Hebrews – Chapter 2

New Testament18 Verses

Chapter Summary

Hebrews 2 opens with the words: "Therefore ought we more diligently to observe the things which we have heard lest perhaps we should let them slip." Abraham stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 18 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and family and covenant relationships. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Therefore ought we more diligently to observe the things which we have heard lest perhaps we should let them slip.

2For if the word spoken by angels became steadfast and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward:

3How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation? Which, having begun to be declared by the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.

4God also bearing them witness by signs and wonders and divers miracles and distributions of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will.

5For God hath not subjected unto angels the world to come, whereof we speak.

6But one in a certain place hath testified, saying: What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him?

7Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels: thou hast crowned him with glory and honour and hast set him over the works of thy hands.

8Thou hast subjected all things under his feet. For in that he hath subjected all things to him he left nothing not subject to him. But now we see not as yet all things subject to him.

9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour: that, through the grace of God he might taste death for all.

10For it became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things, who had brought many children into glory, to perfect the author of their salvation, by his passion.

11For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one. For which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying:

12I will declare thy name to my brethren: in the midst of the church will I praise thee.

13And again: I will put my trust in him. And again: Behold I and my children, whom God hath given me.

14Therefore because the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner hath been partaker of the same: that, through death, he might destroy him who had the empire of death, that is to say, the devil:

15And might deliver them, who through the fear of death were all their lifetime subject to servitude.

16For nowhere doth he take hold of the angels: but of the seed of Abraham he taketh hold.

17Wherefore, it behoved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest before God, that he might be a propitiation for the sins of the people.

18For in that wherein he himself hath suffered and been tempted he is able to succour them also that are tempted.

Important Verses in Hebrews 2

How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation? Which, having begun to be declared by the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.

Hebrews 2:3

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour: that, through the grace of God he might taste death for all.

Hebrews 2:9

And again: I will put my trust in him. And again: Behold I and my children, whom God hath given me.

Hebrews 2:13

Wherefore, it behoved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest before God, that he might be a propitiation for the sins of the people.

Hebrews 2:17

Historical Context

Hebrews belongs to the New Testament and was composed for jewish Christians wavering under pressure, urged to hold fast to Christ. Chapter 2 of 13 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 18 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Abraham, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The chapter begins: "Therefore ought we more diligently to observe the things which we have heard lest perhaps we should let them slip." The chapter ends with: "For in that wherein he himself hath suffered and been tempted he is able to succour them also that are tempted. " In terms of historical background, Written to Jewish Christians tempted to drift back to the synagogue, Hebrews argues that Christ is superior to angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood: He is the eternal High Priest who offered Himself once for all. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Before AD 70, while Temple sacrifices still continued.

Who Wrote It

Unknown; the Church receives it as apostolic. Ancient suggestions include Paul, Barnabas, and Apollos

When It Was Written

Before AD 70, while Temple sacrifices still continued

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, this chapter addresses specific questions facing early Christian communities. A pivotal line is verse 3: "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation? Which, having begun to be declared by the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard him." The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of Christ's superior priesthood and sacrifice. Hebrews grounds Catholic teaching on Christ's priesthood (CIC 1544-1545). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1502).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.

People in This Chapter

Abraham1 mention

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Hebrews Chapter 2 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that Christ's superior priesthood and sacrifice is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing forgiveness and reconciliation.

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 756) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hebrews Chapter 2 about?

Hebrews 2 contains 18 verses. It opens with "Therefore ought we more diligently to observe the things which we have heard lest perhaps we should let them slip." and closes with "For in that wherein he himself hath suffered and been tempted he is able to succour them also that are tempted. ". The book as a whole is theological homily.

What is a key verse in Hebrews 2?

One of the most significant verses is verse 3: "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation? Which, having begun to be declared by the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard him." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Hebrews Chapter 2?

This chapter mentions Abraham.

Who wrote Hebrews and when?

Unknown; the Church receives it as apostolic. Ancient suggestions include Paul, Barnabas, and Apollos. Before AD 70, while Temple sacrifices still continued.

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