Hebrews 2:7

KJV

Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou madest {G1642} him {G846} a little {G1024}{G5100} lower {G1642} than {G3844} the angels {G32}; thou crownedst {G4737} him {G846} with glory {G1391} and {G2532} honour {G5092}, and {G2532} didst set {G2525} him {G846} over {G1909} the works {G2041} of thy {G4675} hands {G5495}:

Complete Jewish Bible

You made him a little lower than the angels,
you crowned him with glory and honor,

Berean Standard Bible

You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor

American Standard Version

Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; Thou crownedst him with glory and honor, And didst set him over the works of thy hands:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 2:7, a direct quotation from Psalm 8:5, serves as a foundational verse in the author's argument concerning the unique identity and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It meticulously outlines two pivotal stages in Christ's salvific journey: His temporary, voluntary humiliation in becoming human, being made "a little lower than the angels," and His subsequent, ultimate exaltation, being "crowned with glory and honour" and sovereignly "set over the works of thy hands." This verse encapsulates the profound mystery of the Incarnation and the triumph of the Atonement, revealing how Christ perfectly fulfills God's original design for humanity and creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 2:7 stands at a crucial juncture in the epistle. Having established Christ's absolute superiority to angels in [Hebrews 1](/hebrews/1 "Hebrews 1 - Christ's Superiority"), the author now addresses the apparent paradox of the Son of God being made "lower" than them. This verse, along with [Hebrews 2:8-9](/hebrews/2-8-9 "Hebrews 2:8-9 - The Purpose of Christ's Humiliation"), explains *why* this temporary condescension was necessary: for Christ to fully identify with humanity, experience suffering and death, and thereby accomplish salvation as the perfect High Priest. The immediate preceding verses (e.g., [Hebrews 2:5](/hebrews/2-5 "Hebrews 2:5 - The World to Come") and [Hebrews 2:6](/hebrews/2-6 "Hebrews 2:6 - Quotation from Psalm 8")) set the stage by introducing the theme of God's future world not being subjected to angels, and then directly quoting Psalm 8, upon which verse 7 builds. The subsequent verses in [Hebrews 2](/hebrews/2 "Hebrews 2 - Christ's Humanity and Salvation") further elaborate on Christ's shared humanity and His role as the merciful and faithful High Priest.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of the book of Hebrews was likely Jewish Christians, possibly facing persecution or wavering in their faith, tempted to revert to aspects of Judaism. They held a high regard for angels, who were seen as mediators of the Law ([Acts 7:53](/acts/7-53 "Acts 7:53 - Law Received by Angels")) and powerful divine agents. The author's emphasis on Christ's superiority to angels in [Hebrews 1](/hebrews/1 "Hebrews 1 - Christ's Superiority") directly counters any tendency to elevate angels above Christ. The quotation from [Psalm 8](/psalm/8 "Psalm 8 - God's Glory and Man's Dominion") would have been familiar to them, speaking of humanity's divinely appointed dominion over creation. However, the author reinterprets this psalm, applying it not generically to all humanity (which had failed to achieve this dominion due to sin), but specifically to Jesus Christ, the perfect Man who alone fulfills this destiny. This reinterpretation challenges their traditional understanding and elevates Christ's unique role.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Hebrews. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Christ's Incarnation and Humiliation**, demonstrating the profound condescension of the Son of God in taking on human flesh, a necessary step for Him to become a sympathetic High Priest ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ's Sympathy as High Priest")). Secondly, it highlights **Christ's Exaltation and Sovereignty**, revealing that His temporary lowering was a prelude to His ultimate coronation and universal dominion over all creation, a theme powerfully echoed in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thirdly, it speaks to the **Fulfillment of Humanity's Destiny in Christ**, arguing that the dominion promised to humanity in [Psalm 8](/psalm/8 "Psalm 8 - God's Glory and Man's Dominion") is perfectly realized only in Jesus, the "second Adam" ([1 Corinthians 15:45-49](/1_corinthians/15-45-49 "1 Corinthians 15:45-49 - The First and Last Adam")), who through His suffering and glory, reclaims humanity's intended position of authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **madest lower (Greek, _elattóō'_):** This verb (G1642) means "to lessen (in rank or influence)." In the context of Hebrews 2:7, it specifically refers to Christ's voluntary act of diminishing His divine glory and status by taking on human form, thereby becoming subject to human limitations, including suffering and death. This was not a demotion but a strategic condescension for redemptive purposes.
* **little (Greek, _brachýs'_):** This adjective (G1024) denotes something "short" in terms of time, place, quantity, or number. Here, combined with the indefinite pronoun G5100 (tìs), "a little," it carries a dual meaning: Christ was made lower for a "little while" (duration of His earthly ministry) and to a "little degree" (in comparison to His eternal divine glory, though still truly human). Both aspects emphasize the temporary and purposeful nature of His humiliation.
* **crownedst (Greek, _stephanóō'_):** This verb (G4737) means "to adorn with an honorary wreath," often a victor's crown. It signifies the bestowal of honor, triumph, and authority. In this verse, it points to Christ's post-resurrection exaltation, where God the Father publicly vindicated Him and invested Him with supreme authority and glory after His completed work on the cross.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou madest him a little lower than the angels;":** This clause directly quotes Psalm 8:5, but the author of Hebrews applies it specifically to Jesus. It refers to Christ's Incarnation, where the eternal Son of God willingly took on human nature, thereby entering a state of temporary vulnerability and mortality that angels do not experience. This "lowering" was a deliberate act of God's sovereign plan, essential for Christ to suffer and die for humanity. The phrase "a little" implies both the temporary duration of His earthly humiliation and the degree of His condescension.
* **"thou crownedst him with glory and honour,":** This part of the verse shifts from humiliation to exaltation. Following His suffering and death, God the Father "crowned" Jesus. The "glory" (G1391, _dóxa_) refers to His divine splendor and majesty, now fully revealed and vindicated. The "honour" (G5092, _timḗ_) signifies the high esteem, dignity, and value bestowed upon Him. This crowning is a public declaration of His victory over sin and death, and His rightful position as the exalted Son.
* **"and didst set him over the works of thy hands:":** This final clause describes the scope of Christ's post-exaltation authority. "The works of thy hands" refers to all of creation. God "set him over" (G2525, _kathístēmi_, "to appoint, constitute") everything, signifying Christ's universal dominion. This reestablishes Him not only to His pre-incarnate glory but also to a position of sovereign rule as the resurrected Lord, fulfilling humanity's original, but failed, mandate for dominion.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Quotation**, as the verse is a direct citation of [Psalm 8:5](/psalm/8-5 "Psalm 8:5 - Man's Place in Creation"). This use of Old Testament Scripture lends authority and continuity to the author's Christological argument, demonstrating that Christ's experience was not arbitrary but foretold in divine prophecy. A powerful **Antithesis** or **Juxtaposition** is evident in the contrast between "madest him a little lower than the angels" and "crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands." This stark contrast highlights the profound arc of Christ's journey from humble condescension to ultimate exaltation, underscoring the redemptive purpose of His suffering. Furthermore, **Royal Language** and **Coronation Imagery** are central, with phrases like "crownedst him with glory and honour" and "didst set him over," evoking the imagery of a king being enthroned and given dominion. This imagery powerfully conveys Christ's supreme authority and universal reign as the victorious Son of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 2:7 is profoundly theological, articulating the core truths of Christ's redemptive work. It reveals that the Son of God, who is superior to all creation, willingly entered into the human condition, experiencing its limitations and mortality, not as a demotion but as a necessary step to secure salvation for humanity. This act of condescension, the Incarnation, culminates in His suffering and death, which then leads to His glorious exaltation and universal dominion. The verse thus connects Christ's humanity directly to His divine authority, showing that His suffering was the pathway to His reign. It also highlights the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises, both concerning humanity's intended dominion (as seen in Psalm 8) and the ultimate triumph of His Son.

