Hebrews 2:9

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

But {G1161} we see {G991} Jesus {G2424}, who {G3588} was made {G1642} a little {G1024}{G5100} lower {G1642} than {G3844} the angels {G32} for {G1223} the suffering {G3804} of death {G2288}, crowned {G4737} with glory {G1391} and {G2532} honour {G5092}; that {G3704} he {G1089} by the grace {G5485} of God {G2316} should taste {G1089} death {G2288} for {G5228} every man {G3956}.

But we do see Yeshua — who indeed was made for a little while lower than the angels — now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by God’s grace he might taste death for all humanity.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.

But we behold him who hath been made a little lower than the angels, even Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for every man.

Commentary

Hebrews 2:9 presents a profound theological truth about Jesus Christ: His temporary humiliation through incarnation and suffering, followed by His ultimate exaltation, all for the purpose of redeeming humanity through His death. This verse encapsulates the core of Christian atonement and the compassionate nature of God's plan.

Context

The book of Hebrews emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus Christ over all things, including angels, Moses, and the Old Covenant priesthood. In Hebrews chapter 1, the author establishes Jesus' divine nature and His superiority to angels. However, in chapter 2, the focus shifts to Jesus' humanity, explaining why the Son of God had to become human. The author quotes Psalm 8:4-5, which speaks of man being "made a little lower than the angels." Hebrews 2:9 applies this directly to Jesus, showing that His temporary lowering was not a sign of weakness, but a necessary step to fulfill His redemptive mission.

Key Themes

  • The Incarnation and Humiliation of Christ: Jesus, being fully God, willingly took on human flesh, becoming "a little lower than the angels." This act of self-emptying was essential for Him to identify with humanity and experience the human condition fully.
  • The Purpose of Suffering and Death: The phrase "for the suffering of death" highlights that Jesus' humanity was not an end in itself, but a means to an end. He became human precisely so He could die, as angels cannot die. His death was the climax of His mission, the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
  • Exaltation and Glory: Following His suffering and death, Jesus was "crowned with glory and honour." This points to His resurrection, ascension, and enthronement at the right hand of God, where He now reigns supreme. His temporary humiliation led to eternal exaltation, demonstrating God's vindication of His Son and the success of His mission. Philippians 2:9 echoes this theme of God highly exalting Him.
  • Universal Atonement through Grace: The verse states that He "should taste death for every man." This signifies the universal scope of Christ's atoning work. His death was not limited to a select few but was offered by the "grace of God" for all humanity. This act of divine favor and undeserved kindness makes salvation available to everyone who believes. John 3:16 reinforces this broad invitation.

Linguistic Insights

  • "made a little lower than the angels" (βραχύ τι παρ’ ἀγγέλους ἠλαττωμένον - brachy ti par' angelous ēlattōmenon): The Greek emphasizes a temporary and brief reduction in status, not a permanent inferiority. This underscores the voluntary nature of Jesus' incarnation.
  • "taste death" (γεύσηται θανάτου - geusetai thanatou): This idiomatic expression means to fully experience death, to undergo its reality. It implies not just physical cessation but the full weight and consequence of sin's penalty, which Jesus bore vicariously.
  • "for every man" (ὑπὲρ παντὸς - hyper pantos): The Greek preposition hyper means "on behalf of" or "for the sake of." The use of pantos (all/every) emphasizes the comprehensive and inclusive nature of Christ's sacrifice, intended for all people.

Practical Application

Hebrews 2:9 provides immense comfort and assurance. It reminds us that Jesus fully identified with our human frailty and mortality, not to remain in it, but to conquer it. His willingness to "taste death" for us demonstrates the profound love and grace of God, offering hope and redemption to all who believe. This verse invites us to marvel at the humility of Christ and the wisdom of God's plan, which turned the ultimate suffering into the ultimate victory, securing our salvation. It calls us to respond with gratitude and trust in the One who was humbled for our sake and is now crowned with glory.

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Cross-References

  • 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:

  • Philippians 2:9

    Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

  • Revelation 5:9

    And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

  • 1 John 4:9

    In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

  • 1 John 4:10

    Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.

  • Romans 5:18

    Therefore as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life.

  • Acts 2:33

    Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.