Hebrews 2:4

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2 For if the word ^aspoken through angels proved steadfast, and ^bevery transgression and disobedience received a just¹ reward,

3 ^ahow shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, ^bwhich at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was ^cconfirmed to us by those who heard Him,

4 ^aGod also bearing witness ^bboth with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and ^cgifts of the Holy Spirit, ^daccording to His own will?

The Son Made Lower than Angels

5 For He has not put ^athe world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels.

6 But one testified in a certain place, saying:
^a“What is man that You are mindful of him,
Or the son of man that You take care of him?

7 You have made him¹ a little lower than the angels;
You have crowned him with glory and honor,
¹And set him over the works of Your hands.

8 ^aYou have 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 ^bwe do not yet see all things put under him.

9 But we see Jesus, ^awho was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death ^bcrowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death ^cfor everyone.

Bringing Many Sons to Glory

10 For it was fitting for Him, ^afor whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation ^bperfect through sufferings.

Commentaries:

Barnes' Notes

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Hebrews 2:5 >>

Hebrews 2:4

God also bearing them witness - By miracles. Giving them the sanction of his authority, or showing that they were sent by him. No man can work a miracle by his own power. When the dead are raised, the deaf made to hear and the blind to see by a word, it is the power of God alone that does it. He thus becomes a "witness" to the divine appointment of him by whose instrumentality the miracle is performed; or furnishes an attestation that what he says is true; see notes on Acts 14:3.

With signs and wonders. - These words are usually connected in the New Testament. The word rendered "signs" - ͂ sēmeion - means any miraculous event that is suited to show that what had been predicted by a prophet would certainly take place; see Matthew 12:38; compare note on Isaiah 7:11. A "wonder" - ́ teras - denotes a portent, or prodigy - something that is suited to excite wonder or amazement - and hence, a miracle. The words together refer to the various miracles which were performed by the Lord Jesus and his apostles, designed to confirm the truth of the Christian religion.

And with divers miracles. - Various miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, etc. The miracles were not of one class merely, but were various, so that all pretence of deception should be taken away.

And gifts of the Holy Ghost. - Margin, "Distributions." The various influences of the Holy Spirit enabling them to speak different languages, and to perform works beyond the power of man; see notes on I Corinthians 12:4-11.

According to his will - As he chose. He acted as a sovereign in this. He gave them where he pleased, and imparted them in such measure as he chose. The sense of this whole passage is, "The gospel has been promulgated to man in a solemn manner. It was first published by the Lord of glory himself. It was confirmed by the most impressive and solemn miracles. It is undoubtedly a revelation from heaven; was given in more solemn circumstances than the Law of Moses, and its threatenings are more to be dreaded than those of the Law. Beware, therefore, how you trifle with it, or disregard it. It cannot be neglected with safety; its neglect or rejection must be attended with condemnation."

**Other Barnes' Notes entries containing Hebrews 2:4:**

Habakkuk 3:13
John 8:41
Hebrews 1:2
Hebrews 2:5

<< Hebrews 2:3

Hebrews 2:5 >>

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