Hebrews 2

Salvation first spoken by the Lord

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; Hebrews 2:3

The great salvation was first taught by the Lord Jesus Himself in His mortal ministry, then confirmed by the Apostles who heard Him.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Mark 16:20 — The Apostles preached and the Lord confirmed the word with signs.

Son of Man

Son of Man — in Latter-day Saint teaching, the Son of Man of Holiness (the Father)

But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Hebrews 2:6–8

Paul quotes Psalm 8 and, in verse 9, applies it to Jesus: He is the Son of Man who was made lower than the angels and then crowned, and under whose feet all things will be put.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quotes Psalm 8:4-6 — The psalm quoted and applied to Jesus.
• the same title in Moses 6:57 — Man of Holiness is the Father's name; His Son is the Son of Man.

Tasted death for every man

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. Hebrews 2:9

Jesus came down lower than the angels so He could die, and His death, by God's grace, reaches every person. Afterward He was crowned with glory.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Psalm 8:5 — Lower than the angels, then crowned with glory and honour.
• the same event in 2 Nephi 9:21 — He suffers the pains of all men.

Captain of Salvation

Captain (Greek archegos) — the leader and pioneer who goes first and brings others after Him

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

Jesus is the Captain who leads God's children to glory, and He was made complete for that role by what He suffered. Here 'him, for whom are all things' is the Father.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Hebrews 12:2 — The same Greek word is rendered 'author' of our faith.

He that Sanctifieth

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, Hebrews 2:11

Christ is the one who makes people holy, and because He and they share one Father, He is not ashamed to call them His brothers and sisters.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Hebrews 13:12 — Jesus sanctifies the people with His own blood.

Messiah's voice in Psalm 22

Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. Hebrews 2:12

Paul puts the words of Psalm 22 in Christ's mouth: the same psalm that begins with His cry from the cross ends with Him praising the Father among His brethren.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Psalm 22:22 — Messianic psalm quoted as Christ speaking.
• the same event in Matthew 27:46 — Psalm 22:1 spoken by Jesus on the cross.

Messiah's voice in Isaiah 8

And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Hebrews 2:13

Words from Isaiah 8 are read as Christ speaking: He trusts His Father, and He presents the children God has given Him, His faithful followers.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Isaiah 8:17-18 — Trust in the Lord; 'I and the children whom the LORD hath given me'.
• the same title in Mosiah 5:7 — The covenant people become the children of Christ.

Took flesh to destroy the power of death

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; Hebrews 2:14–15

Christ took a body of flesh and blood so He could die, and by His death He broke the devil's power over death and freed people from its fear.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• fulfils Genesis 3:15 — The seed of the woman bruises the serpent's head.
• the same event in 2 Nephi 9:10 — God prepares a way of escape from the monster, death and hell.

Took on Him the Seed of Abraham

For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Hebrews 2:16

Christ was born as a descendant of Abraham, not as an angel, so He could help Abraham's children.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Genesis 22:18 — In Abraham's seed all nations are blessed.
• the same event in Matthew 1:1 — Jesus Christ, the son of Abraham.

Merciful and Faithful High Priest

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:17

Christ became like His brethren so He could be the High Priest who reconciles people to God, fulfilling what Israel's high priest did on the Day of Atonement.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• typified by Leviticus 16:30-34 — The high priest's yearly atonement for the people.
• the same title in Hebrews 4:14-15 — Jesus the great High Priest touched with our infirmities.

Able to succour the tempted

For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. Hebrews 2:18

Because Jesus Himself suffered temptation, He knows how to help and rescue us when we are tempted.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Alma 7:11-12 — He takes upon Him our pains and temptations that He may know how to succor His people.