Exercitation on Hebrews, Biblical exegesis · Chapter 2 · Exposition of verse 4 – Exposition of verse 5
Verse II, III, IV.
IN these three Verses the Apostle follows on his Exhortation laid down in that foregoing, and giveth many peculiar enforcements unto a due compliance with it, as we shall see in our Exposition of them.
Verse 3.
foreign;
foreign.foreign, si enim, etenim; and if, for if, foreign, Sermo dictus, foreign, Syr. Sermo qui dictus est, or pronuntiatius; the word which was spoken or pronounced; properly as we shall see, foreign. Syr. foreign, by the hand of Angels; an Hebraism, for their Ministry. The word pronounced by the Ministry of Angels. The Arabick refers these words to the Testimonies before insisted on about Angels, and renders them, if that which is spoken concerning the Angels, be approved, or confirmed to be true;foreign. that is, foreign, not foreign; factus est firmus; Ar. V.L. was made firm or stable; became sure. Fuit firmus; Eras. Beza, was firm; or as ours, stedfast; foreign, Syr. Confirmatus fuit, was confirmed or established: foreign,foreign. Et omnis praevaricatio, & inobedientia; V.L. Ar praevarication and disobedience; Rhem. Omnisque transgressio & contumacia; Beza, every transgression and stubborn disobedience; the Syriack, a little otherwise; foreign; and every one that heard it and transgressed it; with peculiar respect as it should seem to foreign; which includes a disobedience to that which is heard. foreign, accepit justam mercedis retributionem; V.L. Bez. retulit. praemii; Eras. all to the same purpose; received a just recompence, reward; a just compensation; Syr. received a retribution in Righteousness.
Verse 3.
For if the word spoken (pronounced) by Angels, was sure, (stedfast) and every transgression, and (stubborn) disobedience received a just (meet, equall) retribution, (or) recompence of reward.
Verse 4.
foreign.
foreign.foreign, si neglexerimus; V.L. Eras. Beza; if we neglect: foreign, Syr. si contemnamus, if we dispise; if we care not about; if we take no care of, foreign;foreign. tantam salutem; so great salvation; the Syriack, a little otherwise; foreign; super ea ipsa quae sunt vitae; those things which are our life; or as others render the words; eos sermones qui vivi sunt; those words which are living. The former Translation taking the Pronoun in the Neuter Gender, and foreign, substantively with respect unto the Effects of the Gospel most suits the place: foreign;foreign. quae cum primum enarrari caepit, Eras. Bez. Which when it was begun to be declared; and so the Syriack; which began to be declared; which was first, at first spoken, declared, pronounced.
Verse 4.
How shall we escape (fly or avoid) if we neglect (not taking care about) so great salvation which began to be (was first of all) spoken (declared) by the Lord; and was confirmed (assured, established) unto us, by them that heard, (it of him.)