bear as a burden (Ga 5:10) judgment from God (compare 1Ti 3:6), weighing like a load on them.
**cast off their first faith--**namely, pledged to Christ and the service of the Church. There could be no hardship at the age of sixty or upwards in not marrying again (end of 1Ti 5:9), for the sake of serving better the cause of Christ as presby...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-13**
Whatever the proud, carnal, and unbelieving may imagine or object, the spiritual mind will see peculiar glory in the cross of Christ, and be satisfied that it became Him, who in all things displays his own perfections in bringing many sons to glory, to make the Author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. His way to the crown was by the cross, and so must that of his ...
Read full commentary →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,
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KJV Study Commentary
'He that sanctifieth' (Christ) and 'they who are sanctified' (believers) share one origin ('all of one'). This could refer to common humanity, common Father, or both. The point is Christ's solidarity with His people, making Him unashamed to call them brothers. This familial language emphasizes covenant intimacy and Christ's identification with sinful humanity.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **For both he that sanctifieth . . .**—The special meaning of “sanctify” in this Epistle (Hebrews 9:13; Hebrews 10:10; Hebrews 10:14; Hebrews 10:29; Hebrews 13:12) seems to be, *bringing into fellowship with God, *the Holy One. “They who are sanctified”—literally, *are being sanctified* (comp. Acts 2:47; 1Corinthians 1:18)—are those whom the Captain of their salvation, in fulfilment of the Fa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. withal--**"at the same time, moreover."
**learn--**usually in a good sense. But these women's "learning" is idleness, trifling, and busybodies' tattle.
**wandering--**Greek, "going about."
**from house to house--**of the members of the Church (2Ti 3:6). "They carry the affairs of this house to that, and of that to this; they tell the affairs of all to all" [Theophylact].
**tattlers--...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-13**
Whatever the proud, carnal, and unbelieving may imagine or object, the spiritual mind will see peculiar glory in the cross of Christ, and be satisfied that it became Him, who in all things displays his own perfections in bringing many sons to glory, to make the Author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. His way to the crown was by the cross, and so must that of his ...
Read full commentary →Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
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KJV Study Commentary
Quoting Psalm 22:22, a messianic psalm of suffering and vindication, the author shows Christ declaring God's name to His 'brethren' (Greek 'adelphois'). This is stunning - the eternal Son calls redeemed humans His brothers. This familial language grounds the Reformed doctrine of adoption: through union with Christ, believers are brought into God's family, sharing Christ's inheritance and relations...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **I will declare thy name . . . .**—The quotation is taken (with very slight variation) from the 22nd verse of Psalms 22 (Psalm 22:22)—a Psalm remarkable for its close connection with the narratives of the Passion of our Lord. Whether the inscription which speaks of David as author is correct, or whether (from the difficulty of discovering any period in David’s history to which the expression...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. younger women--**rather, as ellipsis ought to be supplied, "the younger widows," namely younger widows in general, as distinguished from the older widows taken on the roll of presbyteresses (1Ti 5:9). The "therefore" means seeing that young widows are exposed to such temptations, "I will," or "desire," &c. (1Ti 5:11-13). The precept here that they should marry again is not inconsistent w...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-13**
Whatever the proud, carnal, and unbelieving may imagine or object, the spiritual mind will see peculiar glory in the cross of Christ, and be satisfied that it became Him, who in all things displays his own perfections in bringing many sons to glory, to make the Author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. His way to the crown was by the cross, and so must that of his ...
Read full commentary →And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
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KJV Study Commentary
Two Isaiah quotations emphasize Christ's identification with humanity. 'I will put my trust in him' shows Christ's genuine humanity - He lived by faith in the Father, providing the pattern for believers. 'Behold I and the children God has given me' presents Christ as the faithful representative of His people. Reformed covenant theology sees Christ as the covenant head of the elect, standing in sol...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **I will put my trust in him . . . Behold I and the children . . .**—Of the two passages cited in this verse, the latter is certainly from Isaiah 8:18; and though the former might be derived from 2Samuel 22:3 or Isaiah 12:2, yet, as the words are also found in the same chapter of Isaiah (Isaiah 8:17), we may with certainty consider this the source of the quotation. That the section of Isaiah’...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. For--**For in the case of some this result has already ensued; "Some (widows) are already turned aside after Satan," the seducer (not by falling away from the faith in general, but) by such errors as are stigmatized in 1Ti 5:11-13, sexual passion, idleness, &c., and so have given occasion of reproach (1Ti 5:14). "Satan finds some mischief still for the idle hands to do."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-13**
Whatever the proud, carnal, and unbelieving may imagine or object, the spiritual mind will see peculiar glory in the cross of Christ, and be satisfied that it became Him, who in all things displays his own perfections in bringing many sons to glory, to make the Author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. His way to the crown was by the cross, and so must that of his ...
Read full commentary →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;
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KJV Study Commentary
The incarnation's purpose is stated: to destroy (Greek 'katargēsē' - render powerless) death's master, the devil. Christ 'partook of' (Greek 'meteschē') flesh and blood, emphasizing full humanity. The Reformed doctrine of Christ's active obedience requires genuine humanity - He had to be truly human to obey as our representative. His death defeated Satan not by force but by accomplishing redemptio...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Forasmuch then . . .**—The two members of this verse directly recall the thoughts of Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 2:9. (1) It was the will of God that salvation should be won by the Son for sons; (2) this salvation could only be won by means of death.
**The children.**—Said with reference to Hebrews 2:13.
**Flesh and blood.**—Literally, *blood and flesh, *the familiar order of the words being depa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16. If any ... have widows--**of his family, however related to him. Most of the oldest manuscripts and versions omit "man or," and read, "If any woman that believeth." But the Received text seems preferable. If, however, the weightiest authorities are to prevail, the sense will be: He was speaking of younger widows; He now says, If any believing young widow have widows related to her needing su...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
The angels fell, and remained without hope or help. Christ never designed to be the Saviour of the fallen angels, therefore he did not take their nature; and the nature of angels could not be an atoning sacrifice for the sin of man. Here is a price paid, enough for all, and suitable to all, for it was in our nature. Here the wonderful love of God appeared, that, when Christ kn...
Read full commentary →And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.</strong> This verse unveils one of Christ's primary accomplishments through His death and resurrection: liberating humanity from the tyranny of death-fear. The Greek word <em>apallaxē</em> (ἀπαλλάξῃ, "deliver") means to completely release or set free from bondage. The definite article with "fear" (<em>ph...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Deliver them who through fear of death . . . .**—This verse brings into relief the former misery and the present freedom. We may well suppose these words to have been prompted by the intense sympathy of the writer with the persecuted and tempted Christians whom he addresses. He writes throughout as one who never forgets their need of sympathetic help, and who knows well the power of the mot...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
17. The transition from the widow presbyteresses (1Ti 5:9) to the presbyters here, is natural.
**rule well--**literally, "preside well," with wisdom, ability, and loving faithfulness, over the flock assigned to them.
**be counted worthy of double honour--**that is, the honor which is expressed by gifts (1Ti 5:3, 18) and otherwise. If a presbyter as such, in virtue of his office, is already wor...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
The angels fell, and remained without hope or help. Christ never designed to be the Saviour of the fallen angels, therefore he did not take their nature; and the nature of angels could not be an atoning sacrifice for the sin of man. Here is a price paid, enough for all, and suitable to all, for it was in our nature. Here the wonderful love of God appeared, that, when Christ kn...
Read full commentary →For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. took not: Gr. taketh not hold of angels, but of the seed of Abraham he taketh hold
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KJV Study Commentary
Christ 'takes hold of' (Greek 'epilambanetai' - to take by the hand, help) Abraham's seed, not angels. This emphasizes the specific scope of Christ's saving work - He came to redeem elect humanity, the spiritual descendants of Abraham (Galatians 3:29). Reformed particular redemption (limited atonement) finds support here: Christ's saving work has a definite scope and purpose, effectively redeeming...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **He took not on him the** **nature of angels.**—The rendering of the margin approaches very nearly the true meaning of the verse; whereas the text (in which the Authorised version differs from all our earlier translations) introduces confusion into the argument. Having spoken in Hebrews 2:14 of our Lord’s assumption of human nature, the writer in these words assigns the reason: “For surely i...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18. the scripture--**(De 25:4; quoted before in 1Co 9:9).
**the ox that treadeth out--**Greek, An ox while treading.
**The labourer is worthy of his reward--**or "hire"; quoted from Lu 10:7, whereas Mt 10:10 has "his meat," or "food." If Paul extends the phrase, "Scripture saith," to this second clause, as well as to the first, he will be hereby recognizing the Gospel of Luke, his own helper...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
The angels fell, and remained without hope or help. Christ never designed to be the Saviour of the fallen angels, therefore he did not take their nature; and the nature of angels could not be an atoning sacrifice for the sin of man. Here is a price paid, enough for all, and suitable to all, for it was in our nature. Here the wonderful love of God appeared, that, when Christ kn...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
The necessity ('he ought') of incarnation flows from Christ's high priestly role. 'Made like unto his brethren' emphasizes full identification with humanity except for sin (4:15). The dual qualifications of a high priest are faithfulness toward God and mercy toward people. 'Propitiation' (Greek 'hilaskomai') means to satisfy God's wrath and reconcile sinners through sacrificial atonement.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Wherefore.**—Since it is “the seed of Abraham,” His brethren, that He would help.
**In all things.**—These words must be taken with “made like.” In all respects (the single exception does not come into notice here, see Hebrews 4:15) He must be made like to “the brethren” (a reference to Hebrews 2:12): like them, He must be liable to, and must suffer, temptation, sorrow, pain, death.
**That ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. Against an elder--**a presbyter of the Church.
**receive not--**"entertain not" [Alford].
**but before two or three witnesses--**A judicial conviction was not permitted in De 17:6; 19:15, except on the testimony of at least two or three witnesses (compare Mt 18:16; Joh 8:17; 2Co 13:1; 1Jo 5:6, 7). But Timothy's entertaining an accusation against anyone is a different case, where the obje...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
The angels fell, and remained without hope or help. Christ never designed to be the Saviour of the fallen angels, therefore he did not take their nature; and the nature of angels could not be an atoning sacrifice for the sin of man. Here is a price paid, enough for all, and suitable to all, for it was in our nature. Here the wonderful love of God appeared, that, when Christ kn...
Read full commentary →For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
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KJV Study Commentary
'Suffered being tempted' emphasizes Christ's actual experience of temptation's pressure. The Greek 'peirazo' (tempted/tested) and 'paschein' (suffered) show that temptation itself involved suffering for the sinless One. His victory over temptation through suffering uniquely qualifies Him to aid ('boetheo'—run to the cry of) those currently being tempted. This is experimental, not just theoretical ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **For.**—The necessity of being “in all things made like to His brethren” has been shown from the nature of the case; it is now illustrated from the result. The “brethren” and the “people” of Hebrews 2:17 are here “the tempted.” Through the temptations arose those sins of the people for which He makes propitiation. In His having been tempted lies His special ability to help the tempted, by Hi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20. Them that sin--**whether presbyters or laymen.
**rebuke before all--**publicly before the Church (Mt 18:15-17; 1Co 5:9-13; Ep 5:11). Not until this "rebuke" was disregarded was the offender to be excommunicated.
**others ... fear--**that other members of the Church may have a wholesome fear of offending (De 13:11; Ac 5:11).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
The angels fell, and remained without hope or help. Christ never designed to be the Saviour of the fallen angels, therefore he did not take their nature; and the nature of angels could not be an atoning sacrifice for the sin of man. Here is a price paid, enough for all, and suitable to all, for it was in our nature. Here the wonderful love of God appeared, that, when Christ kn...
Read full commentary →