9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
10 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.
Jesus (v.9) — The first time this Name is mentioned in Hebrews.
little (v.9) = time — for a little time
In becoming man Christ took upon Him a nature that was capable of dying. This the angels were not; and in this respect He was, for a season, made lower than they. “By the suffering of death.” This expression denotes that Christ’s exit from the land of the living was no easy or gentle one, but a death of “suffering”; one accompanied with much inward agony and outward torture. It was the “death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). It was a death in which He suffered not only at the hands of men and of Satan, but from God Himself. It was a death in which He fully satisfied the demands of infinite holiness and justice. This was a task which no mere creature was capable of performing. Behold here, then, the wonder of wonders: Christ undertook a work which was far above the power of all the angels, and yet to effect it He was made lower than them! — An Exposition of Hebrews, by Arthur W. Pink, page 67.
crowned (v.9) = for gaining a victory
glory and honor (v.9) — The Greek makes it clear that He was crowned with glory and honor because of His suffering and death.
But Jesus, made for a little time lower than the angels with the design that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man, we see crowned as victor with glory and honor because of the suffering of death. — Hebrews in the Greek New Testament, by Kenneth S. Wuest, page 59.
He who by the suffering of death had been made, for a little season, lower than the angels, has, because of His humiliation and perfect atoning sacrifice, been “highly exalted” by God Himself. He has been “raised far above all principality and power, and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to com” (Ephesians 1:21). It is not simply that this exaltation followed the Mediator’s suffering and death, but, as the “therefore” in Isaiah 53:12 and the “wherefore” of Philippians 2:( plainly denote, were the meritorious reward thereof. Thus, so far from the Cross needing an apology, it has magnified the Savior. So far from Christ’s degradation and death being something of which the Christian need be ashamed, they are the very reason why God has so signally rewarded Him. The “crown of thorns” which man gave Him, has been answered by the “crown of glory and honor” that God has bestowed upon Him. — Pink, page 67.
was fitting for Him (v.10) = it was becoming, it was fit — It was seemly in accord with God’s justice and love — only God can satisfy the demands of God.
for whom are all things (v.10) = for whose sake — God is the reason for all things — everything exists to accomplish God’s purpose (Revelation 4:11)
sons (v.10) — believers
captain (v.10) = one who goes first, leader (John 14:6) — also “author”
It needs to be borne in mind that in New Testament days the “captain” of a regiment did not remain in the rear issuing instructions to his officers, but took the lead, and by his own personal example encouraged and inspired his soldiers to deeds of valor. Thus the underlying thoughts of this title are, Christ’s going before His people, leading His soldiers, and being in command of them. He has “gone before” them in three respects. First, in the way of obedience, (John 13:15). Second, in the way of suffering (1 Peter 2:21). Third, in the way of glory: He has entered heaven as our forerunner, so that faith says, “Thanks be unto God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. — Pink, page 71.
perfect (v.10) = to carry to completion, not moral perfection (here) — In His case, the human experience, including suffering and death
through (v.10) = by means of
Jesus Christ, through His suffering and death, regained for mankind what Adam lost through the fall.