Hebrews 2 (BHT-FTN)

“We Must Pay Even More Careful Attention to the Things We Have Been Taught”

1 That is the reason why we must pay even+ more careful attention to the things we have been taught,+ so that we don’t drift away. 2 If the instruction+ delivered through angels,+ you see, + proved so binding that+ every violation and act of disobedience received its just penalty, 3 how will we ourselves+ possibly+ escape punishment+ if+ we neglect so+ mighty a salvation—a salvation+ which, after first having been communicated through the Lord,+ was confirmed to us as true and reliable+ by the very+ people who heard him, 4 as God kept adding his own testimony to theirs by performing signs and wonders and various miracles and by distributing gifts of the Holy Spirit+ according to his will?+

5 It is+ not angels, you see, whom God+ planned+ to put in charge of the world to come, about which we are speaking. 6 Rather, as it is solemnly declared somewhere in the Scriptures:+

“What is man, that you are so concerned about him,

or the son of man, that you come to his aid?

7 You have made him for a short time lower than the angels,+

yet+ have planned+ to place on him a crown+ of glory+ and honor;+

8 you will surely+ subject under his feet the whole creation.+”+

When it says here+ that God will “subject to him the whole creation,” it means+ that there isn’t anything that God will not put in subjection to mankind.+ At the present time, however, we still don’t see “the whole creation” to mankind+ “subjected.” +9 Even so, we do have an example+ of one “made lower than the angels” for a “short time,”+ namely, Jesus, now crowned with “glory and honor” because of the death+ he suffered.+ He was made lower than the angels for a short time+ so that he could experience death, by the gift of God,+ on behalf of+ all mankind.+ 10 It wasn’t out of place for God,+ you see, for whom and through whom the whole creation exists, in order to+ bring to glory+ many sons,+ to use suffering+ to fully and finally consecrate for priestly service+ the pioneer+ of their salvation.+ 11 Indeed, the one who sets people apart as a special holy possession and for sacred service,+ and those who are so set apart: It is+ the same stock+ from which they all come, for which reason Jesus+ is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters+:+

12 “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters;

it is+ in the midst of the assembly that I will sing in praise of what you have done.+”+

13 And again,

“I will place my trust in him,”

that is,+ “I and the disciples+ God has entrusted to my care.+”+

14 Since “the disciples,” therefore, share in a weak and mortal nature,+ he himself likewise+ took on the same, so that by his death he could break the power of the one who has such+ fierce ability to bring about death+ (that is, the devil), 15 and set free those who, because of their fear of death, throughout their entire lives were subject to slavery.++ 16 It isn’t+ angels, you see, as one would agree,+ to whose aid Jesus+ comes, but the seed of Abraham. 17 That is why it was necessary for him to be made like his brothers and sisters in indeed+ every respect, so that he could become in his service to God a merciful and trustworthy+ high priest,+ so that he could turn God’s wrath away from the people and remove the guilt of their sins by making atonement for them.+ 18 Indeed, because Jesus+ himself was tempted+ and knows what it is to suffer,+ he is able to help those who are being tempted.+

