What does Hebrews 2:7 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 2:7 is part of the New Testament's argument demonstrating Jesus Christ's superiority and his role as the mediator between God and humankind.

This verse draws upon Psalm 8:4-6, reflecting on the dignity and honor given to humanity by God.

The phrase “Thou madest him a little lower than the angels” emphasizes the high position of humanity in the created order, just below the celestial beings.

The term "angels" here could signify both heavenly beings or could be interpreted as "God" in some translations.

"Thou crownedst him with glory and honour" indicates the bestowed respect and value God has for man.

"And didst set him over the works of thy hands" suggests the dominion and stewardship responsibility given to humans over God's creation.

In the context of Hebrews, this passage establishes a connection between Jesus, in his humanity, enacted on behalf of the human condition, and the honor and purpose intended by God for all people.

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to a community of Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament and Jewish traditions.

The author of Hebrews is unknown, with suggestions ranging from Paul to Apollos to Priscilla.

The text likely dates from the late 1st or early 2nd century AD.

This community was facing persecution and hardship, leading some members to consider abandoning their Christian faith to return to Judaism.

The author writes to encourage them to remain steadfast, emphasizing Jesus' superiority to angels, Moses, the priesthood, and the entire Old Covenant system.

Theological Insights

The theological insights from Hebrews 2:7 include the concept of Jesus' dual nature as both divine and human.

From a Trinitarian Christian perspective, Jesus is considered not only divine but having taken on human flesh and, in doing so, momentarily became 'lower than the angels' in his humanity.

This verse is also seen as a testament to Christ's humility and his willingness to undergo human suffering for the purpose of redemption and salvation.

Additionally, this verse reinforces the notion of human dignity in Christian theology, suggesting that each person is valuable and granted a status only slightly below that of celestial beings. This confers a sense of purpose and responsibility upon humanity to act as stewards of creation.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Hebrews 2:7 can inspire individuals to recognize their intrinsic value and the honor that comes from being made in the image of God.

It encourages the practice of stewardship over the environment and natural resources, as well as compassionate dominion over the living creatures with which humans share the planet.

Moreover, believers are reminded to approach life with humility, recognizing that Jesus himself willingly took a position "a little lower than the angels" and that humility is a virtue to be cultivated.

Cross-References

• Psalm 8:4-5: "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour."
• Genesis 1:26: "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek of Hebrews 2:7 include:

• "Angels" (Greek: ἀγγέλους, angelous): Referring to celestial beings, messengers of God.
• "Lower" (Greek: βραχύ τι, brachy ti): Meaning "a little" or "for a short time," which can imply either a small degree or a small period of time.
• "Crowned" (Greek: ἐστέφανωσας, estephanosas): Denotes the act of crowning and thereby conferring honor, authority, or achievement.
• "Glory and honour" (Greek: δόξῃ καὶ τιμῇ, doxē kai timē): "Glory" reflects majesty, renown, or radiant beauty, whereas "honour" pertains to the value and respect given.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The motif of beings lower than gods but higher than animals is common in many ancient mythologies. In Greek mythology, humans are often depicted as the playthings of the gods but are also occasionally elevated or favored by them.

Most ancient religions considered humans to possess a special status within the cosmos but were not consistent in attributing an exact hierarchical position.

In the Judeo-Christian tradition, humans are uniquely created in the image of God with the divine purpose of stewardship and cultivation of the earth, which is distinct from the roles of celestial beings or lesser creatures.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the statement that humanity is set over the works of creation can be seen as reflective of the human capacity for environmental impact and manipulation of the natural world, distinguishing humans from other species.

This verse's acknowledgement of human dominion aligns with anthropocentric views, where human interests are considered paramount, a concept that can be both a source of ethical reflection and a point of contention in contemporary environmental discourse.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered various interpretations of Hebrews 2:7.

Many acknowledge the author’s use of Psalm 8 to affirm the significant role of humanity in God’s plan.

The "little lower than the angels" has been interpreted by some to refer exclusively to Christ's incarnation, while others see it as speaking to the elevated status and potential of all human beings.

Commentators highlight that this verse, in its New Testament context, demonstrates Jesus's identification with humanity and his subsequent exaltation, serving both a soteriological purpose (related to salvation) and an anthropological one (related to human nature and destiny).