King James Version

What Does Hebrews 2:4 Mean?

Hebrews 2:4 in the King James Version says “God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, accor...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Hebrews 2:4 · KJV

Context

2

For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;

3

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;

4

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

5

For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.

6

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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Commentary

KJV Study 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? This verse concludes the author's warning against neglecting salvation, emphasizing divine authentication of the gospel message. "God also bearing witness" (sunepimarturountos, συνεπιμαρτυροῦντος) uses a compound Greek verb meaning to testify together or confirm jointly—God Himself validated the apostolic testimony.

The fourfold description of divine attestation is comprehensive: "signs" (sēmeia, σημεῖα) are miraculous indicators pointing to divine truth; "wonders" (terata, τέρατα) are extraordinary events evoking awe; "various miracles" (poikilais dunamesin, ποικίλαις δυνάμεσιν) refers to diverse manifestations of supernatural power; "gifts of the Holy Spirit" (pneumatos hagiou merismoi, πνεύματος ἁγίου μερισμοί) denotes distributions or apportionments of spiritual gifts. This quartet echoes apostolic preaching (Acts 2:22, 2 Corinthians 12:12, Romans 15:19) and demonstrates the continuity between Jesus' earthly ministry and the apostolic witness.

"According to His own will" (kata tēn autou thelēsin, κατὰ τὴν αὐτοῦ θέλησιν) establishes divine sovereignty over miraculous gifts. God distributed these attestations purposefully to confirm the gospel, not according to human merit or demand. This reminds readers that signs serve revelation's authentication, not personal gratification.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians facing pressure to abandon Christianity and return to Judaism (likely before 70 CE, as the temple worship is described in present tense). The community had received the gospel from those who heard Jesus directly (second-generation believers) and needed assurance about Christianity's divine origin and superiority to Judaism.

The apostolic generation witnessed extraordinary divine confirmation of the gospel—the Holy Spirit's dramatic descent at Pentecost (Acts 2), apostolic miracles (Acts 3-5), signs among the Hellenists (Acts 6-7, 8:4-8), and the Spirit's sovereign distribution of gifts (1 Corinthians 12-14). These miraculous attestations authenticated the gospel as God's new revelation, superior to Mosaic law. By the time of Hebrews' writing, this foundational confirmation was complete, though spiritual gifts continued.

The mention of divine witness 'according to His own will' would resonate with readers tempted to seek miraculous confirmation of their wavering faith. The author reminds them that God had already provided sufficient attestation through the apostolic witness; now faithfulness, not fresh miracles, is required. The gospel's divine authentication was historically accomplished and testified to by reliable witnesses.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did miraculous signs and wonders function to authenticate apostolic testimony?
  2. What is the relationship between divine sovereignty ('according to His own will') and the distribution of spiritual gifts?
  3. Why does the author emphasize God's confirmation of the gospel message in this warning passage?
  4. How should believers today relate to the miraculous attestation of the gospel in the apostolic era?
  5. What does it mean to neglect 'so great salvation' that has been divinely authenticated?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
συνεπιμαρτυροῦντος1 of 18

“also bearing them witness”

G4901

to testify further jointly, i.e., unite in adding evidence

τοῦ2 of 18
G3588

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

θεοῦ3 of 18

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

σημείοις4 of 18

“with signs”

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

τε5 of 18

“both”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

καὶ6 of 18

“and”

G2532

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

τέρασιν7 of 18

“wonders”

G5059

a prodigy or omen

καὶ8 of 18

“and”

G2532

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

ποικίλαις9 of 18

“with divers”

G4164

motley, i.e., various in character

δυνάμεσιν10 of 18

“miracles”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

καὶ11 of 18

“and”

G2532

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

πνεύματος12 of 18

“Ghost”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἁγίου13 of 18

“of the Holy”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

μερισμοῖς14 of 18

“gifts”

G3311

a separation or distribution

κατὰ15 of 18

“according to”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὴν16 of 18
G3588

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

αὐτοῦ17 of 18
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

θέλησιν18 of 18

“will”

G2308

determination (properly, the act), i.e., option

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 2:4 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 2:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 14:3Ephesians 1:5Mark 16:201 Corinthians 12:4-11Ephesians 4:8-11Romans 15:18-19

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