King James Version

What Does Hebrews 2:11 Mean?

Hebrews 2:11 in the King James Version says “For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them ... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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,

Hebrews 2:11 · KJV


Context

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. for the: or, by the

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.

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,

12

Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

13

And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.


Commentary

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The family metaphor would resonate in the honor-shame culture of the ancient world. For Christ to claim kinship with sinners demonstrates radical grace and breaks down barriers between holy God and unholy humanity.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to you that Jesus is not ashamed to call you His brother or sister?
  2. How should Christ's identification with us shape how we identify with other believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
1 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τε2 of 18

both

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

γὰρ3 of 18

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἁγιαζόμενοι4 of 18

he that sanctifieth

G37

to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate

καὶ5 of 18

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ6 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἁγιαζόμενοι7 of 18

he that sanctifieth

G37

to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate

ἐξ8 of 18

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἑνὸς9 of 18

one

G1520

one

πάντες·10 of 18

are all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

δι'11 of 18

for

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἣν12 of 18

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

αἰτίαν13 of 18

cause

G156

a cause (as if asked for), i.e., (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved)

οὐκ14 of 18

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐπαισχύνεται15 of 18

ashamed

G1870

to feel shame for something

ἀδελφοὺς16 of 18

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτοὺς17 of 18

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καλεῖν18 of 18

to call

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 2:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 2:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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