What does Hebrews 2:10 mean?

For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 2:10

Explanation

Hebrews 2:10 speaks of God’s purpose in perfecting Jesus, the “captain of their salvation,” through sufferings. This verse asserts that God, described as the one “for whom are all things, and by whom are all things,” fittingly chose to bring many people (“sons”) into glory. The term “captain” refers to a leader or pioneer and implies that Jesus is leading many followers to shared glory through His own experiences, including His sufferings. The idea here is that the process of perfection in a messianic role involved enduring suffering, which, in turn, makes Jesus the perfect leader for humanity’s salvation.

Historical Context

Hebrews is a New Testament book that was written primarily to a Jewish audience, likely before the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in A.D. 70. The author is unknown, though some early Christians thought it was Paul. The central theme is the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant over the old Mosaic Covenant. The audience may have been experiencing persecution or hardship, tempting them to revert to Judaism. The verse addresses Jewish concepts of priesthood, sacrifice, and atonement, reinterpreted in light of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

Within Christian theology, Hebrews 2:10 is rich with meaning. One perspective sees the sufferings of Jesus as necessary for His role as High Priest, in sympathizing with human weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). Another view is the concept of “theosis” or divinization, where believers are made partakers in the divine nature through Christ (2 Peter 1:4), which is implied in the phrase “bringing many sons unto glory”. The idea of Jesus as a “captain” or “pioneer” (Greek: “archegos”) reflects the notion that He has initiated the path of salvation that others can follow.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to consider their own sufferings in light of Jesus’s sufferings. It implies that hardships can be part of spiritual growth and perfecting one’s faith. It also exhorts believers to follow Christ’s example of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of adversity. The verse serves as a reminder that God’s purpose in allowing suffering is ultimately to bring His children into a state of eternal glory.

Cross-References

• Romans 8:17: “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
• 1 Peter 4:12-13: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Hebrews 2:10 include:

• “επρεπεν” (eprepen) – “it became,” suggesting appropriateness or fittingness.
• “αρχηγον” (archegon) – “captain” or “pioneer,” one who leads others to a particular destination or outcome, often translated as “author” or “leader” in other contexts.
• “τελειωσαι” (teleiosai) – “to make perfect,” signifying the process of completion or fulfillment of purpose.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a divine or semi-divine figure undergoing suffering before achieving a form of glory or enlightenment is not unique to Christianity. For instance, in some interpretations of the Buddha’s life, his journey through suffering is seen as essential to his enlightenment. In the mythology of various cultures, heroes often endure trials and emerge transformed.

Scientific Perspectives

In discussions around cognitive and developmental psychology, experiences, including adverse ones, contribute to personal growth and character development. This can be loosely related to the theological concept of perfecting through sufferings. However, while science can address the human response to suffering, it does not comment on the spiritual or salvific aspects described in Hebrews 2:10.

Commentaries

Commentators offer diverse insights on Hebrews 2:10. Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes that Christ’s sufferings were suitable for His role as the redeemer. The Pulpit Commentary discusses the fitness of Christ’s sufferings in the divine plan of salvation. John Calvin sees the suffering of Christ as a means by which He sanctified Himself for the benefit of the church, thus becoming the perfect leader of salvation. These interpretations underscore the central message of the verse, highlighting the necessity and purpose of Jesus’s sufferings in the context of salvation.