Hebrews 2

I lest at any time we should let [them] slip. Rather, as R.V., “lest at any time we drift away [from them]”; carried imperceptibly out of our course: cp. Prov. iii. 21, where the same word occurs in the LXX.

2 spoken by (through) angels. See Acts vii. 53, Gal. iii. 19, and notes. If the attendance of angels at Sinai gave dignity and force to the law of Moses, how much greater are the honour and authority of the gospel, which has been communicated by the Lord of angels? (see i. 14).

3 how shall we escape, etc.? The we is emphatic, in contrast with the Hebrews of old.

was confirmed unto us by them that heard [Him]. The writer of the Epistle thus places himself among those who received the word from Christ’s disciples: cp. Luke i. 2.

4. God also bearing them witness. Or, “corroborating.” The adaptation of the gospel to our wants, as God’s plan of salvation, is the primary evidence of its truth: but God has superadded the external evidence of miracles, as a means of arresting and fixing attention. These Divine attestations are called “signs,” as illustrating spiritual truth (see John ii. 11, and note); “wonders,” as exciting astonishment; “miracles” (or, rather, “powers”), as manifesting Divine power; and “distributions of the Holy Spirit,” because He bestows them according to His will: cp. 1 Cor. xii. 11.

5. For unto [the] angels, etc. The meaning is, that the government of the inhabited world under the Messiah (in what the Jews called “the age to come”: see vi. 5, and note on Matt. xii. 32) is not administered by angels, but by man. “Words which were used of man in himself became first true of One who being more than man took man’s nature upon Him” (Westcott).

6 one in a certain place. See Psa. viii., and notes.

9. But we see Jesus, etc. The argument is better brought out by adhering to the arrangement of the Greek, as R.V., “But we behold Him who hath been made a little (or, for a little while) lower than the angels, even Jesus, because of the suffering of death, crowned,” etc.

for the suffering of death. Christ’s exaltation is the recompense of His sufferings. As the consequence of His humiliation, He is put in full possession of the dominion assigned by God to man.

10 captain. It is the same Greek word which is used in xii. 2, but in neither case does the translation, “author” or “captain” express the full meaning, which includes both ideas. Moffatt translates it “Pioneer.”

11 all of (from) one. All alike children of God.

12 saying, I will declare, etc. See note on Psa. xxii. 22.

13. I will put my trust in Him, etc. On the two quotations in this verse, see note on Isa. viii. 16. The former (which occurs also in 2 Sam. xxii. 3; Psa. xviii. 3) expresses that confidence in God which characterises all His “children.”

15 and deliver (all) them who through fear of death, etc. “To death itself men are still subject, but Christ has removed its terrors” (Westcott).

16. For verily He took not, etc. Rather, as R.V., “For verily not of angels doth He take hold, but He taketh hold on the seed of Abraham,” i.e., to help them.

17. Wherefore in all things, etc. In order to “help” efficiently “those who are tried,” He has become able, from personal experience, to sympathise with those whom He represents before God.

reconciliation. “Expiation” or “propitiation” (R.V.).