Hebrews 2:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 2:9 encapsulates the profound paradox of Christ's redemptive work: His voluntary, temporary humiliation through incarnation and suffering, which positioned Him below angels, was the necessary prelude to His glorious exaltation. This divine condescension, undertaken by the grace of God, enabled Him to fully experience and conquer death on behalf of all humanity, thereby securing salvation and demonstrating the ultimate triumph of God's sovereign plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of Hebrews systematically argues for the absolute supremacy of Jesus Christ over all previous revelations and institutions, including the Law, the prophets, angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood. Chapter 1 meticulously establishes Jesus' divine nature, His role as the heir of all things, and His superiority to angels, citing numerous Old Testament passages to support His unique status as God's Son. However, [Hebrews 2](/hebrews/2 "Hebrews 2 - Christ's Humanity and Salvation") marks a crucial shift in the author's argument. Having affirmed Jesus' divinity, the author now addresses the necessity of His humanity. This transition explains why the Son, though superior to angels, had to become "a little lower than the angels" to fulfill His redemptive mission. The immediate verses preceding Hebrews 2:9, specifically [Hebrews 2:5-8](/hebrews/2-5-8 "Hebrews 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation"), quote and interpret [Psalm 8:4-6](/psalm/8-4-6 "Psalm 8:4-6 - Man's Dominion and Christ's Humiliation"), which speaks of humanity being made "a little lower than the angels" yet crowned with glory and honor. Hebrews 2:9 applies this prophetic declaration directly to Jesus, clarifying that His temporary lowering was purposeful and led to His ultimate exaltation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of the book of Hebrews was likely Jewish Christians, possibly facing persecution or internal struggles that tempted them to revert to Judaism. This context explains the author's extensive use of Old Testament scriptures and his emphasis on Christ's superiority to Jewish figures and institutions. The concept of angels held significant importance in Jewish thought, often seen as mediators of the Law and powerful divine agents. For these Jewish believers, the idea that the Messiah would be "lower than the angels" might have been a stumbling block or a source of confusion. The author addresses this by demonstrating that Jesus' temporary humiliation was not a sign of weakness or inferiority but a strategic, divinely ordained act necessary for Him to accomplish salvation, something angels could not do. The Greco-Roman world also had a hierarchical understanding of spiritual beings, and the author's argument would resonate with the idea of a divine figure descending for a purpose.
* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 2:9 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Hebrews. Foremost is the theme of **Christ's Incarnation and Humiliation**, emphasizing that Jesus, though fully God, willingly [took on human flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") and experienced the limitations and sufferings of humanity. This act of condescension was not a demotion but a strategic move for redemption. Closely linked is the theme of **Suffering and Perfection**, where Jesus' suffering and death are presented as the means by which He was "made perfect" (not in character, but in His role as High Priest and Savior), enabling Him to sympathize with and effectively represent humanity. The verse also highlights the theme of **Exaltation and Glory**, showing that Jesus' temporary lowering was followed by His being "crowned with glory and honour," pointing to His resurrection, ascension, and ultimate reign at God's right hand, as further elaborated in [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Exaltation"). Finally, the phrase "taste death for every man" underscores the theme of **Universal Atonement and Divine Grace**, revealing the expansive scope of Christ's sacrifice, offered not for a select few, but for all humanity through the [unmerited favor of God](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8 - Salvation by Grace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **But (Greek, _dé'_):** This primary particle serves as an adversative or continuative conjunction, here indicating a contrast or transition. Following the discussion in [Hebrews 2:5-8](/hebrews/2-5-8 "Hebrews 2:5-8 - Man's Dominion and Christ's Humiliation") about humanity's intended dominion and current subjection, "but" introduces a pivotal shift, directing the reader's gaze from the general human condition to the specific reality of Jesus, who uniquely fulfills and transcends the Psalm's prophecy.
* **made a little lower (Greek, _elattóō brachýs'_):** The verb _elattóō_ means "to lessen (in rank or influence)," while _brachýs_ denotes "short (of time, place, quantity, or number)." Together, they convey a temporary and purposeful reduction in status. This highlights that Jesus' humanity and suffering were not a permanent state of inferiority but a brief, strategic condescension for a specific redemptive goal, distinguishing His temporary state from the inherent, permanent nature of angels.
* **taste death (Greek, _geúomai thánatos'_):** The verb _geúomai_ means "to taste; by implication, to eat; figuratively, to experience (good or ill)," and _thánatos_ refers to "death (literally or figuratively)." This idiomatic expression signifies a full and personal experience of death, not merely a superficial encounter. It emphasizes that Jesus genuinely underwent the reality and full consequence of physical death, including its spiritual implications as the penalty for sin, which was essential for His atoning work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But we see Jesus,"**: This opening clause immediately shifts the focus from the general discussion of humanity's destiny in [Psalm 8](/psalm/8 "Psalm 8 - Man's Place in Creation") to the concrete person of Jesus. The author asserts that while humanity has not yet seen the full realization of its dominion, believers *do* see Jesus, who embodies the fulfillment of God's plan.
* **"who was made a little lower than the angels"**: This phrase directly applies the language of [Psalm 8:5](/psalm/8-5 "Psalm 8:5 - Man Made Lower Than Angels") to Jesus. It refers to His incarnation, where the Son of God, in His divine pre-existence superior to all created beings, voluntarily took on human nature, thereby assuming a position "lower" in created rank than angels for a finite period.
* **"for the suffering of death,"**: This crucial prepositional phrase clarifies the *purpose* of Jesus' temporary humiliation. His descent into humanity was not arbitrary but directly "for" or "on account of" His suffering and death. It underscores that His humanity was the necessary condition for Him to experience the ultimate human vulnerability and penalty for sin.
* **"crowned with glory and honour;"**: This part of the verse points to Jesus' post-resurrection exaltation. His temporary lowering was followed by a divine vindication and glorification, where He received supreme honor and dignity from God, signifying the successful completion of His redemptive mission and His enthronement as sovereign Lord.
* **"that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."**: This final clause articulates the ultimate redemptive purpose and scope of Christ's work. "Taste death" signifies His full experience of death's reality, including its penal consequences. This act was accomplished "by the grace of God," highlighting God's unmerited favor as the source of this redemptive plan. Crucially, it was "for every man," emphasizing the universal availability and comprehensive nature of His atoning sacrifice for all humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Hebrews 2:9 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as the verse sharply juxtaposes Jesus' temporary humiliation ("made a little lower than the angels") with His subsequent exaltation ("crowned with glory and honour"). This contrast highlights the divine paradox of suffering preceding glory, a central theme in Christian theology. **Allusion** is also critical, as the verse directly alludes to and reinterprets [Psalm 8](/psalm/8 "Psalm 8 - Man's Dominion") in a Christological context, shifting the focus from humanity's general destiny to Jesus' specific fulfillment of that destiny. The phrase "taste death" functions as an **Idiom** or **Metonymy**, where "taste" stands for the full, personal experience of death, rather than a mere sampling. This emphasizes the reality and completeness of Jesus' suffering. Finally, the verse uses **Purpose Clauses** ("for the suffering of death," "that he... should taste death") which clearly articulate the divine intentionality behind Jesus' incarnation and sacrifice, revealing God's precise and merciful plan for humanity's redemption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 2:9 stands as a cornerstone of Christian theology, articulating the profound necessity and efficacy of the incarnation and atonement. It reveals God's sovereign plan to redeem humanity not through a distant decree, but through the personal, empathetic suffering of His Son. Jesus' voluntary descent below the angels, culminating in His death, demonstrates the depth of divine love and the radical nature of God's grace. This act was not a sign of weakness but the ultimate display of strength and obedience, enabling Him to become the perfect High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin. His subsequent crowning with glory and honor affirms the triumph of His sacrifice over sin and death, establishing Him as the reigning Lord and the source of eternal salvation for all who believe. This verse thus weaves together themes of divine condescension, sacrificial love, redemptive suffering, and ultimate exaltation, forming the very heart of the Gospel message.

