And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author intentionally splits a single prophetic passage into two distinct quotes to emphasize two crucial aspects of Christ's humanity: first, His personal reliance on God as a human being, mirroring our own dependence; and second, His profound identification with us, calling us the "children God has given me." This phrasing highlights not just His human nature but also His deep, familial connection to believers.
And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author of Hebrews is building a case for Jesus' superiority over angels by showing he's also fully human. To do this, he quotes from Isaiah, first highlighting Jesus' trust in God, mirroring the prophet's reliance on God during a national crisis. Then, he shifts to Isaiah's declaration about himself and his children, applying it to Jesus and the people God has given him.
Why would the Son of God need to 'put his trust' in the Father? It’s a powerful clue about His humanity and our shared journey.
The writer of Hebrews quotes Isaiah (and possibly David's psalm) to highlight Jesus' deep reliance on God. This isn't just a statement of faith; it's a declaration of His humanity.
A Human Need
By trusting in God, Jesus demonstrated that He experienced the same need for divine support that we do. He didn't operate on divine autopilot; He walked in dependence on the Father, just as we are called to.
Shared Confidence
This shared trust creates a profound connection. When Jesus puts His trust in God, He’s not just speaking for Himself. He’s modeling the very trust He desires for His followers, showing that He understands the human struggle to rely on God amidst trials.
Who are these 'children' Jesus speaks of? This phrase paints a beautiful picture of divine belonging and Jesus' unique role within it.
The second part of the verse, 'Behold, I and the children God has given me,' is incredibly rich. It’s Jesus, the divine Son, identifying Himself with a special group.
God's Gift to Jesus
These are not just any children; they are specifically given to Jesus by the Father. This signifies a unique relationship and a divine appointment. They belong to Him in a profound, eternal way.
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A Symbol of Unity
Just as Isaiah and his sons were signs in his day, Jesus and His 'children' are presented as a divine sign. This points to the unity between Jesus and those He redeems—they are part of His spiritual household, brought into relationship with Him through God's initiative.
Not Just Biological
While Isaiah's children were literal, the New Testament application emphasizes spiritual parentage. These are those whom God has given to Jesus for salvation and sanctification, becoming His spiritual family.
Understand the original words
pepoithēsis · Greek Noun
The act of relying on or having firm confidence in God's faithfulness and promises; it is the fundamental response of faith toward God.
The author of Hebrews draws on Isaiah's prophetic ministry during a time of national crisis. Isaiah and his children served as 'signs' of God's judgment and future salvation, a role the author sees fulfilled and surpassed in Jesus Christ, who identifies Himself with His 'children'—believers—as their great High Priest and brother.
Late 8th Century BC
Syro-Ephraimite War
The Northern Kingdom of Israel (also called Ephraim) and Syria formed an alliance to attack Judah. King Ahaz of Judah faced immense pressure to join them or resist. The prophet Isaiah delivered messages from God to Ahaz during this crisis.
c. 733 BC
Isaiah's Son Named Maher-shalal-hash-baz
Isaiah was instructed by God to name his second son 'Maher-shalal-hash-baz', meaning 'hasten the spoil, the prey is near.' This name served as a sign of impending judgment from Assyria upon Syria and Israel.
c. 733 BC— this verse
Isaiah and His Children as Signs
Isaiah, along with his sons (including Shear-jashub, 'a remnant shall return'), were appointed by God as living signs to the people of Judah. Their symbolic names and presence conveyed God's messages of judgment and future hope.
c. 732 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Israel and Syria
The Neo-Assyrian Empire, under Tiglath-Pileser III, invaded Syria and northern Israel, conquering key cities and deporting populations. This fulfilled Isaiah's prophecies and demonstrated Judah's precarious position.
Mid-1st Century AD
Early Church Interpretation
Jewish and early Christian interpreters, familiar with the prophetic writings, began to see deeper Messianic significance in passages like Isaiah 8, applying them to Jesus Christ and His relationship with His followers.
c. AD 60-65
Authorship of Hebrews
The Epistle to the Hebrews was written during a time when the early church faced persecution and needed encouragement to persevere in their faith, emphasizing Christ's superiority and humanity.
This is the primary source of the quote, directly linking the prophet's trust in God and his relationship with his children to Jesus' own trust and his relationship with believers.
Jesus prays to the Father, referring to believers as 'the men you gave me out of the world,' echoing the sentiment of children given to a leader.
This psalm expresses deep trust in God, showing a parallel to Jesus' own expressed reliance on the Father, even in suffering.
Matthew 27:43The enemies of Jesus taunted him, saying 'He trusts in God,' ironically highlighting the very trust that Hebrews 2:13 emphasizes as proof of Jesus' humanity and brotherhood.
Romans 8:15-17This passage speaks of believers receiving the Spirit of adoption, crying 'Abba! Father!', mirroring the relationship of children to a father, just as Jesus shares this relationship with God.
pooleHebrews 2:13: "And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me."
And again, I will put my trust in him: this is a further proof that Christ’s sanctified ones are his brethren, his exercising himself in a necessary work proper to that brotherhood only. They are all of the household of faith, Galatians 6:10 ; their business is to believe in God. All who do so, are brethren; Christ doth so, and so is a Brother to them; he and they rely on one and…
vincentHebrews 2:13: "And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me."
I will put my trust, etc.Isaiah 8:17, Isaiah 8:18. The passage occurs in an invective against the people's folly in trusting to any help but God's during the Syro-Israelitish war under Ahaz. The prophet is commanded to denounce those who trusted to soothsayers and not to God, and to bind and seal God's testimony to the righteous party who maintained their confidence in him - a pa…
The author intentionally splits a single prophetic passage into two distinct quotes to emphasize two crucial aspects of Christ's humanity: first, His personal reliance on God as a human being, mirroring our own dependence; and second, His profound identification with us, calling us the "children God has given me." This phrasing highlights not just His human nature but also His deep, familial connection to believers.
The author of Hebrews is building a case for Jesus' superiority over angels by showing he's also fully human. To do this, he quotes from Isaiah, first highlighting Jesus' trust in God, mirroring the prophet's reliance on God during a national crisis. Then, he shifts to Isaiah's declaration about himself and his children, applying it to Jesus and the people God has given him.
The author of Hebrews is building a case for Jesus' superiority over angels by showing he's also fully human. To do this, he quotes from Isaiah, first highlighting Jesus' trust in God, mirroring the prophet's reliance on God during a national crisis. Then, he shifts to Isaiah's declaration about himself and his children, applying it to Jesus and the people God has given him.
"And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”
And again,
“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”" — The author intentionally splits a single prophetic passage into two distinct quotes to emphasize two crucial aspects of Christ's humanity: first, His personal reliance on God as a human being, mirror…
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Last reviewed October 2026