Hebrews 2:2 For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; The verb from whence the first word in Greek is derived, properly signifieth "to pass over a thing": metaphorically having reference to a law, or any other rule, it signifieth to swerve from that rule, or to violate and break that law (Matthew 15:8). In this metaphorical sense this word is often used in relation to the law of God, and put for any breach thereof (Romans 4:15; Galatians 3:19). It is put for the first sin of Adam (Romans 5:14), and for Eve's special sin (1 Timothy 2:14). The other word according to the notation of it in Greek, intimateth a turning of the ear from that which is spoken; and that with a kind of obstinacy and contumacy, as where Christ saith of an obstinate brother if he neglect to hear (Matthew 18:7), or obstinately refuse to bear. I find the word here translated disobedience, twice opposed to a willing and ready obedience, namely, of true saints (2 Corinthians 10:6), and of Christ (Romans 5:19). This opposition importeth a wilful disobedience, or a contumacy as some here translate the word. Others under the former word "transgression," comprise sins of commission, and under the latter word "disobedience," sins of omission. For the verb from whence the latter word is derived signifieth to neglect or refuse to hear (Matthew 18:17). There is, beyond question, a difference betwixt these two words, either in the degrees or in the kinds of disobedience, in which respect the universal, or (as it is here used), distributive particle "every" is premised, to show that no transgression, great or mean, in one or other kind passed unpunished. Let not any think, by mincing his sin, to escape punishment. A prophet having reckoned up a catalogue of sins, some greater, some lighter, maketh this inference — "If a man do the like to any one of these things... he shall surely die" (Ezekiel 18:10, 13). Every particular branch of God's law is as a distinct link of a chain; if any one link fail, the whole chain is broken. The will of the Law-maker is disobeyed in every transgression (James 2:10, 11). Herein lieth a main difference betwixt a faithful servant of God and a formal professor: the former makes conscience of every sin, the latter of such only as are less agreeable to his own corrupt humour, or such as he conceiveth most damageable to himself. (W. Gouge.) Parallel Verses KJV: For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; |
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