Warning to Pay Attention

1Therefore we must pay greater attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. 2For if the message declared through angels was valid, and every transgression or disobedience received a just penalty, 3how can we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? It was declared at first through the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him, 4while God added his testimony by signs and wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, distributed according to his will.

Exaltation through Abasement

5Now God2.5 Gk he did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. 6But someone has testified somewhere,

‘What are human beings that you are mindful of them,2.6 Gk What is man that you are mindful of him?

or mortals, that you care for them?2.6 Gk or the son of man that you care for him? In the Hebrew of Ps 8.4–6 both man and son of man refer to all humankind

7You have made them for a little while lower2.7 Or them only a little lower than the angels;

you have crowned them with glory and honour,2.7 Other ancient authorities add and set them over the works of your hands

8subjecting all things under their feet.’

Now in subjecting all things to them, God2.8 Gk he left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them, 9but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower2.9 Or who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honour because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God2.9 Other ancient authorities read apart from God he might taste death for everyone.

10It was fitting that God,2.10 Gk he for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father.2.11 Gk are all of one For this reason Jesus2.11 Gk he is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters,2.11 Gk brothers 12saying,

‘I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters,2.12 Gk brothers

in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.’

13And again,

‘I will put my trust in him.’

And again,

‘Here am I and the children whom God has given me.’

14Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. 16For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. 17Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters2.17 Gk brothers in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. 18Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.