King James Version

What Does Hebrews 2:10 Mean?

Hebrews 2:10 in the King James Version says “For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the ca... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

8

Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.

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. for the: or, by the

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Captain' (Greek 'archegos') means pioneer, founder, or champion—one who blazes the trail others follow. God's sovereign purpose ('it became him') determined that Christ's perfection would come through suffering. 'Perfect' (Greek 'teleioo') means complete or qualified, not morally improved. Christ's sufferings qualified Him as the sympathetic High Priest who brings many sons to glory.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of a suffering Messiah contradicted Jewish expectations of a conquering king. The author shows how Christ's sufferings were necessary to accomplish God's redemptive plan and enable Him to sympathize with His people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding Christ as your Pioneer encourage you in present suffering?
  2. In what ways does God use suffering to perfect or complete His purposes in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
Ἔπρεπεν1 of 25

it became

G4241

to tower up (be conspicuous), i.e., (by implication) to be suitable or proper (third person singular present indicative, often used impersonally, it i

γὰρ2 of 25

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

αὐτῶν3 of 25

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

διὰ4 of 25

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

οὗ5 of 25

whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

τὰ6 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πάντα7 of 25

are all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ8 of 25

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

διὰ9 of 25

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

οὗ10 of 25

whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

τὰ11 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πάντα12 of 25

are all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

πολλοὺς13 of 25

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

υἱοὺς14 of 25

sons

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

εἰς15 of 25

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

δόξαν16 of 25

glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

ἀγαγόντα17 of 25

in bringing

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

τὸν18 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀρχηγὸν19 of 25

the captain

G747

a chief leader

τῆς20 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σωτηρίας21 of 25

salvation

G4991

rescue or safety (physically or morally)

αὐτῶν22 of 25

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

διὰ23 of 25

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

παθημάτων24 of 25

sufferings

G3804

something undergone, i.e., hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence

τελειῶσαι25 of 25

perfect

G5048

to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 2:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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