What is the meaning of Hebrews 2:7? You made him a little lower than the angels Hebrews 2:7 begins, “You made him a little lower than the angels.” The writer is quoting Psalm 8:5 to show two intertwined truths: • Humanity’s place in creation – Psalm 8:4-6 marvels that the Creator “made him a little lower than the angels” and “set him over the works of Your hands.” – Genesis 1:26-28 records God’s literal mandate for mankind to “rule over” the earth, revealing that our earthly position, though beneath heavenly beings, still carries real authority. • Christ’s incarnation – In Hebrews 2, the phrase applies directly to Jesus, who “for a little while was made lower than the angels” (Hebrews 2:9). He took on flesh (John 1:14) and shared our humanity (Philippians 2:6-8), fully entering the human condition without relinquishing His deity. – By embracing a status beneath angels, the eternal Son could genuinely suffer and die (Hebrews 2:14), fulfilling God’s plan of redemption foretold in Scripture. This “little lower” is temporary. It points to a purpose: identification with us and qualification to save us. You crowned him with glory and honor The quotation continues: “You crowned him with glory and honor.” Here the spotlight rests on God’s faithfulness to exalt the one who humbled Himself: • Christ’s exaltation – After His suffering, Jesus was “crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death” (Hebrews 2:9). – Hebrews 1:3-4 testifies that He “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” higher than any angel. – Philippians 2:9-11 and Revelation 5:12 echo this vindication: every knee will bow, every tongue will confess His lordship. • Humanity’s restored destiny – Psalm 8:6 adds that God placed “everything under his feet.” Hebrews 2:8 acknowledges we do not yet see all things in subjection to man, but in Christ we see the pledge of that coming reality (1 Corinthians 15:27; Romans 8:19-21). – Believers are “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17), destined to share in His reign (2 Timothy 2:12). So, the crowning speaks both of Jesus’ present supremacy and of the future fulfillment of humanity’s God-given role, guaranteed by His triumph. summary Hebrews 2:7 affirms that God, true to His Word, allowed His Son to step below angels for a brief season so He could stand with us and die for us. Because He did, He now wears the crown of glory and honor, and all who trust Him are invited to share in that victory when His kingdom is fully revealed. |
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