Hebrews 2:6

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} one {G5100} in a certain place {G4225} testified {G1263}, saying {G3004}, What {G5101} is {G2076} man {G444}, that {G3754} thou art mindful {G3403} of him {G846}? or {G2228} the son {G5207} of man {G444}, that {G3754} thou visitest {G1980} him {G846}?

Complete Jewish Bible

And there is a place where someone has given this solemn testimony:

“What is mere man, that you concern yourself with him?
or the son of man, that you watch over him with such care?

Berean Standard Bible

But somewhere it is testified in these words: “What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?

American Standard Version

But one hath somewhere testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 2:6, a direct quotation from Psalm 8:4, introduces a profound theological inquiry into humanity's place in God's grand design. It marvels at the Creator's astonishing condescension and intimate care for humankind, questioning why the Almighty would be so mindful of and actively engaged with such seemingly insignificant beings. For the author of Hebrews, this ancient query serves as a foundational premise for understanding the incarnation of Jesus Christ, asserting that God's ultimate purpose for humanity, including its destined glory and dominion, is perfectly realized and fulfilled in the Son of Man.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the broader argument of Hebrews, which meticulously establishes the supremacy of Jesus Christ. Chapter 1 emphatically declares Christ's divine nature and His superiority to angels, positioning Him as the radiant glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature. Chapter 2 then transitions to address the necessity and significance of Christ's humanity. The author argues that for humanity to be saved and for Christ to truly identify with His people, He had to partake in flesh and blood. The quotation from [Psalm 8](/psalms/8 "Psalm 8 - God's Glory and Man's Dignity") in Hebrews 2:6-8 serves as a crucial bridge, demonstrating God's original intention for humanity to have dominion, and then showing how Christ, as the perfect "Son of Man," fulfills this destiny through His temporary humiliation, suffering, and ultimate exaltation. This sets the stage for understanding Christ's role as a merciful and faithful High Priest, capable of [making propitiation for the sins of the people](/hebrews/2-17 "Hebrews 2:17 - Christ as High Priest").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Psalm 8, from which Hebrews 2:6 is drawn, is a hymn of praise reflecting on God's majestic creation and humanity's paradoxical position within it. Written in an ancient Near Eastern context, where human beings often felt small and vulnerable before the vastness of the cosmos and the power of deities, the Psalmist's wonder at God's attention to humanity is particularly striking. The concept of "man" (`'enosh`) and "son of man" (`ben 'adam`) in Hebrew thought often emphasized human frailty, mortality, and dependence, especially in contrast to God's eternal power. The author of Hebrews, writing to a Jewish Christian audience, would have been acutely aware of the Septuagint (LXX) translation of Psalm 8, which is the version directly quoted here. This audience would also have been familiar with the concept of angels as powerful divine messengers and mediators of the Law, making the argument for Christ's superiority to angels, and His identification with humanity, a potent theological claim.

* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 2:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Condescension and Intimate Care**, highlighting God's astonishing willingness to be "mindful" of and "visit" humanity despite its perceived insignificance. This theme runs counter to common ancient perceptions of distant deities and emphasizes God's personal, active involvement with His creation. Secondly, the verse speaks to **Human Dignity and Purpose**, echoing God's original design for humanity to exercise dominion, as seen in [Genesis 1:26-28](/genesis/1-26-28 "Genesis 1:26-28 - The Creation Mandate"). While humanity has fallen short of this purpose, the Psalm points to an inherent high calling. Thirdly, and most critically for the author of Hebrews, the verse introduces the theme of **Christ's Identification with Humanity**. For the author, "man" and "the son of man" are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He is the true and perfect Man who fully embodies God's design for humanity, even through suffering and death, to bring many sons to glory, as elaborated in [Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Bringing Many Sons to Glory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **testified (Greek, _diamartýromai_):** This verb, composed of _dia_ (through, thoroughly) and _martyromai_ (to bear witness), means to attest or protest earnestly, to charge, or to witness. Its use here indicates a solemn, emphatic declaration. The author of Hebrews introduces the Psalm as a divinely inspired testimony, not merely a poetic musing, thereby lending it significant theological weight and authority in his argument concerning Christ's humanity.
* **mindful (Greek, _mimnḗskō_):** Derived from a root meaning "to recall to mind," this term signifies active remembrance, care, and consideration. It implies more than a fleeting thought; it suggests a sustained, intentional engagement. When applied to God, it speaks of His benevolent and purposeful attention to humanity, demonstrating a profound, personal concern rather than a detached observation.
* **visitest (Greek, _episképtomai_):** This verb, from _epi_ (upon) and _skopos_ (a watchman, mark for aim), means to inspect, to select, to go to see, or to relieve. It carries the connotation of a personal, purposeful intervention or oversight, often with the intent to care for, help, or deliver. In the context of God "visiting" humanity, it powerfully conveys His active presence and benevolent intervention in human affairs, culminating in the ultimate "visitation" of the Incarnation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But one in a certain place testified, saying":** The introductory phrase sets the stage for a divinely authoritative declaration. "One in a certain place" is a respectful, perhaps reverent, way of referring to God or the Holy Spirit speaking through the inspired Word (the Psalms), without directly naming the source (Psalm 8). This highlights the divine origin and prophetic nature of the statement, emphasizing its weight and relevance to the author's argument about Christ.
* **"What is man, that thou art mindful of him?":** This is a rhetorical question expressing profound wonder and awe. "Man" (G444, _ánthrōpos_) refers to humanity in general, often emphasizing its frailty and mortality. The question marvels at God's condescension – that the infinite, transcendent Creator would actively remember, care for, and pay attention to finite, mortal human beings. It underscores the astonishing nature of divine grace and intimate concern.
* **"or the son of man, that thou visitest him?":** This second rhetorical question parallels the first, intensifying the wonder. "Son of man" (G5207 _huiós_ and G444 _ánthrōpos_) is a common Hebrew idiom for a human being, often emphasizing their humble, earthly nature. The verb "visitest" (G1980, _episképtomai_) implies a purposeful, active, and benevolent intervention or presence. The question is not one of doubt, but of astonished praise, marveling at God's personal engagement and intervention in the lives of human beings.

#### Literary Devices
Hebrews 2:6 masterfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?" This is not a question seeking information, but one designed to evoke wonder, awe, and contemplation concerning God's profound condescension and humanity's remarkable place in His plan. It highlights the vast disparity between the Creator and His creation, making God's attention all the more astonishing. The verse also utilizes **Quotation/Allusion**, directly citing [Psalm 8:4](/psalms/8-4 "Psalm 8:4 - God's Care for Man"). This intertextual reference grounds the author's argument in the Old Testament Scriptures, demonstrating continuity between God's ancient promises and their fulfillment in Christ. Furthermore, **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses: "What is man, that thou art mindful of him?" and "or the son of man, that thou visitest him?" The phrases "man" and "son of man" are synonymous, as are "mindful of him" and "visitest him," creating a poetic rhythm that reinforces the central idea of God's active, benevolent attention to humanity. Finally, there is an element of **Anthropomorphism** in attributing human-like actions ("mindful," "visitest") to God, making His divine care relatable and emphasizing the personal nature of His interaction with humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 2:6 is a pivotal theological statement, revealing God's profound and active engagement with humanity, a truth that finds its ultimate expression in the person of Jesus Christ. It highlights the paradox of divine majesty stooping to care for human frailty, setting the stage for the incarnation. The author uses this Old Testament passage to argue that God's original intention for humanity, though marred by sin, was not abandoned but perfectly fulfilled in Christ. This verse not only marvels at God's condescension but also subtly points to the unique role of the "Son of Man" in God's redemptive plan, a title Jesus frequently used for Himself, signaling His true humanity and His destined role as both suffering servant and glorious King. It underscores that God's plan for humanity's dominion is realized not through human effort, but through Christ's perfect obedience and ultimate exaltation, bringing many "sons" (believers) to glory with Him.

