Hebrews 2:9
Verse
Context
Jesus like His Brothers
8and placed everything under his feet.” When God subjected all things to him, He left nothing outside of his control. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him.9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Should taste death for every man - In consequence of the fall of Adam, the whole human race became sinful in their nature, and in their practice added transgression to sinfulness of disposition, and thus became exposed to endless perdition. To redeem them Jesus Christ took on him the nature of man, and suffered the penalty due to their sins. It was a custom in ancient times to take off criminals by making them drink a cup of poison. Socrates was adjudged to drink a cup of the juice of hemlock, by order of the Athenian magistrates: Πινειν το φαρμακον, αναγκαζοντων των Αρχοντων. The sentence was one of the most unjust ever pronounced on man. Socrates was not only innocent of every crime laid to his charge, but was the greatest benefactor to his country. He was duly conscious of the iniquity of his sentence, yet cheerfully submitted to his appointed fate; for when the officer brought in the poison, though his friends endeavored to persuade him that he had yet a considerable time in which he might continue to live, yet, knowing that every purpose of life was now accomplished, he refused to avail himself of a few remaining moments, seized the cup, and drank off the poison with the utmost cheerfulness and alacrity; επισχομενος και μαλα ευχερως και ευκολως εξεπιε. Plato, Phaed. sub. fin. The reference in the text seems to point out the whole human race as being accused, tried, found guilty, and condemned, each having his own poisoned cup to drink; and Jesus, the wonderful Jesus, takes the cup out of the hand of each, and cheerfully and with alacrity drinks off the dregs! Thus having drunk every man's poisoned cup, he tasted that death which they must have endured, had not their cup been drunk by another. Is not this the cup to which he refers, Mat 26:39 : O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me? But without his drinking it, the salvation of the world would have been impossible; and therefore he cheerfully drank it in the place of every human soul, and thus made atonement for the sin of the whole world: and this he did, χαριτι Θεου, by the grace, mercy, or infinite goodness of God. Jesus Christ, incarnated, crucified, dying, rising, ascending to heaven, and becoming our Mediator at God's right hand, is the full proof of God's infinite love to the human race. Instead of χαριτι Θεου, by the grace of God, some MSS. and the Syriac have χωρις Θεου, without God, or God excepted; i.e. the manhood died, not the Deity. This was probably a marginal gloss, which has crept into the text of many MSS., and is quoted by some of the chief of the Greek and Latin fathers. Several critics contend that the verse should be read thus: "But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made less than angels, that by the grace of God he might taste death for every man, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor." Howsoever it be taken, the sense is nearly the same: 1. Jesus Christ was incarnated. 2. He suffered death as an expiatory victim. 3. The persons in whose behalf he suffered were the whole human race; every man - all human creatures. 4. This Jesus is now in a state of the highest glory and honor.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But--We see not man as yet exercising lordship over all things, "but rather, Him who was made a little lower than the angels (compare Luk 22:43), we behold (by faith: a different Greek verb from that for 'we see,' Heb 2:8, which expresses the impression which our eyes passively receive from objects around us; whereas, 'we behold,' or 'look at,' implies the direction and intention of one deliberately regarding something which he tries to see: so Heb 3:19; Heb 10:25, Greek), namely, Jesus, on account of His suffering of death, crowned," &c. He is already crowned, though unseen by us, save by faith; hereafter all things shall be subjected to Him visibly and fully. The ground of His exaltation is "on accoumt of His having suffered death" (Heb 2:10; Phi 2:8-9). that he by the grace of God-- (Tit 2:11; Tit 3:4). The reading of ORIGEN, "That He without God" (laying aside His Divinity; or, for every being save God: or perhaps alluding to His having been temporarily "forsaken," as the Sin-bearer, by the Father on the cross), is not supported by the manuscripts. The "that," &c., is connected with "crowned with glory," &c., thus: His exaltation after sufferings is the perfecting or consummation of His work (Heb 2:10) for us: without it His death would have been ineffectual; with it, and from it, flows the result that His tasting of death is available for (in behalf of, for the good of) every man. He is crowned as the Head in heaven of our common humanity, presenting His blood as the all-prevailing plea for us. This coronation above makes His death applicable for every individual man (observe the singular; not merely "for all men"), Heb 4:14; Heb 9:24; Jo1 2:2. "Taste death" implies His personal experimental undergoing of death: death of the body, and death (spiritually) of the soul, in His being forsaken of the Father. "As a physician first tastes his medicines to encourage his sick patient to take them, so Christ, when all men feared death, in order to persuade them to be bold in meeting it, tasted it Himself, though He had no need" [CHRYSOSTOM]. (Heb 2:14-15).