What does Hebrews 2:9-15 mean?
"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 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. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:9-15
Hebrews 2:9-15 from the King James Version (KJV) reads:
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
10 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.
11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
The book of Hebrews is one of the most theologically rich and complex books of the Bible, and these verses are no exception. The passage begins by highlighting the exaltation of Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for the purpose of suffering death. This act of becoming human and experiencing death was necessary so that Jesus could serve as a mediator between God and humanity. The verse emphasizes that Jesus tasted death for every person, indicating his sacrificial atonement for the sins of all.
The passage then goes on to explain the purpose of Jesus' suffering and death. It was fitting for God to make Jesus, the captain of our salvation, perfect through suffering. This perfection refers to Jesus' complete and thorough identification with human experience, which enabled him to effectively serve as the mediator between God and humanity. Through his suffering, Jesus is able to bring many sons (and daughters) to glory, offering them the opportunity for salvation and eternal life with God.
The verses also emphasize the solidarity between Jesus and those whom he saves. Jesus identifies with humanity to such an extent that he is not ashamed to call believers his brothers and sisters. This relationship is further reinforced through the quotation of Old Testament scriptures, illustrating Jesus' role as the one who declares God's name to his brothers and sings praise in the midst of the congregation.
The passage also addresses the humanity of Jesus, stating that he took on flesh and blood just like the children he came to save. This act of taking on human form was essential for Jesus to overcome the power of death and the devil. By experiencing death himself, Jesus was able to destroy the one who held the power of death and deliver those who were subject to the bondage of fear.
In terms of context, the author of Hebrews is writing to a Jewish-Christian audience, seeking to demonstrate the superiority of Jesus and the new covenant he established. The passage highlights the unique role of Jesus as the mediator between God and humanity, emphasizing his identification with humanity and his ultimate triumph over sin and death.
Symbolism in these verses can be seen in the image of Jesus as the captain of our salvation, leading believers to glory. His suffering and death are depicted as the means by which he perfects his role as the mediator, and his victory over death and the devil is a powerful symbol of the salvation he offers to all who believe in him.
Overall, Hebrews 2:9-15 is a profound and deeply theological passage that underscores the unique and essential role of Jesus in the redemption of humanity. It evokes themes of sacrifice, solidarity, and victory, offering hope and assurance to all who put their faith in Christ.
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Hebrews 2:9-15 Artwork
Hebrews 2:9-15 - "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 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. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."
"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 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. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:9-15
Hebrews 2:15 - "And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."
Hebrews 9:2 - "For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary."
Hebrews 9:15 - "And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."
Hebrews 2:9 - "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."
"And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:15
2 Corinthians 9:15 - "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."
"For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary." - Hebrews 9:2
Hebrews 4:9 - "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."
2 Samuel 15:9 - "And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron."
Hebrews 9:16 - "For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator."
Hebrews 9:18 - "Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood."
Hebrews 9:27 - "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"
Hebrews 6:15 - "And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise."
Hebrews 10:15 - "Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,"
Hebrews 9:3 - "And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;"
Hebrews 7:15 - "And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,"
Hebrews 9:9 - "Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;"
Hebrews 9:13 - "For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:"
Hebrews 9:20 - "Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you."
Hebrews 9:21 - "Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry."
Hebrews 3:15 - "While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation."
Hebrews 9:17 - "For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth."
Hebrews 9:1 - "Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary."
Hebrews 9:22 - "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission."
"And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." - Hebrews 9:15
Hebrews 3:9 - "When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years."
Hebrews 9:5 - "And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly."
"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God." - Hebrews 4:9