* [Psalm 144:3](/psalms/144-3 "Psalm 144:3 - Man's Insignificance and God's Greatness")
* [Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Jesus as the Son of Man")
* [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 2:6 offers profound comfort and a renewed sense of purpose for believers. In a world that often makes us feel insignificant or overlooked, this verse reminds us that the Creator of the universe is not distant or indifferent; He is intimately "mindful" of us and actively "visits" us. This truth should inspire deep gratitude and confidence in God's personal care, even amidst life's challenges. It calls us to reflect on the immense dignity God has bestowed upon humanity, not because of our inherent worth, but because of His gracious design and the ultimate worth He placed upon us through Christ. Understanding that Christ perfectly embodied the "Son of Man" means that our human experience, with all its joys and sorrows, is understood and sanctified by Him. This should lead us to live lives that reflect the high calling God has placed upon us, striving to align with the perfect humanity modeled by Jesus, and trusting that through Him, our destiny is secured in God's glorious plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of God being "mindful" of you personally impact your sense of worth and security?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God "visiting" you, either through direct intervention or through His presence in your life?**
* **How does Jesus's identification as the "Son of Man" deepen your appreciation for His empathy and solidarity with human experience?**
* **Considering God's original design for humanity and Christ's fulfillment of it, what does this verse teach us about our own purpose and potential in Christ?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "one in a certain place testified"?**

Answer: This phrase is a reverent and indirect way of citing Scripture, specifically [Psalm 8:4](/psalms/8-4 "Psalm 8:4 - God's Care for Man"). The author of Hebrews often introduces Old Testament quotations in this manner, emphasizing that the words are not merely human wisdom but divinely inspired testimony, carrying the authority of God Himself. It directs the reader's attention to the prophetic and theological weight of the passage being quoted, rather than the human author of the Psalm.

**Why does the author of Hebrews quote Psalm 8:4 when discussing Jesus's superiority to angels?**

Answer: The author quotes [Psalm 8:4](/psalms/8-4 "Psalm 8:4 - God's Care for Man") to address a crucial theological tension: if Jesus is superior to angels, why did He become human, seemingly taking a lower position? Psalm 8, which speaks of humanity being "crowned with glory and honor" and given "dominion," provides the answer. The author argues that humanity's original destiny for dominion, though not yet fully realized by fallen humanity, is perfectly fulfilled in Jesus. His temporary humiliation as "man" was a necessary step for Him to achieve salvation and restore humanity's intended glory, thereby becoming the ultimate fulfillment of the "Son of Man" who is indeed superior to angels, even in His humanity. This sets the stage for the argument that Jesus, through His suffering and death, was "made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death," but is now "crowned with glory and honor" ([Hebrews 2:9](/hebrews/2-9 "Hebrews 2:9 - Jesus Crowned with Glory")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 2:6 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The rhetorical questions posed in the Psalm – "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?" – are answered definitively in the Incarnation. God's profound mindfulness and visitation of humanity are not merely abstract concepts but concrete realities in Jesus. He is the perfect "Son of Man," the one human being who perfectly embodies God's original design for humanity, fulfilling the dominion and glory intended for creation. While humanity fell short of this calling through sin, Jesus, by becoming fully human, entered into our frailty and mortality, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ's Sinless Humanity")). His "visitation" was not a fleeting glance but a complete immersion into the human condition, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, through which He tasted death for everyone and destroyed the power of death and the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Thus, Jesus, as the perfect Man, restores humanity to its intended glory, demonstrating that God's ultimate purpose for His creation is realized in His Son, who brings "many sons to glory" ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Bringing Many Sons to Glory")) through His own perfect humanity and triumphant exaltation at the right hand of God ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Exaltation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 8:4

What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

Psalms 8:8

The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, [and whatsoever] passeth through the paths of the seas.

Psalms 144:3

LORD, what [is] man, that thou takest knowledge of him! [or] the son of man, that thou makest account of him!

Job 7:17

¶ What [is] man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?

Job 7:18

And [that] thou shouldest visit him every morning, [and] try him every moment?

Isaiah 51:12

I, [even] I, [am] he that comforteth you: who [art] thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man [that] shall die, and of the son of man [which] shall be made [as] grass;

Job 15:14

What [is] man, that he should be clean? and [he which is] born of a woman, that he should be righteous?