King James Version
What Does Hebrews 2:12 Mean?
“Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.”
Context
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.
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;
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 expressions used can apply) we consider the Psalm to have been written after the Captivity, there can be no doubt of its Messianic character. Some would class this Psalm with Psalms 110 (see Note on Hebrews 1:13), as simply and directly prophetic, having no historic foreground; but the language of some of the verses is so definite and peculiar that we must certainly regard it as descriptive of actual experience, and must rather regard the Psalm (comp. Hebrews 1:8-9) as typically prophetic of Christ. Each division of this verse is in point as a quotation. (1) Those to whom the Messiah will declare God’s name He speaks of as “brethren;” (2) not alone, but in the “church” (or rather, in a *congregation* of God’s people; see Psalm 22:22) will He sing the praise of God. The latter thought—community with men, as attested by a like relation to God—is brought out with still greater prominence in Hebrews 2:13.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 2:12 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 2:12
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge