What does Hebrews 2:11 mean?

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

Explanation

Hebrews 2:11 focuses on the deep spiritual relationship between Jesus Christ, the sanctifier, and believers, the sanctified. It presents a theme central to Christian theology: unity and family in God’s redemptive plan. The verse addresses the intimate and divine relationship in which Jesus is not just a distant deity but a brother to those He sanctifies. The sanctifier (Christ) and the sanctified (believers) share a common origin or source, which is God the Father. It emphasizes the sharing of human nature between Christ and believers, where Christ partakes in humanity to bring humans into God’s family.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Epistle to the Hebrews, a New Testament book written for Jewish Christians. Its exact authorship is unknown; however, it has traditionally been attributed to Paul or one of his contemporaries. The historical context of Hebrews suggests it was written before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D., during a time of persecution and uncertainty for early Christians. This epistle was meant to encourage these early followers of Christ, affirming the superiority of Christ over the old covenant and explaining His role as high priest and sanctifier.

Theological Insights

The verse offers several theological insights from different perspectives:

• Incarnational Christology: It underlines the humanity of Jesus, who shares in our nature to sanctify us, making the incarnation central to the redemption narrative.
• Holiness and Salvation: It portrays salvation as a process of sanctification, implying an ongoing transformation that Jesus mediates between God and humanity.
• Adoption into God’s Family: The verse reflects the Christian doctrine that believers are adopted into God’s family, with Jesus being the firstborn brother.

Practical Applications

This verse can inform one’s spiritual identity and relationships with others:

• Identity in Christ: It assures Christians of their worth and position in God’s family, promoting spiritual confidence.
• Brotherhood: It calls for believers to view their relationship with one another as that of siblings, having a shared spiritual heritage and fosters unity and love within the Christian community.
• Humility of Christ: It serves as a model for humility, as Jesus is not ashamed to associate with humanity despite our imperfections.

Cross-References

• Romans 8:29 – For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
• John 17:21 – That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
• Ephesians 1:5 – Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Language Study

In the original Greek text, “sanctifieth” (ὁ ἁγιάζων) and “sanctified” (οἱ ἁγιαζόμενοι) share the same root, ἁγιάζω (hagiazō), implying to make holy, consecrate, or set apart. The phrase “are all of one” refers to the common origin or source, indicating profound unity. The word “brethren” (ἀδελφοί) emphasizes fraternal or familial relationships.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient religions and myths, gods often remain distinct from humanity. In Greek mythology, for example, the gods interact with humans but remain apart in nature and stature. The concept of a god becoming human and calling humans “brethren” is relatively unique to Christianity, which posits a God deeply invested in the human experience.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse operates in the realm of metaphysics, concerned more with the divine-human relationship than empirical scientific study. However, in relating Jesus’ shared humanity, the verse upholds the idea that spirituality and physical existence are intimately connected, compatible with holistic approaches to the human person in psychology and social sciences.

Commentaries

Commentators have long reflected on the import of this verse:

• Matthew Henry: Henry views this verse as highlighting the closeness of Christ to His people, emphasizing that Jesus took on flesh to align with humanity and elevate them to spiritual kinship.
• John Calvin: Calvin interprets this verse as an indication of the singular grace of Christ, who dignifies those whom He sanctifies by considering them brethren.
• F.F. Bruce: Bruce suggests that the shared nature of the sanctifier and the sanctified underlines the solidarity Jesus has with us, making His atonement a personal and effective act of redemption.