What does Hebrews 5:9 mean?

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Hebrews 5:9

Explanation

Hebrews 5:9 focuses on the perfected nature of Jesus Christ and his role as the provider of eternal salvation. This verse asserts that through his suffering and obedience to God’s will, Jesus reached a state of perfection, which in the Christian faith is believed to be without sin and complete in moral integrity. As a result of this perfection, he is described as the “author” of eternal salvation, indicating that he is the originator or the source of this divine gift. Salvation here is eternal, suggesting that it is not just a temporal deliverance but an everlasting one. The verse places a condition on this offer of salvation, specifying that it is for “all them that obey him,” pointing to the necessity of obedience to Christ’s teachings as a requirement for salvation.

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written for Jewish Christians, possibly in Rome, around 64-70 A.D., a time when they were facing persecution and might have been considering a return to Judaism. The audience was familiar with the concepts of priesthood and sacrifice from their Jewish heritage. The author of Hebrews seeks to demonstrate that Jesus is the superior high priest, comparing him to the Jewish priest Melchizedek, who is considered a type of Christ in his priestly role that extends beyond the Levitical priesthood.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, several insights can be gleaned from Hebrews 5:9:

• Christocentric Soteriology: The verse underlines the Christian belief that salvation is found solely through Jesus Christ.

• The Perfection of Christ: The idea that Jesus was made perfect implies a process of human experience culminating in his sacrificial death, which has significant atonement implications in Christian theology.

• Conditional Security: The phrase “unto all them that obey him” is a basis for the theological discussion on the concept of “faith vs. works” and whether obedience is a condition for salvation or a fruit of it.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse encourages believers to strive for obedience to Christ’s teachings as a response to the salvation offered. It also serves as motivation for moral perfection, as Christians are called to follow in the footsteps of Christ’s perfected example. Furthermore, it brings comfort to those facing trials, suggesting that suffering can be transformative and lead to spiritual maturity.

Cross-References

• John 14:6: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
• Romans 5:8-9: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
• Philippians 2:8-9: “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Language Study

• “Made perfect” (Greek: τελειόω, teleioo): This conveys the idea of being brought to completeness or fulfillment, often associated with reaching an intended goal.
• “Author” (Greek: αἴτιος, aitios): This term can mean the cause or source, suggesting that Jesus is the source of eternal salvation.
• “Eternal salvation” (Greek: σωτηρίαν αἰώνιον, soterian aionion): Refers to deliverance or preservation that is perpetual and unending, transcending temporal life.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a central figure serving as a source of salvation has parallels in various religious traditions. In ancient myths, there are often heroes or demi-gods who deliver people from perils. However, the uniqueness of Jesus in Christian theology is his combination of divine nature, his willing obedience unto death, and his role as a high priest securing eternal salvation for his followers—a distinctive portrayal compared to other contemporary religious figures.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly connect with scientific discoveries or theories but speaks to the spiritual and metaphysical concept of salvation. The scientific community typically does not weigh in on these matters as they fall outside the scope of empirical observation and measurable phenomena.

commentaries

Commentators on this verse offer various insights:

• William Barclay: Barclay emphasizes the completed work of Jesus and his fulfillment of God’s plan, highlighting obedience as a key response to Christ’s work.

• Matthew Henry: Henry’s commentary underscores the necessity of obedience in the Christian faith, viewing Jesus as the cause and source of eternal salvation only for those who obey.

• John Calvin: Calvin reflects on the perfected priesthood of Jesus surpassing the Levitical priesthood, and presents the idea that obedience involves the entire submission of one’s life to Christ’s will.

These diverse commentaries converge on the centrality of Christ in salvation and the importance of obedience as a response to his sacrificial act.