Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

HEBREWS 2:12KJV
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Hebrews 2:12 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 2:12 mean?

Hebrews 2:12 describes someone declaring God’s name to their brothers and singing praise to God among the gathered community. The verse shows a close relationship between the speaker, God, and the people, highlighting an open, shared worship.

In context, Hebrews is quoting from Psalm 22, and the speaker is understood to be Jesus, addressing God and speaking about his “brothers”—those who believe. The verse is used to show Jesus identifying with humanity, not being distant or ashamed to call people his family, and joining them in worship.

The Greek behind Hebrews 2:12

  • ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia, “church”): This word originally meant an assembly or gathering, not a building. Here, it refers to the community of believers, emphasizing togetherness in worship.
  • ἀδελφοί (adelphoi, “brethren”): This word means brothers or siblings. In this context, it highlights a family-like bond between Jesus and those who follow him.
  • ὄνομα (onoma, “name”): In the Bible, “name” often stands for character or reputation. Declaring God’s name means revealing who God is, not just saying a title.

Why Hebrews 2:12 matters

  • Hebrews 2:12 clears up the idea that Jesus is distant from humanity; instead, he is shown as present among people, sharing in their worship and calling them family.
  • The verse emphasizes that worship is a shared, communal act, not just an individual one, and that Jesus himself participates in it.
  • By quoting Psalm 22, Hebrews connects Jesus’ experience and mission to the story and hopes of Israel, showing continuity between the Old Testament and the message about Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“praise” Greek G5214 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 26:30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
  • Mark 14:26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
  • Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

“declare” Greek G518 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 8:20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
  • Acts 11:13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

“midst” Greek G3319 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
  • Luke 10:3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
  • Acts 17:33 So Paul departed from among them.

“church” Greek G1577 · used in 115 verses

  • Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
  • Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.