+1:1A contrast is implied in this context between v 1 and v 2 (cf CJB, ESV, LEB, NCV, NIV, NRSV, RSV, TEV). “While” has thus been used in translation here to signal the contrast, and to signal that v 1 is setting the backdrop for the foreground information in verse 2.+1:1Πολυμερῶς καὶ πολυτρόπως ( polumerōs kai polutropōs) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this element.+1:1Or various times, or various portions, or little by little. Cf Jn 3:34.+1:1Or forefathers. Lit fathers.+1:2Or last.+1:3Translating the genitive attributively here. Cf HCSB, ISV, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+1:3Or word.+1:3Lit Having made/performed purification of sins. ME(OTB)/IT (see JFB, 2:441; LALS, sv καθαρισμός; UBSHS [Heb], 10; translation and notes at 2 Pt 1:9) See also Timothy Miller, “Paul’s Priestly Mission and Salvation from the Coming Wrath: A Missiological Probe of Romans 15:16 and the Question of Divine Anger through the Worldview of Leviticus” (PhD diss., Columbia International University, 2024). Cf, eg, Lv 4:20, 4:31, 6:7, 16:1-34; Nu 15:28; Jb 7:21.+1:3Lit of the majesty. ME (see L-N, 12.5).+1:4τοσούτῳ κρείττων τῶν ἀγγέλων ( tosoutō kreittōn tōn angelōn) is in a split focal position (see BART Display; cf LDGNT), and therefore an adverb has been used to give extra focus to the preposed element within the ME (see following note). The preposed element has also been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+1:4Lit having becoming superior in rank to the angels. ME (see UBSHS [Heb], 13).+1:4διαφορώτερον παρʼ αὐτοὺς ὄνομα ( diaphorōteron par’ autous onoma) is in a split focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction and adverbs have been used to give extra focus to this element.+1:4Or a name. Cf DuCL; UBSHS (Heb), 13.+1:5τῶν ἀγγέλων ( tōn anggelōn) is in a split focal position (see BART Display), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:5Lit he. Cf CJB, ISV, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+1:5Unless otherwise marked (through superscript—ˢyou), all second person pronouns are in the second person plural.+1:5υἱός μου ( huios mou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+1:5Lit I today have fathered you, or I today have begotten you. ME(OTB/H) (see translation and notes at Ac 13:33).+1:5Ps 2:7+1:52 Sm 7:14+1:6Cf Ps 89:27; Col 1:15-18; Re 1:5.+1:6Dt 32:43 (LXX); cf Ps 97:7.+1:7τοὺς ἀγγέλους ( tous angelous) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+1:7The Greek word used here can mean “wind,” “spirit,” or “breath.”+1:7Ps 104:4. Cf, eg, Jb 1-2; Ps 148:8; Ga 4:3, 9; Col 2:8, 20; Re 7:1, 14:18, 16:5.+1:8IT. Cf, eg, ISV, NET, NIV.+1:8ἡ ῥάβδος τῆς εὐθύτητος ( hē rabdos tēs euthutētos) is in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this element.+1:8Translating the genitive attributively here. Cf NET.+1:8The context of Ps 45:6 favors a futuristic interpretation of the implied copula here. Cf NCV, NIV.+1:8Lit that [will be] the scepter of. ME (see UBSHS [Heb], 19). Cf CJB, NCV, NLT.+1:9Lit That is the reason why. ME(OTB)/IT (see translation and notes at Mt 10:37, 22:32; Lk 14:26; Jn 12:5; 1 Co 16:22; Ga 3:6; Jm 1:12).+1:9Lit the God of you. ME(OTB)/IT. Covenantal connotations have been activated by “love” and “hate” in this context (see translation and notes at Mt 10:37, 22:32; Lk 14:26; Jn 12:5; 1 Co 16:22; Jm 1:12).+1:9Lit has anointed you with the oil of joy above your companions. ME/IT (see UBSHS [Heb], 20). Cf GeCL; TEV.+1:9Ps 45:6-7+1:10σὺ κύριε ( su kurie) is in P2, with κύριε split from σὺ (see BART Display; note, though, that the BART Display is marked for focal ambiguity), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this element.+1:10ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν σού ( erga tōn cheirōn sou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this element.+1:11ὡς ἱμάτιον ( hōs himation) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+1:12Or roll them up.+1:12ὡσεὶ περιβόλαιον ( hōs peribolaion) is in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+1:12ὁ αὐτὸς ( ho autous) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+1:12Ps 102:25-27+1:13Lit he.+1:13Ps 110:1+1:14IT. Cf NCV.+1:14Or winds.+1:14Cf NRSV, TEV; TNT in ESS (Heb), 39.+1:14Drawing from BDAG in translation here (see BDAG, 230, sv διακονία 1). εἰς διακονίαν ( eis diakonian) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+1:14διά ( dia) here is interpreted as a marker of benefaction (see, eg, L-N, 90.38). This is reflected in the translation. Cf ESV, NCV, NRSV, RSV, TEV.+2:1περισσοτέρως ( perissoterōs) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb has been used to give extra focus to this element.