Hebrews 2:11 kjv
For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
Hebrews 2:11 nkjv
For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,
Hebrews 2:11 niv
Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.
Hebrews 2:11 esv
For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,
Hebrews 2:11 nlt
So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.
Hebrews 2 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 8:29 | For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. | Christ as firstborn among many siblings. |
| Heb 2:10 | For it was fitting for Him... in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. | Jesus bringing believers as "sons" to glory. |
| Jn 1:12-13 | But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. | Believers born of God, becoming His children. |
| 1 Pet 1:2 | ...elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ... | Sanctification by the Spirit and Christ's blood. |
| 1 Thess 5:23 | Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely... | God as the ultimate source of sanctification. |
| Eph 5:26 | ...that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, | Christ sanctifying the church. |
| Lv 20:8 | And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them: I am the Lord who sanctifies you. | God as the original Sanctifier of Israel. |
| Mt 12:50 | For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother. | Jesus defining true spiritual kinship. |
| Jn 20:17 | Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.'" | Jesus refers to disciples as His "brethren." |
| Ps 22:22 | I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You. | Messianic prophecy of Christ's brotherhood (quoted in Heb 2:12). |
| Php 2:6-8 | ...who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself... | Jesus's humility and incarnation. |
| Rom 8:14-17 | For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ... | Believers as adopted children, co-heirs with Christ. |
| Col 1:22 | in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— | Christ's work to make believers holy. |
| Heb 10:10 | By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. | Definitive sanctification through Christ's sacrifice. |
| Heb 10:14 | For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. | Christ perfects those being sanctified. |
| Heb 3:1 | Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus... | Believers called "holy brethren." |
| 2 Cor 5:21 | For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. | Christ becoming like us to make us righteous. |
| Jn 17:19 | And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. | Christ's self-sanctification for our sake. |
| Heb 2:17-18 | Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. | Jesus fully identifies with His human brethren. |
| Ps 69:8 | I have become estranged from my brothers, and an alien to my mother's children. | A contrast; Messianic psalm lamenting rejection by brethren. |
| Rom 1:16 | For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes... | Not being ashamed associated with divine purpose. |
| Mk 3:35 | For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother. | Another instance of spiritual family redefined by Christ. |
| Lk 8:21 | But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” | Christ's family is defined by spiritual obedience. |
Hebrews 2 verses
Hebrews 2 11 Meaning
Hebrews 2:11 reveals the profound spiritual connection and intimate relationship between Jesus Christ, "He who sanctifies," and believers, "those who are being sanctified." This connection stems from their shared spiritual origin or purpose—"all of one"—which refers to God as the ultimate source or their shared participation in a sanctified humanity through God's will. Because of this fundamental unity and the redemptive work accomplished, Jesus Himself is not ashamed to call believers His "brothers," signifying His deep solidarity, love, and the exalted status bestowed upon His followers.
Hebrews 2 11 Context
Hebrews chapter 2 expands on the theme introduced in chapter 1, asserting Christ's absolute superiority over angels. Having established Jesus as the divine Son, far greater than any created being, the author immediately shifts to explain the profound implications of His temporary humiliation (vv. 6-9) and His incarnation. Verse 11 serves as a crucial theological bridge, explaining why the exalted Son of God would become human and identify with humanity. It links the process of salvation ("bringing many sons to glory," v. 10) to Christ's necessary solidarity with those He came to save. This verse sets the stage for the explanation of Christ's human nature and His priestly work, highlighting that His identity with humanity (even to the point of suffering and death, v. 14) was essential for Him to effectively serve as a merciful and faithful High Priest (v. 17).
Hebrews 2 11 Word analysis
- For both He who sanctifies (Greek: ὁ ἁγιάζων, ho hagiazōn): This refers definitively to Jesus Christ. The term hagiazōn (sanctifies/makes holy/sets apart) implies a divine action of purification and consecration. In the Old Testament, God Himself sanctified things, places, and people. Here, Jesus takes on this divine attribute, actively making people holy for God. This isn't just moral cleansing, but a setting apart for sacred purpose.
- and those who are being sanctified (Greek: οἱ ἁγιαζόμενοι, hoi hagiazōmenoi): This refers to believers. The present passive participle emphasizes that sanctification is both a completed act at conversion (positional sanctification—being made holy in God's sight) and an ongoing process in the believer's life (progressive sanctification—becoming more like Christ). They are the recipients of Christ's purifying work.
