Hebrews 2 12

Hebrews 2:12 kjv

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

Hebrews 2:12 nkjv

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

Hebrews 2:12 niv

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

Hebrews 2:12 esv

saying, "I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise."

Hebrews 2:12 nlt

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

Hebrews 2 verses

Hebrews 2 12 Meaning

Hebrews 2:12 presents Jesus Christ speaking directly, quoting Psalm 22:22. This verse fundamentally illustrates Christ's profound identification with humanity, declaring Himself one with those He came to save, calling them "my brethren." It highlights His dual role as both the revealer of God's character ("thy name") to His people and the leader of their collective worship ("in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee"). The verse affirms Jesus' active participation within the community of believers, leading them in communal praise and drawing them into a deeper knowledge and worship of God.

Hebrews 2 12 Context

Hebrews chapter 2 focuses on establishing the supremacy of Christ over angels, emphasizing His essential humanity. The author transitions from Christ's divine glory (Heb 1) to His condescension to humanity (Heb 2), which was necessary for Him to achieve salvation as a "merciful and faithful High Priest." Verses 10-18 explain why Jesus had to become human, suffering, and dying. This section argues that Christ's incarnation and identification with humanity were indispensable steps in His saving work. Verse 12 is a crucial part of this argument, demonstrating Jesus' profound solidarity with "His brethren" (humanity) by quoting Psalm 22:22. By leading them in worship and revealing God's character to them, Christ validates His shared humanity and role as a high priest who can truly sympathize with His people's weaknesses and lead them in glorifying God. The historical context for the original Jewish-Christian audience of Hebrews was one facing persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism, so reinforcing Christ's human solidarity and high-priestly sufficiency was vital.

Hebrews 2 12 Word analysis

• Saying: Introduces a direct quotation from Psalm 22:22, asserting these as the very words of Christ. It demonstrates the continuity between Old Testament prophecy and its fulfillment in Jesus.
• I will declare: From the Greek ἀπαγγελῶ (apangelō), meaning to announce, report, proclaim publicly and formally. This is not merely casual talk but a solemn, authoritative proclamation.
• thy name: In biblical usage (Greek: τὸ ὄνομά σου, to onoma sou), "name" encapsulates the entire character, nature, attributes, authority, and reputation of God. To declare God's name means to reveal His true being and personality. This is central to Christian knowledge.
• unto my brethren: From the Greek τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς μου (tois adelphois mou). This phrase is paramount. It emphasizes Jesus' solidarity and shared humanity with those He sanctifies and saves. It underscores that He is not merely an abstract figure but a genuine kin, fully identified with human suffering and existence, thereby able to be a sympathetic High Priest (Heb 2:11, 17-18).
• in the midst: From the Greek ἐν μέσῳ (en mesō), meaning publicly, openly, centrally. This signifies Christ's leadership and active participation within the community of believers, not as an isolated figure, but as the one who unites and leads.
• of the church: From the Greek ἐκκλησίας (ekklēsias), which refers to the assembly or congregation. In the Septuagint, it translates the Hebrew word qahal, referring to the assembly of Israel. Here, it signifies the new covenant community of God's people.
• will I sing praise: From the Greek ὑμνήσω (hymnēsō), meaning to sing hymns or praise through song. This implies Christ's personal involvement and leadership in worship, portraying Him as the choragos, the leader of the chorus or worship. It emphasizes the communal nature of worship and Christ's role within it.
• unto thee: Directly addresses God, the Father. This reinforces that all praise and revelation ultimately points back to the Father, facilitated by the Son.

Words-group analysis:

• "I will declare thy name unto my brethren": This phrase underlines Jesus' prophetic role as the supreme revealer of God. His life, ministry, and teaching unveiled the Father's true character to humanity. It highlights His mission to bring divine knowledge and understanding to a world estranged from God.
• "in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee": This passage emphasizes Christ's priestly role as the leader of corporate worship. He is not merely outside looking in, but fully embedded within His gathered people, guiding them in collective adoration and glorification of God. It signifies His presence and active leadership in the assembly of believers.

Hebrews 2 12 Bonus section

The quoted Psalm 22 is profoundly Messianic. While initially a cry of David in distress, it is rich with prophetic imagery describing the sufferings of Christ and His eventual triumph. The shift from a solitary cry (Ps 22:1) to a promise of public praise (Ps 22:22, 25) reflects Christ's journey from solitary suffering on the cross to leading the praise of His redeemed community. This verse counters any notion that Jesus merely served as a sacrifice; He actively inaugurated a new worship reality. His declaration of God's "name" involves not only teaching about God but also demonstrating God's character through His perfect life, death, and resurrection. For the Jewish believers, this also affirmed Jesus' connection to the "congregation of Israel," demonstrating that He did not come to abolish the assembly but to transform it into the church (ekklesia) and lead it into fuller communion with God. This verse therefore underlines the truth that Christ not only cleanses us to come before God but also actively leads us in worshipping Him.

Hebrews 2 12 Commentary

Hebrews 2:12 provides a profound insight into the incarnate Christ's mission and identity. By quoting Psalm 22:22, the author establishes that Jesus' earthly experience was prefigured in prophecy, validating His dual roles: the supreme revealer and the ultimate worshiper-leader. The statement "I will declare thy name unto my brethren" demonstrates Jesus' solidarity with humanity, affirming He truly became one with us to communicate the very essence of God to His "family." This direct address ("my brethren") showcases His intimate identification, proving His ability to sympathize fully with our condition. Furthermore, "in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee" paints a powerful picture of Christ's active role within the assembly of believers. He isn't a distant figure but is centrally involved in communal worship, leading His sanctified people in glorifying God. This implies that all genuine Christian worship is, in a sense, Christ leading His body to the Father. This reality combats any tendency to view Christ as separate or unfeeling towards His people, underscoring His complete integration and leadership in the new covenant community's relationship with God. It affirms that through Christ, worship becomes perfect and acceptable to the Father.