+2:1Or have learned, or have heard. Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+2:2Or word, or teaching. ME(H/OTB)/IT (see UBSHS [Heb], 28). Cf Knox, TNT.+2:2διʼ ἀγγέλων ( di’ anggelōn) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:2Cf, eg, Ac 7:53.+2:2Following the lead of the JB and TNT in translation here (see UBSHS [Heb], 28).+2:3ἡμεῖς ( ēmeis) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an intensive pronoun has been used to give extra focus to this element.+2:3For the rhetorical force of πῶς ( pōs) in this type of context, see BDAG, 901, sv 1.a.β-δ.+2:3IT. Cf NCV.+2:3The participle is interpreted as an adverbial participle of condition. This is reflected in the translation. Cf most English translations.+2:3τηλικαύτης σωτηρίας ( tēlikautēs sōtērias) is in a split focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb (warranted also on lexical grounds; see, eg, L-N, 78.36) has been used to give extra focus to this element.+2:3Restating the antecedent in translation for the sake of clarity.+2:3Lit which a beginning having received to be spoken through the Lord. ME/IT (see UBSHS [Heb], 27-9). Cf NET. The argument here is a from-lesser-to-greater argument. Cf, eg, Jn 7:16-17, 8:28, 12:49, 14:10, 14:24.+2:3IT (see L-N, 28.44). Cf NCV, TEV.+2:3ὑπὸ τῶν ἀκουσάντων ( hupo tōn akousantōn) is in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore an emphatic adjective and italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:4πνεύματος ἁγίου ( pneumatos hagiou) is in an embedded focal position (confirmed through personal correspondence with Dr. Stephen Levinsohn), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+2:4Cf NCV, TEV.+2:5ἀγγέλοις ( angelous) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this element. γὰρ ( gar) has also been used as a spacer to the same end.+2:5Lit he.+2:5See translation and notes at Jn 17:22-24 and Rm 8:28-30. The same applies here. Cf NCV, NLT.+2:6Lit But someone solemnly testifies somewhere. ME (see UBSHS [Heb], 33). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+2:7παρʼ ἀγγέλους ( par’ angelous) is in a DFE position (see BART Display), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+2:7IT. An adversative relationship between this clause and the preceding clause is implied here. Cf ISV.+2:7See translation and notes at Jn 17:22-24 and Rm 8:28-30. Cf also 1 Co 2:7.+2:7Lit crowned him.+2:7δόξῃ καὶ τιμῇ ( doxē kai timē) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:7Cf Jn 17:22-24; Rm 8:28-30; 1 Co 2:7.+2:8The aorist indicative is functioning proleptically here (from the vantage point of the speaker).+2:8πάντα ( panta) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+2:8Ps 8:5-7 (LXX)+2:8The article here (lit For in the to subject to him all things) is pointing us back to the quotation in v 8. Cf NLT, TEV.+2:8Cf NLT; UBSHS (Heb), 35.+2:8Lit he left nothing unsubjected to him. ME (see BDAG, 91, sv ἀνυπότακτος 1; UBSHS [Rm], 36).+2:8Lit to him.+2:8πάντα ὑποτεταγμένα ( panta hupotetagmena) is in an embedded DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT; note, though, that the BART Display is marked for focal ambiguity), and therefore inversion has been used to give this element extra focus and stress.+2:9Lit we see. ME (see Heb 12:1-3). Cf UBSHS (Heb), 37.+2:9βραχύ τι ( Brachu ti) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+2:9διὰ τὸ πάθημα τοῦ θανάτου ( dia to pathēma tou thanatou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give extra focus and emphasis to this element within the ME (see following note).+2:9Lit because of the suffering of death. ME (see BDAG, 747, sv πάθημα 1). Cf TEV.+2:9The purpose clause here is logically connected to “made lower” (see UBSHS [Heb], 37-8), and therefore “made lower than the angels for a short time” has been restated in translation here for the sake of clarity. Cf TEV.+2:9Cf Is 53:9. ὑπὲρ παντὸς ( huper pantos) and χάριτι θεοῦ ( chariti theou) are in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT; note, though, that χάριτι θεοῦ is marked for focal ambiguity in the BART Display), and therefore commas have been used to give extra focus to χάριτι θεοῦ, which has itself been used as a spacer to give extra focus to ὑπὲρ παντὸς.+2:9Or for the sake of.+2:9Cf Is 53.+2:10Lit It was proper/appropriate/fitting for him.+2:10The participle here is interpreted as an adverbial participle of purpose. This is reflected in the translation. Cf TEV.