Hebrews 2:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.

NIV: In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.

NASB: For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the originator of their salvation through sufferings.

CSB: For in bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was entirely appropriate that God--for whom and through whom all things exist--should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

NLT: God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

According to prior verses, Jesus was sent in human form specifically in order to suffer death on behalf of mankind. Verses 10 and 11 explain how this makes Jesus "perfect" as a sacrificial substitute for humanity. Humanity is tempted, and so was Christ (Hebrews 4:15). Humanity faces death, and so did Christ (Hebrews 2:9). This means that, as Christ was raised from the dead, so will those who believe in Him be raised (Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 4:14; Hebrews 2:17; 10:12). The full explanation of this thought runs all the way through verse 18.

This passage also continues to remind the readers that Jesus Christ is the eternal Creator. Earlier verses specified that Jesus was co-creator with God the Father (Hebrews 1:2). Here, that same Creator is the one sending Jesus in order to restore our relationship to God.

The phrase "founder of their salvation" comes from the Greek archēgon tēs sōtērias autōn. The word archēgon carries the idea of being a leader, a pioneer, or an example. Some translations use the English term captain. This idea of Christ being our trailblazer, and our model, is seen throughout the New Testament (1 Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 5:1; Colossians 1:18). This same term will be used of Christ in Hebrews 12:2, in a similar context. This word is also seen in the original Greek of Acts 3:15 and Acts 5:31; interestingly, all four of these references are spoken directly to the Jewish people.

Hebrews 2:5–18 explains why the Messiah, Jesus Christ, came in the form of a man, rather than being an angel. In order to serve as a true example, He had to experience our human suffering and temptation. By doing so, Jesus was able to become the ''Captain,'' or the ''Founder,'' of our salvation. His resurrection breaks the slavery we experience over our fear of death. By using more quotations from the Old Testament, the writer of Hebrews shows that this is exactly what God planned for all along.

Chapter 2 begins with a strong warning about the dangers of apostasy. Chapter 1 opened by explaining that Jesus Christ is the message of God. This chapter points out that those who have faith in Christ, but drift from that truth, will face dire consequences. The rest of the passage continues a series of proofs begun in Chapter 1. These are quotes from the Old Testament, used to prove that the Messiah is not an angel, but is superior to any created being. He is, in fact, identical to God. And yet, He became fully human in order to serve as our perfect high priest.

The first two chapters of Hebrews are meant to prove that Jesus Christ is superior to angels. Rather than seeing Jesus as a created being, or some form of exalted angel, He should be viewed as what He is: identical with God. These two chapters use extensive Old Testament quotes to prove this point. The first few verses of chapter 2 feature the first of several warnings within the book about the dangers of apostasy. Later chapters will demonstrate that Christ is also superior to other prophets, spiritual leaders, and priests.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.