- are all of one (Greek: ἐξ ἑνός, ex henos): This is a crucial and deeply debated phrase. Literally, "from one." It signifies a common origin, source, or purpose. Key interpretations include:
- From one Father (God): Both Christ as the begotten Son of God and believers as adopted children of God share the same heavenly Father as their ultimate source. This emphasizes a spiritual paternity.
- From one humanity (human race): While Jesus was without sin, He truly partook of human flesh and blood, just as believers do. This underscores His solidarity with humanity. The difference is He is the sanctifier of this humanity, raising it up, while believers are the sanctified who need to be raised up.
- From one divine plan/will: God's single, unifying plan of salvation orchestrates both Christ's role as Savior and the bringing of believers into His family.The primary understanding is rooted in God's unified purpose to create a redeemed humanity, bringing many sons to glory through Christ.
- for which reason (Greek: δι’ ἣν αἰτίαν, di’ hēn aitian): This phrase signals a direct logical consequence. Because of this profound unity and shared source, a specific outcome follows.
- He is not ashamed (Greek: οὐκ ἐπαισχύνεται, ouk epaischunetai): This highlights Christ's astounding humility and love. "Not ashamed" suggests that there is no perceived incongruity, no reason for Him, the Son of God, to shrink from this identification. It speaks volumes about His condescension and perfect empathy. To be "ashamed" would imply disavowal or a sense of inferiority or inappropriateness in associating with His followers, none of which apply to Christ.
- to call them brothers (Greek: ἀδελφούς καλεῖν αὐτούς, adelphous kalein autous): This declaration underscores an intimate, familial relationship. By calling believers "brothers," Jesus affirms a profound kinship and shared spiritual destiny. It signifies not merely a bond but a family identity, elevating the status of redeemed humanity to joint heirship with Him.
Words-group Analysis:
- "He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified": This pairing directly illustrates the work of Christ and its effect on believers. It shows the agent and the recipients of holiness, unified by the common goal of purification unto God. The active role of Jesus is juxtaposed with the ongoing experience of believers, both bound together by this process of divine transformation.
- "are all of one": This core phrase establishes the foundation for the brotherhood. It's the unifying principle – whether a common Father, shared humanity, or God's singular redemptive purpose – that allows for the profound relationship to exist. It’s the "how" behind Jesus’s willingness to embrace humanity.
- "for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brothers": This sequence encapsulates the profound outcome of the shared source. It powerfully demonstrates Christ's willingness to humble Himself, setting aside His inherent divine superiority to identify intimately with redeemed humanity, validating their elevated status as members of His spiritual family. This phrase sets a high standard for fellowship and unconditional acceptance.
Hebrews 2 11 Bonus section
- The idea of "not ashamed" has deep theological roots. In contrast to fallen humanity which often feels shame regarding its past or perceived unworthiness, Christ, in His purity and majesty, harbors no such feeling towards His redeemed people. This accentuates His divine perfection and limitless grace.
- The title "He who sanctifies" (ὁ ἁγιάζων) for Jesus elevates His role far beyond that of a mere human teacher or prophet, emphasizing His divine prerogative to consecrate and set apart. This echoes the Old Testament's presentation of Yahweh as the one who sanctifies His people (Leviticus, Ezekiel).
- The familial bond of "brothers" with Christ implies not only shared relationship but also shared destiny and purpose, reinforcing the concept of believers as "joint heirs with Christ" (Rom 8:17). This is a strong affirmation of future glory.
- This verse counters any gnostic or dualistic tendencies (prevalent in the era) that might suggest a division between a divine Christ and a material, 'unclean' humanity, affirming that Christ truly entered into the human condition without losing His divinity or becoming defiled by association. Instead, He elevated and sanctified humanity.
Hebrews 2 11 Commentary
Hebrews 2:11 is a pivotal verse, elucidating the unique solidarity between the Son of God and humanity. The "one source" points to God's unifying design for redemption, a divine purpose encompassing both the Incarnation of Christ and the salvation of believers. Christ, as the Sanctifier, actively purifies and consecrates believers, setting them apart for God's holy use. The believers, in turn, are continually being sanctified by Him. This intimate, transformative work forms the basis for their familial connection. The profound revelation that Jesus "is not ashamed" to call believers "brothers" transcends mere affection; it’s a theological statement about Christ's perfect empathy, boundless love, and genuine identification with humanity He came to save. It reveals the divine humility of the Son, who, despite His infinite glory, embraces a profound spiritual kinship with fallen yet redeemed mankind. This unashamed declaration affirms the believers' identity, their secure position within God's family, and their shared inheritance with Christ. It further lays the groundwork for understanding His complete human experience and sacrificial priestly role as described later in the chapter.