* [Philippians 2:6-11](/philippians/2-6-11 "Philippians 2:6-11 - The Kenosis and Exaltation of Christ"): This passage beautifully parallels Hebrews 2:7, describing Christ's self-emptying (kenosis) by taking the form of a servant, humbling Himself even to death on a cross, and God's subsequent exaltation of Him to the highest place, giving Him the name above every name.
* [Psalm 8:4-6](/psalm/8-4-6 "Psalm 8:4-6 - What is Man?"): The direct Old Testament source of the quotation, this psalm originally marvels at God's condescension to humanity, granting them dominion over creation. Hebrews 2:7 reinterprets this, showing that humanity's intended dominion is fully realized and perfectly embodied only in Christ.
* [1 Corinthians 15:27](/1_corinthians/15-27 "1 Corinthians 15:27 - All Things Subject to Christ"): This verse, also referencing Psalm 8, affirms that God has put "all things in subjection under his feet," a truth that the author of Hebrews applies directly to Christ's universal sovereignty following His resurrection and ascension.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 2:7 offers immense spiritual nourishment, inviting us to contemplate the profound love and strategic wisdom of God in Christ's redemptive journey. It reminds us that our Savior is not a distant, unfeeling deity, but one who fully entered into our human experience, including its vulnerabilities and suffering. This understanding deepens our appreciation for His empathy as our High Priest, knowing that He truly understands our weaknesses because He experienced them. Furthermore, the verse assures us of Christ's ultimate victory and sovereign authority. His "crowning with glory and honour" means that all power in heaven and on earth belongs to Him. This provides immense comfort and hope in a world often marked by chaos and uncertainty, knowing that our King reigns supreme. His journey from humiliation to exaltation also serves as a pattern for believers: that through humble endurance and faithfulness in suffering, God promises ultimate glory and participation in Christ's reign. We are called to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Christ's voluntary humiliation in becoming "a little lower than the angels" deepen your appreciation for His love and empathy?**
* **In what ways does Christ's "crowning with glory and honour" provide you with hope and assurance in the face of life's challenges?**
* **How does the truth of Christ being "set over the works of thy hands" impact your view of His authority and your submission to Him in your daily life?**
* **Considering Christ's journey from suffering to glory, what does this verse teach you about the Christian walk and the pathway to true spiritual triumph?**

