Hebrews 2:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”

NIV: He says, 'I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.'

NASB: saying, 'I WILL PROCLAIM YOUR NAME TO MY BROTHERS, IN THE MIDST OF THE ASSEMBLY I WILL SING YOUR PRAISE.'

CSB: saying:I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters;I will sing hymns to you in the congregation.

NLT: For he said to God, 'I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.'

KJV: Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

NKJV: saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.”

This verse is a quotation from Psalm 22. The writer of Hebrews is speaking to a Jewish Christian audience and uses many references to the Old Testament in order to support his points. The choice of Psalm 22 is interesting because of its focus on undeserved suffering. This Psalm was written by David, but does not describe any literal events in his life. And so, it is seen as both a general commentary on suffering as well as a prophecy of the Messiah. Jesus may well have been quoting Psalm 22:1 from the cross. The citation given here, in Hebrews, is from Psalm 22:22, where the psalmist resolves to praise God even though he has not yet been rescued.

This passage of Hebrews not only explains that Jesus was truly and fully human, it refutes the idea that this would be shameful for God. In fact, the way Jesus suffered makes Him a fully perfect substitute for mankind. And, it allows Him to comfort us with legitimate compassion (Hebrews 4:15), as one who has experienced all of the struggles we do as limited people (Hebrews 2:18).

Hebrews 2:5–18 explains why the Messiah, Jesus Christ, came in the form of a man, rather than being an angel. In order to serve as a true example, He had to experience our human suffering and temptation. By doing so, Jesus was able to become the ''Captain,'' or the ''Founder,'' of our salvation. His resurrection breaks the slavery we experience over our fear of death. By using more quotations from the Old Testament, the writer of Hebrews shows that this is exactly what God planned for all along.

Chapter 2 begins with a strong warning about the dangers of apostasy. Chapter 1 opened by explaining that Jesus Christ is the message of God. This chapter points out that those who have faith in Christ, but drift from that truth, will face dire consequences. The rest of the passage continues a series of proofs begun in Chapter 1. These are quotes from the Old Testament, used to prove that the Messiah is not an angel, but is superior to any created being. He is, in fact, identical to God. And yet, He became fully human in order to serve as our perfect high priest.

The first two chapters of Hebrews are meant to prove that Jesus Christ is superior to angels. Rather than seeing Jesus as a created being, or some form of exalted angel, He should be viewed as what He is: identical with God. These two chapters use extensive Old Testament quotes to prove this point. The first few verses of chapter 2 feature the first of several warnings within the book about the dangers of apostasy. Later chapters will demonstrate that Christ is also superior to other prophets, spiritual leaders, and priests.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.

Accessed 5/2/2024 8:59:45 AM