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For it became him, for whom are all things,.... This is not a periphrasis of Christ, who died, but of God the Father, who delivered him to death; and who is the final cause of all things, in nature, and in grace, all things being made for his pleasure and for his glory; and he is the efficient cause of all things, as follows: and by whom are all things; all the works of creation, providence, and grace: in bringing many sons to glory; not to worldly glory, but to the heavenly glory, which they are undeserving of; and which was long ago prepared for them; is at present hid; is weighty, solid, durable, yea, eternal: the persons whom God, of his rich grace, brings to this, are "sons"; who are predestinated to the adoption of children; are regenerated by the Spirit of God; believe in Christ; and have the spirit of adoption given them, and so being children, are heirs of glory: and these are "many"; for though they are but few, when compared with others, yet they are many, considered by themselves; they are many that God has ordained to eternal life, and given to Christ, and for whom he has given himself a ransom, and whom he justifies; and accordingly there are many mansions of glory provided for them in their Father's house, whose act it is to bring them thither: he has chosen them to this glory, and prepared it for them; he sent his Son to redeem them; he reveals his Son in them, the hope of glory; he calls them to his eternal glory, and makes them meet for it, and gives them an abundant entrance into it: and him it became--to make the Captain of their salutation perfect through sufferings; Christ is "the Captain of salvation", and is so called, because he is the author of it; and he is the Prince and Commander of these sons, who are committed to his charge, and are under his care; and is their guide and leader; and who is gone before them to prepare their mansions of glory for them: and he is made "perfect through sufferings"; he suffered all that the law and justice of God could require; and hereby he became perfectly acquainted with the sufferings of his people, and a perfect Saviour of them; and in this way went to glory himself: and it "became" God the Father, the first cause, and last end of all things, since he had a design to bring all his adopted sons to glory, that his own Son should perfectly suffer for them; this was agreeable to, and becoming the perfections of his nature, his wisdom, his veracity, his justice, grace, and mercy.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:9 What we do see is Jesus: How can the church persevere when evil and death are still in the world? We look to Jesus both in his human life in a position “a little lower than the angels” and in his exaltation, now “crowned with glory and honor.” His suffering as a human being led to his exaltation (see Phil 2:5-11; cp. Isa 52:13–53:12). See also Heb 12:1-13.
Hebrews 2:9
Jesus like His Brothers
8and placed everything under his feet.” When God subjected all things to him, He left nothing outside of his control. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him.9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Covenant Word Ministries) Servant of Sin
By Keith Daniel5.1K1:22:58BondageMAT 28:19MRK 16:15ACT 3:19ACT 17:302CO 3:2HEB 2:9In this sermon, the preacher recounts a rainy day when he was surprised to find a church full of people despite the bad weather. As he began to preach, a drunk man desperately tried to enter the church, injuring himself in the process. The preacher's companion warned him not to get out of the car, fearing for his safety. Later, the preacher arrived at another location where a young lady informed him that the person he was looking for had already left and caused damage before leaving. The sermon emphasizes the importance of reaching out to souls and the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Burning Fire of the Spirit - Part 5
By T. Austin-Sparks4.9K42:36Holy SpiritGEN 12:1MAT 6:33ACT 2:24ACT 10:38HEB 2:9REV 1:1REV 2:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the general situation and the need for the Lord's intervention. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the greatness of Jesus Christ in order to have a strong spiritual life. The speaker uses examples from the Bible, such as Joshua and Abraham, to illustrate how these individuals overcame challenges by focusing on the greatness of God. The sermon emphasizes the need for a fresh revelation of Jesus' greatness as the key to recovery, renewal, and fortification in times of suffering.
Don't Say No to God
By Keith Daniel2.5K54:35ObedienceISA 55:6JHN 8:36ACT 2:21ACT 17:30ROM 6:16HEB 2:91JN 2:2In this sermon, the preacher highlights the issue of addiction and the destructive thoughts that can arise from it. He shares a story of a man who became addicted to evil thoughts and was on the verge of committing a terrible act against his family. However, as he was about to carry out his plan, he came across an advertisement for a meeting and felt an inner voice urging him to go there. He decided to attend the meeting, where God's presence was felt and many people, including the preacher, were moved to tears. The preacher emphasizes the need for individuals to turn to God and seek salvation through Jesus Christ to prevent them from doing something terrible in the world.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 14
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K57:28Heavenly CallingHEB 2:9HEB 3:1HEB 3:6HEB 3:14HEB 8:6HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the greatness of Jesus Christ and the superiority of the dispensation that believers have entered into. The speaker highlights that Jesus upholds all things by the word of his power, and this should bring comfort to believers, even when their personal world seems to be falling apart. The sermon also discusses the Son's greatness in comparison to angels, emphasizing that Jesus is far superior. The speaker concludes by stating that in the end times, the knowledge of the greatness of Christ will be crucial for believers, as all other things will pass away, and Jesus will abide forever.
Teach Us to Number Our Days Part 1
By Keith Daniel1.7K47:47PSA 116:15ROM 8:1ROM 8:221CO 15:261CO 15:55HEB 2:9HEB 9:271JN 3:14REV 14:13This sermon delves into the inevitability of death and the importance of being prepared for the afterlife. It emphasizes the brevity of life, the reality of facing judgment after death, and the need for faith in Jesus Christ to overcome the fear of death and find eternal peace. The speaker shares personal stories and biblical truths to highlight the significance of being saved and living with the assurance of salvation.
Hebrews: Superiority of Christ
By Stephen Kaung1.6K1:07:41ChristHEB 2:1HEB 2:5HEB 2:9HEB 11:16HEB 11:35HEB 12:24In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the repetition of the word "better" in the book of Hebrews. He emphasizes that when a word is repeated so much, it indicates that the Holy Spirit is trying to convey an important message. The sermon highlights the finality of Christ's message compared to the partial and incomplete messages delivered by the prophets. The preacher also contrasts Christ with Moses, showing that Christ is superior and should be the focus of our attention and obedience.
What Grace Can Do
By Zac Poonen1.5K1:09:12PSA 103:2ISA 1:18LUK 2:40ROM 6:14HEB 2:9HEB 4:16HEB 8:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and experiencing the true grace of God, highlighting how many Christians are missing out on the full inheritance purchased by Jesus due to being deceived by false teachings. It delves into the concept of grace as the power to overcome sin, endure trials, and live a life pleasing to God, contrasting the old covenant gospel of forgiveness, healing, deliverance, and material blessings with the new covenant gospel of transformation, empowerment, and intimacy with God through the Holy Spirit.
Predestination - Intertrinitarian Economy
By John Murray1.4K52:13PredestinationEPH 1:20EPH 4:8EPH 5:25PHP 2:6TIT 2:14HEB 2:9HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of glorification as a reward for completing the work assigned by God the Father. The ultimate thought of the whole process of salvation is seen as the electing love of God the Father. The Son came to fulfill the task given to him by the Father, as stated in various biblical passages. The sermon emphasizes the active and determinative nature of God's love, which moves towards the highest goal for the elect. The speaker briefly mentions other passages that support this understanding, such as Romans 8:29 and Romans 9.
This Is the Sum
By David Cooper1.2K1:18:37Law And GraceMAT 6:33HEB 2:9HEB 4:16HEB 10:22HEB 13:1HEB 13:5HEB 13:8In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the role of Jesus as a high priest who can empathize with our temptations and sufferings. The preacher references Hebrews chapter 4, specifically verse 14, to emphasize the importance of holding fast to our faith in Jesus. The preacher also discusses the Old Testament practice of sacrificing animals and how it was insufficient in clearing the conscience. Instead, the preacher highlights the power of the cross of Jesus Christ in bringing forgiveness and empowerment to live according to God's will. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the need to examine our hearts and areas of spiritual deadness in our lives.
Hebrews 2:9-18
By Don McClure1.2K42:18MAT 6:33HEB 2:1HEB 2:9HEB 2:18In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a time when he stole something as a child. He describes the fear and guilt he felt when he was caught and taken to the back room of the store. The speaker's father eventually arrives and instead of scolding or punishing him, he expresses his unconditional love and willingness to sacrifice anything for his son's redemption. The speaker uses this story to illustrate the immense love and sacrifice that God has for humanity, as demonstrated through Jesus Christ and the salvation he offers.
