Devine Scripture

Hebrews 2:5

What does Hebrews 2:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 2:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 2:5 means

The “world to come, whereof we speak,” the future order of God’s reign, is not subjected to angels. Whatever role angels played in mediating the old covenant, they are not rulers of the coming kingdom. Dominion belongs elsewhere—ultimately to the Son and, in him, to redeemed humanity. This verse signals a shift from warning to exposition: the writer will now show from Scripture that God’s plan for rule over creation does not rest with angelic beings. By denying angelic headship over the future world, he clears ground to affirm Christ’s headship and to explain how Jesus, by sharing our humanity, secures that destiny for his people.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For not unto angels did he subject the world to come, whereof we speak.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For not unto angels did he subject the world to come, whereof we speak.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For he did not make the angels rulers over the world to come, of which I am writing.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

For not to messengers did He subject the coming world, concerning which we speak,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For God hath not subjected unto angels the world to come, whereof we speak.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For he has not subjected to angels the habitable world which is to come, of which we speak;

Context

Having warned against neglecting the gospel, the author revisits the angel theme from chapter 1 but moves from revelation to rule. Verse 5 introduces the topic of the “world to come,” a key horizon for hope. The argument will unfold by citing Psalm 8 (vv.6–8), which speaks of human dominion, and then showing that, though not yet seen in humanity at large, it is realized in Jesus (v.9). Thus, the text sets the stage for a christological reading of Israel’s Scriptures, highlighting the Son’s authority over the future order, not the angels’.

v.4God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders, and by manifold powers, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will.

v.5This passage

v.6But one hath somewhere testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Peter 3:13

    But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

  • Revelation 11:15

    And the seventh angel sounded; and there followed great voices in heaven, and they said, The kingdom of the world is becomethe kingdomof our Lord, and of his Christ: and he shall reign for ever and ever.

  • Hebrews 6:5

    and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come,

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