[1] Therefore we must pay the closer attention to what we have heard, lest
we drift away from it. [2] For if the message declared by angels was valid
and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, [3]
how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared
at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him, [4]
while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and
by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his own will. [5] For
it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are
speaking. [6] It has been testified somewhere, "What is man that thou art
mindful of him, or the son of man, that thou carest for him? [7] Thou didst
make him for a little while lower than the angels, thou hast crowned him
with glory and honor, [8] putting everything in subjection under his feet."
Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his
control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. [9]
But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels,
crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by
the grace of God he might taste death for every one. [10] For it was
fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many
sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through
suffering. [11] For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all
one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brethren, [12]
saying, "I will proclaim thy name to my brethren, in the midst of the
congregation I will praise thee." [13] And again, "I will put my trust in
him." And again, "Here am I, and the children God has given me." [14] Since
therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise
partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has
the power of death, that is, the devil, [15] and deliver all those who
through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. [16] For surely it
is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of
Abraham. [17] Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every
respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the
service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. [18] For
because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those
who are tempted.
