What does Hebrews 2:12 mean?

This verse is a quotation from Psalm 22. The writer of Hebrews is speaking to a Jewish Christian audience and uses many references to the Old Testament in order to support his points. The choice of Psalm 22 is interesting because of its focus on undeserved suffering. This Psalm was written by David, but does not describe any literal events in his life. And so, it is seen as both a general commentary on suffering as well as a prophecy of the Messiah. Jesus may well have been quoting Psalm 22:1 from the cross. The citation given here, in Hebrews, is from Psalm 22:22, where the psalmist resolves to praise God even though he has not yet been rescued.

This passage of Hebrews not only explains that Jesus was truly and fully human, it refutes the idea that this would be shameful for God. In fact, the way Jesus suffered makes Him a fully perfect substitute for mankind. And, it allows Him to comfort us with legitimate compassion (Hebrews 4:15), as one who has experienced all of the struggles we do as limited people (Hebrews 2:18).