For it is not to angelsThis phrase emphasizes the distinction between angels and the role of humanity in God's plan. Angels are ministering spirits (
Hebrews 1:14) and serve a different purpose in the divine order. The author of Hebrews is addressing a Jewish audience familiar with the Old Testament, where angels often acted as messengers of God. However, the ultimate authority and dominion over creation are not given to them. This sets the stage for the argument that follows, highlighting the superiority of Christ and His role in God's redemptive plan.
that He has subjected
The use of "subjected" indicates a deliberate act of placing something under authority. This reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and His intentional design for creation. InGenesis 1:28, humanity is given dominion over the earth, a role that is reaffirmed and expanded in the New Testament through Christ. The subjection here is part of God's ultimate plan for the world, which is fulfilled in Jesus.
the world to come
This phrase refers to the future age, often understood as the Messianic Kingdom or the new creation. In Jewish eschatology, the "world to come" is a time of restoration and fulfillment of God's promises. The New Testament expands on this, describing a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1). The "world to come" is characterized by the reign of Christ, where He exercises authority and believers share in His rule (2 Timothy 2:12).
about which we are speaking
The author of Hebrews is continuing a discourse that began in the previous chapter, focusing on the supremacy of Christ. The discussion is centered on the role of Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God, superior to angels and the old covenant. This phrase serves as a reminder to the audience that the subject at hand is the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Christ, which is the central theme of the epistle.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AngelsSpiritual beings created by God who serve as messengers and servants. In the context of Hebrews, angels are often contrasted with Jesus to highlight His superiority.
2.
The World to ComeRefers to the future kingdom or age that God will establish. This is a central theme in eschatology, the study of end times.
3.
The Author of HebrewsTraditionally attributed to Paul, though the exact authorship is uncertain. The author writes to Jewish Christians to encourage them in their faith.
4.
Jesus ChristThe central figure of Christianity, whose superiority over angels and His role in salvation is a key theme in Hebrews.
5.
The Recipients of the LetterJewish Christians who were facing persecution and were tempted to revert to Judaism.
Teaching Points
The Superiority of ChristJesus is superior to angels, as He is the one through whom the world to come is subjected. This emphasizes His divine authority and role in God's redemptive plan.
The Future KingdomBelievers are reminded of the hope and assurance of the world to come, where God's perfect order will be established. This encourages perseverance in faith.
Humanity's Role in God's PlanWhile angels are powerful, it is humanity, through Christ, that is given dominion in the world to come. This highlights the dignity and purpose God has for us.
Encouragement in PersecutionThe original recipients were facing trials, and this verse reassures them of their future inheritance and the ultimate victory in Christ.
Living with Eternal PerspectiveUnderstanding the world to come should influence how we live today, focusing on eternal values rather than temporary struggles.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Hebrews 2:5?
2.How does Hebrews 2:5 emphasize Jesus' superiority over angels in God's plan?
3.What role do angels play according to Hebrews 2:5 and other scriptures?
4.How can we apply the message of Hebrews 2:5 in our daily lives?
5.How does Hebrews 2:5 connect to the theme of Jesus' authority in Hebrews?
6.What does Hebrews 2:5 teach about God's future plans for humanity?
7.What does Hebrews 2:5 imply about the role of angels in God's future kingdom?
8.How does Hebrews 2:5 challenge the belief in angelic authority over the world?
9.Why does Hebrews 2:5 emphasize human dominion over angels in the coming world?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 2?
11.Does God create both good and evil?
12.In Job 33:14, if God truly speaks in multiple ways, why is there no verifiable evidence of such divine communication today?
13.(Hebrews 13:2) How can one literally 'entertain angels' when there is no scientific evidence for angels or the possibility of such events?
14.What is the origin of angels?What Does Hebrews 2:5 Mean
For it is not to angels• Hebrews begins by showing that angels are real, glorious servants of God—yet they are never promised rule (Hebrews 1:14;Psalm 103:20).
• Scripture repeatedly keeps angels in a ministering role, while humans—redeemed in Christ—are promised authority (1 Corinthians 6:3).
• By starting with “not to angels,” the writer underscores that the coming dominion is reserved for someone else, preparing us to look to Jesus and, in Him, to redeemed humanity.
that He has subjected• God alone grants and withdraws authority; the verb “has subjected” points to His sovereign decision (Genesis 1:26-28).