+2:10εἰς δόξαν ( eis doxan) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:10πολλοὺς υἱοὺς ( pollous huious) is in P2 (see BART Display; note, though, that the BART Display is marked for focal ambiguity), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+2:10διὰ παθημάτων ( dia pathēmatōn) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:10In this context, τελειόω ( teleiō) is referring to consecration and appointment for priestly service (see BDAG, 996, sv τελειόω 3; NBC, 1327; UBSHS [Heb], 39). Cf, eg, the LXX at Ex 29:9-35; Lv 8:33, 16:32, 21:10; Nu 3:3. Cf also Jn 17:17-19. The connotations of perfection, completeness, and ultimacy activated by this cognate family, however, are also relevant here within the overall context of Hebrews, in which a telic argument is sustained throughout on behalf of the perfection of the priesly service/cult renered by Jesus. Hence the inclusion of “perfect” here and throughout the translation of Hebrews.+2:10Or author, or leader, or founder, or source.+2:10τὸν ἀρχηγὸν τῆς σωτηρίας ( ton archēgon tēs sōtērias) is in P2 (see BART Display; note, though, that the BART Display is marked for focal ambiguity), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+2:11Lit who sanctifies. ME/IT (see Timothy Miller, “Paul’s Priestly Mission and Salvation from the Coming Wrath: A Missiological Probe of Romans 15:16 and the Question of Divine Anger through the Worldview of Leviticus” [PhD diss., Columbia International University, 2024]).+2:11ἐξ ἑνὸς ( ex henos) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give this element extra focus.+2:11Or the same Father, or the same man, or the same origin. Lit from one thing, or from one man/person/being. Cf NJB, REB in ESS (Heb), 66.+2:11Lit he. Cf ISV, NIV, TEV.+2:11ἀδελφοὺς ( adelphous) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+2:11Lit brothers and sisters, saying.+2:12ἐν μέσῳ ἐκκλησίας ( en mesō ekklēsias) is in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this element.+2:12Lit sing in praise of you. ME/IT (see UBSHS [Heb], 43). Cf TEV.+2:12Ps 22:22+2:13Is 8:13-18 was interpreted Messianically in the early church (see NAC [Heb], 218). Accordingly, Is 8:17 is referring to the Messiah, and v 18 is referring to the Messiah with his children (ie, his disciples; see the following note). Following the lead of the NLT in translation here, so that the connection between the Messiah and his disciples is clear.+2:13Lit children. ME (see L-N, 9.46, 36.39). Cf Is 8:16.+2:13Translating in a way similar to how I’ve translated at Jn 6:37 (see translation and notes there).+2:13Is 8:17-18+2:14Lit share in flesh and blood. ME(OTB/I/F) (see BDAG, 26, sv αἷμα 1.a.; Ibid, 915, sv σάρξ 3.a.; translation and notes at 1 Co 15:50; Php 2:7; Rm 8:3; FBT Chart F, G).+2:14παραπλησίως ( paraplēsiōs) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+2:14κράτος τοῦ θανάτου ( kratos tou thanatou) is in an embedded split focal position (see BART Display), and therefore an adverb and an adjective (warranted also on lexical grounds; see, eg, LEH LXX Lex, sv κράτος) have been used to give this element extra focus and stress.+2:14Lit who holds the power/might/control of death. ME (see UBSHS [Heb], 45; translation and notes at Re 9:3). Cf Gn 3; Mt 6:13, 26:41; 1 Co 10:13; 2 Co 2:11, 11:3.+2:15ἔνοχοι δουλείας ( enochoi douleias) is in a split focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT). Italics have been used to give extra focus and emphasis to the split element.+2:15Cf, eg, Ps 3:5, 4:8, 6:5, 9:13, 13:3, 16:10, 18:4-5, 22:15, 30:3, 30:9, 33:19; 49:14-15, 68:20, 86:13, 88:3, 89:48, 116:3, 118:17-18, 139:8+2:16ἀγγέλων ( angelōn) and σπέρματος Ἀβραὰμ ( spermatos Abraam) are in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and constitute a point-counterpoint series (see LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to these elements, with the verb in the counterpoint left implicit in translation (cf NCV, NIV). γὰρ ( gar) and δήπου ( dēpou) have also been used as spacers to give these elements extra focus.+2:16Drawing from BDAG in translation here (see BDAG, 223, sv δήπου).+2:16Lit he. Cf NCV.+2:17κατὰ πάντα ( kata panta) is in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore an adverb has been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:17Or faithful, or reliable.+2:17ἐλεήμων καὶ πιστὸς ἀρχιερεὺς ( eleēmōn kai pistos archiereus) is in a split focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+2:17Lit to make propitiation for/expiate the sins of the people. ME(OTB)/IT (see translation and notes at Lk 18:13, Rm 3:25, and 1 Jn 2:2).+2:18Lit he.+2:18πειρασθείς ( peirastheis) is in a DFE position (see BART Display), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+2:18The perfect tense here signals ongoing relevance at the time of the speaker. I’ve tried to bring this out in translation.+2:18τοῖς πειραζομένοις ( tois peirazomenois) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.