We Can Overcome as Jesus Did (Tamil)
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:01:14JHN 1:16HEB 2:9HEB 4:161PE 5:51JN 2:61JN 4:17REV 3:21This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance by highlighting Adam's wrong choices that led to sin and how most humans, including Christians, make similar mistakes. It stresses the need to repent by turning away from valuing created things over God, believing lies over God's truth, and seeking to please people more than God. The message encourages steadfastness in faith and the continuous act of repentance to avoid backsliding. It also delves into the significance of Jesus overcoming all temptations and sin, offering believers the opportunity to receive grace upon grace to walk as Jesus did on earth.
Message 5 of 5 - New Zealand
By Keith Daniel1.0K33:24New ZealandAcceptance of SalvationSacrificial LoveISA 53:5JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ROM 3:26ROM 6:232CO 5:21EPH 2:81TI 2:4HEB 2:91PE 2:24Keith Daniel expresses deep gratitude for the opportunity to share at the convention in New Zealand, reflecting on the importance of faith and the transformative power of his wife's poetry, which has led many to Christ. He shares poignant stories of personal loss and divine intervention, emphasizing the sacrificial love of God through Jesus Christ, who bore the sins of humanity. Daniel illustrates the necessity of accepting God's gift of salvation by faith, drawing parallels between personal experiences and biblical truths. He concludes with a heartfelt prayer, urging attendees to embrace the eternal life offered through Christ.
Consider Him- Lest We Drift Away
By Daniel Foulkes98344:58DriftingHEB 1:10HEB 2:1HEB 2:9HEB 2:14HEB 2:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the eternal nature of God and His authority over all creation. He quotes from Hebrews 1:10-14, highlighting that while the earth and heavens will perish, God remains unchanged. The preacher also questions the superiority of angels, stating that God never asked any angel to sit at His right hand like He did with Jesus. He emphasizes that angels are meant to serve those who will inherit salvation. The sermon concludes with the importance of paying careful attention to the message of salvation and not drifting away, as it was confirmed by the Lord and accompanied by signs, wonders, and miracles.
The Best Last Word
By Rick Leibee8231:00:14MAT 6:33HEB 1:1HEB 2:1HEB 2:9HEB 2:14HEB 2:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the difference between the servants of God, the angels, and His Son. He urges the audience to pay close attention to the message they have heard from God through His Son. The preacher warns against letting the truth of God's word slip by or be disregarded. He encourages the listeners to prioritize the message and not be distracted by other thoughts or desires. The preacher emphasizes that God has spoken through His Son and that His word is the best and most important message to heed.
Christ's Ascension Victory Is Yours - Part 2
By Erlo Stegen5491:15:33ResurrectionMAT 26:38MRK 16:14HEB 2:9In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a passage from the Gospel of Mark, specifically chapter 16, verses 14-20. The sermon begins with Jesus rebuking his disciples for their unbelief and hardness of heart. Jesus then instructs them to go into the world and proclaim the Gospel to all creation. He assures them that those who believe and are baptized will be saved, while those who do not believe will be condemned. The sermon also touches on the signs that will accompany believers, such as casting out demons, speaking in new tongues, and healing the sick. The preacher expresses deep emotion and gratitude for the angels who came to strengthen Jesus during his time of sorrow in the Garden of Gethsemane. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of the listeners and for the words spoken to bear good fruit.
Free From Legalism (Dutch)
By Zac Poonen5451:30:00LUK 2:40JHN 1:17ROM 6:14HEB 2:9HEB 4:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of living under grace rather than the law, highlighting how Jesus brought grace and truth, contrasting it with the Old Testament favor. It discusses the dangers of false grace that leads to a license for sin and the need to distinguish true grace. The sermon encourages seeking God's mercy for past sins and His grace for future victories over sin, drawing examples from Jesus' life of overcoming sin by grace from birth to death.
Holiness of Jesus
By Zac Poonen52025:08MAT 6:33LUK 2:40JHN 1:17HEB 2:9HEB 4:151PE 2:21JUD 1:24This sermon emphasizes the often overlooked aspect of Jesus being our example in addition to being our Savior, highlighting the importance of imitating His character of humility, purity, love, and compassion. It challenges the lack of emphasis on personal transformation in Evangelical Christianity and encourages believers to follow Jesus in character individually, focusing on holiness and overcoming sin through the grace that Jesus received.