•Psalm 8:5-6 says mankind was created “ruler of the works of Your hands,” yetHebrews 2:8 notes we do not presently see that promise fulfilled.
• Through Christ, the original mandate will be literally realized: “God put everything under His feet” (Ephesians 1:22;1 Corinthians 15:27).
• This subjection is not theoretical; it will be as concrete as Eden once was.
the world to come• Hebrews speaks of a definite future order—“the coming age” (Hebrews 6:5)—not merely a spiritual attitude.
•Isaiah 65:17 and2 Peter 3:13 promise “new heavens and a new earth” where righteousness dwells.
•Revelation 21:1-4 pictures that renewed creation, free from death and pain, where God visibly dwells with His people.
• Jesus called it “the renewal of all things” (Matthew 19:28), and believers “will reign upon the earth” (Revelation 5:10).
• This “world to come” is therefore literal, physical, and under Messiah’s administration, with His redeemed sharing in that rule.
about which we are speaking•Hebrews 1:1-2 introduced God’s final word in His Son;Hebrews 2:1-4 urged readers not to neglect “so great a salvation.”
• The writer has been explaining Christ’s supremacy over angels, prophets, and creation itself—now he clarifies the subject: the future kingdom that salvation leads to.
• By reminding, “about which we are speaking,” he ties every prior warning and promise to this concrete hope.
• The audience is invited to keep this destination in view so they will hold fast (Hebrews 3:6; 10:23).
summaryHebrews 2:5 teaches that the literal, future world is not destined for angelic control but for Christ and those united to Him. God, who first granted dominion to humanity, will fulfill that purpose by subjecting the renewed creation to His Son, and through Him, to redeemed mankind. This promise anchors the call to steadfast faith, assuring believers that their salvation culminates in reigning with Christ in the tangible “world to come.”
(5-18) It was needful that Jesus, as Author of salvation to man, should in all points be made like to those whom He saves, and in their likeness suffer and die; thus He becomes for them a merciful and faithful High Priest.
(5)For.--There is a very clear connection between this verse andHebrews 1:14. "Angels are but ministering spirits, serving God in the cause of those who shall inherit salvation;for not to angels is the world to come made subject." But the connection withHebrews 2:2-3, is equally important: "the salvation that is now given has been proclaimed not by angels but by the Lord, and it is God Himself who works with the messengers of the Lord;for not unto angels," &c. The word "salvation" binds together this section and the first. (SeeHebrews 1:14;Hebrews 2:2;Hebrews 2:10.) . . .
Verse 5. - Here the second division of the first section of the argument, according to the summary given above (
Hebrews 1:2), begins. But it is also connected logically with the interposed exhortation, the sequence of thought being as follows: "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" -
For (as an additional reason)
not to angels (but to the Son, as will be seen)
did he (God)
subject the world to come, whereof we speak, "The world to come (
ἡ οἰκουμένηἡ μέλλουσα)" must be understood, in accordance with what has been said above in explanation of" the last of these days" (
Hebrews 1:1), as referring to the age of the Messiah's kingdom foretold in prophecy. The word
μέλλουσαν does not in itself necessarily imply futurity from the writer's standpoint though, according to what was said above, the complete fulfilment of the prophetic anticipation is to be looked for in the second advent, whatever earnest and foretaste of it there may be already under the gospel dispensation. The word
οἰκουμένην (
subγὴν) is the same as was used (
Hebrews 1:6) in reference to the Son's advent, denoting the sphere of created things over which he should reign. And it is suitably used here with a view to the coming quotation from
Psalm 8, in which the primary idea is man's supremacy over the inhabited globe. The whole phrase may be taken to express the same idea as the "new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (cf.
2 Peter 3:13).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.[it is] notΟὐ(Ou)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.to angelsἀγγέλοις(angelois)Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 32:From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor.that He has subjectedὑπέταξεν(hypetaxen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5293:From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey.theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.worldοἰκουμένην(oikoumenēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3625:Feminine participle present passive of oikeo; land, i.e. The globe; specially, the Roman empire.to come,μέλλουσαν(mellousan)Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3195:A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something.aboutπερὶ(peri)Preposition
Strong's 4012:From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.whichἧς(hēs)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.we are speaking.λαλοῦμεν(laloumen)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2980:A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.
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NT Letters: Hebrews 2:5 For he didn't subject the world (Heb. He. Hb) 
