Hebrews 2:6

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?

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}?

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?

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?

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

Hebrews 2:6 quotes directly from Psalm 8:4, a passage that marvels at God's incredible attention and care for humanity despite its apparent insignificance in the vastness of creation. The author of Hebrews introduces this verse to underscore a profound theological point: while angels are mighty spiritual beings, it is humanity—and supremely, the Son of Man, Jesus Christ—whom God has chosen to visit, to be mindful of, and ultimately to crown with glory and honor.

Context

The book of Hebrews aims to demonstrate the supremacy of Jesus Christ over all things, including the Mosaic Law, the Levitical priesthood, and angels. In Hebrews chapter 1, Christ's divinity and superiority to angels are established. Chapter 2 then transitions to focus on Christ's humanity, explaining why the Son of God had to become human. The quotation from Psalm 8 serves as a pivotal bridge, showing God's original purpose for humanity to have dominion and how Christ, as the ultimate Man, perfectly fulfills this, even through His temporary humiliation and suffering. This suffering was necessary for Him to become a merciful and faithful high priest, able to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Condescension and Care: The verse expresses awe at God's willingness to be mindful of and visit humanity. It highlights God's personal, intimate involvement with His creation, contrasting human frailty with divine majesty.
  • Human Dignity and Purpose: Despite being seemingly small, man is not forgotten by God. The Psalm implies a high calling and destiny for humanity, a theme further developed in Hebrews as it applies to Christ and, through Him, to believers.
  • Christ's Identification with Humanity: For the author of Hebrews, "man" and "the son of man" ultimately point to Jesus Christ. He is the true and perfect Man who fully embodies God's design for humanity. His incarnation was not a demotion but a necessary step for Him to achieve salvation for humanity and restore the dominion lost through sin (as elaborated in Hebrews 2:7-9).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms in Psalm 8:4 for "man" ('enosh) and "son of man" (ben 'adam) often emphasize humanity's weakness, mortality, and dependence. Yet, despite this frailty, God is "mindful" (Hebrew: zakar, implying active remembrance and care) and "visits" (Hebrew: paqad, suggesting a personal inspection, oversight, or intervention) him. The Greek term used in Hebrews for "visitest" (episkeptomai) also conveys the idea of looking after, caring for, or coming to help, powerfully underscoring God's active engagement with human existence.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound comfort and insight for believers today:

  • God Cares Personally: It assures us that God, the Creator of the universe, is not distant but intimately concerned with each individual. He is mindful of your struggles, joys, and very existence.
  • Christ's Solidarity: It deepens our appreciation for Jesus Christ's incarnation. He truly became one of us, sharing in our humanity, so that He could redeem us. This solidarity means He understands our weaknesses and temptations (Hebrews 4:15).
  • Hope for Humanity: While humanity often falls short of God's design, Christ's perfect fulfillment of the "Son of Man" role provides hope. Through Him, believers can partake in the glory and honor God intended for humanity, ultimately sharing in His dominion.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?

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