Priesthood: The Necessity of Suffering
By G.W. North3401:17:30SufferingHEB 1:1HEB 2:9HEB 3:1HEB 5:8HEB 7:1HEB 10:36HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the right things. He contrasts the joy that people often experience in happy meetings or material possessions with the joy that comes from seeing someone destroy their furniture. The preacher questions why people wait until something is taken away from them before realizing its value. He then discusses the example of Jesus, who remained tender and forgiving even in the face of mistreatment and crucifixion. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the need for believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to live supernaturally, free from conflicts and fully immersed in God.
You Must Be Born Again
By G.W. North2741:20:24Born AgainMRK 12:30HEB 2:9HEB 3:1HEB 7:25HEB 7:28HEB 10:19HEB 10:31In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the New Covenant brought by Jesus Christ. He contrasts it with the old covenant that relied on animal sacrifices and adherence to the law. The preacher urges the audience to truly grasp the significance of what God has done through Jesus, including His resurrection, ascension, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. He encourages them to let go of religious practices and truly embrace the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus. The sermon is based on the book of Hebrews and highlights the unique message and purpose of this particular letter in the Bible.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ
By William Booth1AtonementSalvationJHN 14:16ROM 3:23TIT 2:11HEB 2:9William Booth emphasizes the significance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, explaining it as the reconciliation between God and humanity achieved through Christ's sacrificial death on the Cross. He addresses various misconceptions about the Atonement, particularly rejecting the ideas of limited salvation and imputed righteousness, asserting that Christ's sacrifice is sufficient for all who repent and believe. Booth argues that the Atonement reveals God's justice and love, maintains the dignity of the Law, and opens the door of mercy for all mankind. He encourages believers to hold firmly to the doctrine of the Atonement as it is central to their faith and the foundation of their hope for salvation.
The Doctrines of the Salvation Army by the General
By William Booth1AtonementRedemptionMAT 20:28JHN 3:16ROM 5:8ROM 5:182CO 5:19EPH 2:131TI 3:16HEB 2:91PE 1:18REV 5:9William Booth emphasizes the profound meaning of redemption, explaining that it involves delivering souls from bondage through the sacrifice of Christ's blood. He articulates God's intention to restore humanity to a state even better than that lost through Adam's sin, achieved through Jesus' life, death, and the work of the Holy Spirit. Booth clarifies that Christ's dual nature as both divine and human was essential for His role as our Savior, who made atonement for our sins and reconciled us with God. He asserts that the benefits of Christ's atonement extend to all humanity, and that belief in this truth is crucial for salvation. Ultimately, Booth underscores that salvation is solely based on God's grace and the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.
The Suffering Savior -- Psalm 22
By A.B. Simpson0Redemption and HopeThe Suffering of ChristPSA 22:1ISA 53:5MAT 28:19LUK 19:10JHN 3:16ROM 5:8PHP 2:10HEB 2:91PE 3:18REV 7:9A.B. Simpson presents a profound exploration of Psalm 22, depicting the suffering of Christ as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity. He emphasizes the depths of Christ's anguish, including the Father's desertion, the cruelty of man, and the relentless attacks of Satan, all culminating in His death. Yet, amidst this suffering, there is a silver lining of hope, innocence, faith, love, and the promise of redemption for all who believe. Simpson encourages believers to reflect on the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice and to share the Gospel with the world, as it was His dying wish to save humanity.
The Suffering Son of Man Hebrews 2
By John Nelson Darby0Christ as High PriestThe Suffering of ChristPSA 8:4HEB 2:9HEB 10:12John Nelson Darby emphasizes the dual nature of Christ as both divine and human, highlighting His suffering and humiliation as essential for our salvation. He explains that Christ's role as the Apostle and High Priest is rooted in His experience of suffering, which enables Him to empathize with our weaknesses. The sermon underscores the significance of Christ's completed work on the cross, which purged our sins and perfected our conscience, allowing us to approach God with boldness. Darby also discusses the four reasons for Christ's suffering: to glorify God, to destroy death, to make reconciliation for sins, and to provide succor to the tempted. Ultimately, he calls believers to recognize the full efficacy of Christ's work and to live in dependence on His grace.