### FAQ

**Why was it necessary for Jesus to be made "a little lower than the angels" if He is superior to them?**

Answer: It was necessary for Jesus to be made "a little lower than the angels" because His mission required Him to fully identify with humanity in order to redeem it. As the author explains in [Hebrews 2:9-10](/hebrews/2-9-10 "Hebrews 2:9-10 - Jesus Tasted Death for Everyone"), this temporary lowering allowed Him to experience suffering and death, which angels cannot. By taking on human flesh, He could become a merciful and faithful High Priest who could sympathize with our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ's Sympathy as High Priest")) and, through His death, destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). His shared humanity was essential for Him to be a suitable sacrifice for sin and to lead many sons to glory.

**What does it mean that Jesus was "crowned with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands"?**

Answer: This phrase refers to Christ's post-resurrection exaltation and enthronement. After His suffering and death on the cross, God the Father publicly vindicated Jesus by raising Him from the dead and ascending Him to His right hand in heaven. Being "crowned with glory and honour" signifies His triumph over sin and death, and the restoration of His full divine majesty, now also as the glorified Man. Being "set him over the works of thy hands" means that God has granted Him supreme authority and universal dominion over all creation, fulfilling the original mandate given to humanity in [Psalm 8](/psalm/8 "Psalm 8 - God's Glory and Man's Dominion"). This establishes Jesus as the cosmic King and Lord, to whom all things are ultimately subject ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Supremacy")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 2:7 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus as the perfect embodiment of humanity's original design and the ultimate agent of God's redemptive plan. While [Psalm 8](/psalm/8 "Psalm 8 - God's Glory and Man's Dominion") initially speaks of humanity's intended dominion, the author of Hebrews argues that fallen humanity has not realized this potential. It is Jesus, the "second Adam" ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The Last Adam")), who perfectly fulfills this prophecy. His being "made a little lower than the angels" points directly to the Incarnation, where the eternal Son of God condescended to take on human flesh, experiencing our weaknesses and mortality ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ's Sympathy")). This voluntary humiliation was not a demotion but a strategic act of love, allowing Him to suffer and die as the perfect sacrifice for sin, "tasting death for everyone" ([Hebrews 2:9](/hebrews/2-9 "Hebrews 2:9 - Jesus Tasted Death for Everyone")). Following His redemptive work on the cross, He was "crowned with glory and honour" through His resurrection and ascension, signifying His triumph over sin and death ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9-10 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Death and Resurrection")). This exaltation culminates in His being "set him over the works of thy hands," establishing His universal sovereignty as the reigning Lord, to whom "every knee should bow" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, Jesus is not merely a man, but the God-Man who perfectly accomplished salvation and now reigns supreme, leading His redeemed people to share in His glory and dominion ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")).

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 8:5

For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

Philippians 2:6

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Philippians 2:7

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: