Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 2:18

"For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." — Hebrews 2:18 (ASV)

The sufferings Jesus endured enable him to help others. Contrary to what might have been expected, he suffered—not only on the cross, but throughout his earthly life. Being what he is, temptation must have been far more distasteful for him than it is for us. “Tempted” (GK 4279) sometimes means “tested,” but the verb is more often used in the sense of “tempt.” Jesus can help those who are tempted because he has perfect sympathy with them. He too was tempted and knows what temptation is. Only one who suffers can help in this way. Jesus went all the way for us. He was not only ready to suffer, but he actually did suffer.