The Conquering Lamb
By G.W. North0Understanding the CrossVictory in ChristISA 53:7JHN 10:17ROM 8:371CO 15:55PHP 2:8COL 2:15HEB 2:9HEB 12:21JN 3:8REV 5:5G.W. North emphasizes the dual nature of Jesus as both the sacrificial lamb and the conquering king, illustrating how His death on the cross was not merely an act of sacrifice but a profound victory over death and the devil. He explains that Jesus, caught in the thicket of human sin and suffering, willingly faced death to deliver humanity from bondage and fear. North highlights that while the cross is often viewed through the lens of shame and suffering, it is also a demonstration of God's love and glory, as Jesus was crowned with honor through His sacrifice. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of the cross, urging believers to recognize the eternal significance of Jesus' death and the victory it represents. Ultimately, North encourages the congregation to engage with the life-giving aspect of Christ's sacrifice rather than merely focusing on the pain of the cross.
Thoughts on Hebrews
By John Nelson Darby0The Humanity of ChristRedemption and GloryHEB 1:4HEB 2:9John Nelson Darby explores the profound mystery of the Messiah as presented in Hebrews, emphasizing that Jesus, though made lower than the angels, took on human suffering to redeem mankind and restore creation. He highlights the dual nature of Christ as both the Sanctifier and the sanctified, uniting believers with Him in glory as joint heirs. Darby explains that through His suffering and death, Jesus not only confronted the ruin brought by sin but also fulfilled God's purpose of bringing many sons to glory. The sermon underscores the significance of Christ's humanity and His role as a merciful High Priest, who fully identifies with our struggles. Ultimately, Darby calls for a deeper understanding of the divine revelation of Christ's sufferings and glory, which is essential for grasping the fullness of God's plan for humanity.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Should taste death for every man - In consequence of the fall of Adam, the whole human race became sinful in their nature, and in their practice added transgression to sinfulness of disposition, and thus became exposed to endless perdition. To redeem them Jesus Christ took on him the nature of man, and suffered the penalty due to their sins. It was a custom in ancient times to take off criminals by making them drink a cup of poison. Socrates was adjudged to drink a cup of the juice of hemlock, by order of the Athenian magistrates: Πινειν το φαρμακον, αναγκαζοντων των Αρχοντων. The sentence was one of the most unjust ever pronounced on man. Socrates was not only innocent of every crime laid to his charge, but was the greatest benefactor to his country. He was duly conscious of the iniquity of his sentence, yet cheerfully submitted to his appointed fate; for when the officer brought in the poison, though his friends endeavored to persuade him that he had yet a considerable time in which he might continue to live, yet, knowing that every purpose of life was now accomplished, he refused to avail himself of a few remaining moments, seized the cup, and drank off the poison with the utmost cheerfulness and alacrity; επισχομενος και μαλα ευχερως και ευκολως εξεπιε. Plato, Phaed. sub. fin. The reference in the text seems to point out the whole human race as being accused, tried, found guilty, and condemned, each having his own poisoned cup to drink; and Jesus, the wonderful Jesus, takes the cup out of the hand of each, and cheerfully and with alacrity drinks off the dregs! Thus having drunk every man's poisoned cup, he tasted that death which they must have endured, had not their cup been drunk by another. Is not this the cup to which he refers, Mat 26:39 : O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me? But without his drinking it, the salvation of the world would have been impossible; and therefore he cheerfully drank it in the place of every human soul, and thus made atonement for the sin of the whole world: and this he did, χαριτι Θεου, by the grace, mercy, or infinite goodness of God. Jesus Christ, incarnated, crucified, dying, rising, ascending to heaven, and becoming our Mediator at God's right hand, is the full proof of God's infinite love to the human race. Instead of χαριτι Θεου, by the grace of God, some MSS. and the Syriac have χωρις Θεου, without God, or God excepted; i.e. the manhood died, not the Deity. This was probably a marginal gloss, which has crept into the text of many MSS., and is quoted by some of the chief of the Greek and Latin fathers. Several critics contend that the verse should be read thus: "But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made less than angels, that by the grace of God he might taste death for every man, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor." Howsoever it be taken, the sense is nearly the same: 1. Jesus Christ was incarnated. 2. He suffered death as an expiatory victim. 3. The persons in whose behalf he suffered were the whole human race; every man - all human creatures. 4. This Jesus is now in a state of the highest glory and honor.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But--We see not man as yet exercising lordship over all things, "but rather, Him who was made a little lower than the angels (compare Luk 22:43), we behold (by faith: a different Greek verb from that for 'we see,' Heb 2:8, which expresses the impression which our eyes passively receive from objects around us; whereas, 'we behold,' or 'look at,' implies the direction and intention of one deliberately regarding something which he tries to see: so Heb 3:19; Heb 10:25, Greek), namely, Jesus, on account of His suffering of death, crowned," &c. He is already crowned, though unseen by us, save by faith; hereafter all things shall be subjected to Him visibly and fully. The ground of His exaltation is "on accoumt of His having suffered death" (Heb 2:10; Phi 2:8-9). that he by the grace of God-- (Tit 2:11; Tit 3:4). The reading of ORIGEN, "That He without God" (laying aside His Divinity; or, for every being save God: or perhaps alluding to His having been temporarily "forsaken," as the Sin-bearer, by the Father on the cross), is not supported by the manuscripts. The "that," &c., is connected with "crowned with glory," &c., thus: His exaltation after sufferings is the perfecting or consummation of His work (Heb 2:10) for us: without it His death would have been ineffectual; with it, and from it, flows the result that His tasting of death is available for (in behalf of, for the good of) every man. He is crowned as the Head in heaven of our common humanity, presenting His blood as the all-prevailing plea for us. This coronation above makes His death applicable for every individual man (observe the singular; not merely "for all men"), Heb 4:14; Heb 9:24; Jo1 2:2. "Taste death" implies His personal experimental undergoing of death: death of the body, and death (spiritually) of the soul, in His being forsaken of the Father. "As a physician first tastes his medicines to encourage his sick patient to take them, so Christ, when all men feared death, in order to persuade them to be bold in meeting it, tasted it Himself, though He had no need" [CHRYSOSTOM]. (Heb 2:14-15).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For it became him, for whom are all things,.... This is not a periphrasis of Christ, who died, but of God the Father, who delivered him to death; and who is the final cause of all things, in nature, and in grace, all things being made for his pleasure and for his glory; and he is the efficient cause of all things, as follows: and by whom are all things; all the works of creation, providence, and grace: in bringing many sons to glory; not to worldly glory, but to the heavenly glory, which they are undeserving of; and which was long ago prepared for them; is at present hid; is weighty, solid, durable, yea, eternal: the persons whom God, of his rich grace, brings to this, are "sons"; who are predestinated to the adoption of children; are regenerated by the Spirit of God; believe in Christ; and have the spirit of adoption given them, and so being children, are heirs of glory: and these are "many"; for though they are but few, when compared with others, yet they are many, considered by themselves; they are many that God has ordained to eternal life, and given to Christ, and for whom he has given himself a ransom, and whom he justifies; and accordingly there are many mansions of glory provided for them in their Father's house, whose act it is to bring them thither: he has chosen them to this glory, and prepared it for them; he sent his Son to redeem them; he reveals his Son in them, the hope of glory; he calls them to his eternal glory, and makes them meet for it, and gives them an abundant entrance into it: and him it became--to make the Captain of their salutation perfect through sufferings; Christ is "the Captain of salvation", and is so called, because he is the author of it; and he is the Prince and Commander of these sons, who are committed to his charge, and are under his care; and is their guide and leader; and who is gone before them to prepare their mansions of glory for them: and he is made "perfect through sufferings"; he suffered all that the law and justice of God could require; and hereby he became perfectly acquainted with the sufferings of his people, and a perfect Saviour of them; and in this way went to glory himself: and it "became" God the Father, the first cause, and last end of all things, since he had a design to bring all his adopted sons to glory, that his own Son should perfectly suffer for them; this was agreeable to, and becoming the perfections of his nature, his wisdom, his veracity, his justice, grace, and mercy.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:9 What we do see is Jesus: How can the church persevere when evil and death are still in the world? We look to Jesus both in his human life in a position “a little lower than the angels” and in his exaltation, now “crowned with glory and honor.” His suffering as a human being led to his exaltation (see Phil 2:5-11; cp. Isa 52:13–53:12). See also Heb 12:1-13.