* [Philippians 2:5-11](/philippians/2-5-11 "Philippians 2:5-11 - The Christ Hymn")
* [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 2:9 offers a powerful lens through which to view our own suffering and the immense love of God. Reflecting on Jesus, who willingly humbled Himself to "taste death for every man," should evoke profound gratitude and trust. It reminds us that our Savior is not distant or unfeeling, but one who has fully entered into the human experience, including its deepest pain and mortality. This truth provides immense comfort in our trials, knowing that Christ understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses, having endured the ultimate suffering. It also calls us to a life of humble service and sacrificial love, mirroring the example of our Lord. Just as His humiliation led to glory, our willingness to embrace humility and suffering for the sake of the Gospel can lead to spiritual growth and the manifestation of God's glory in our lives. This verse compels us to fix our gaze on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, finding in His completed work the assurance of our salvation and the pattern for our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' willingness to be "made a little lower than the angels" deepen your understanding of God's love and humility?**
* **In what ways does knowing that Jesus "tasted death for every man" impact your assurance of salvation and your view of God's grace?**
* **How can reflecting on Christ's journey from suffering to glory encourage you in your own moments of hardship or perceived humiliation?**

### FAQ
**Why was it necessary for Jesus to be "made a little lower than the angels"?**

Answer: It was necessary for Jesus to be "made a little lower than the angels" primarily for two interconnected reasons, as highlighted in the book of Hebrews. First, to fulfill His role as a sympathetic and effective High Priest. As [Hebrews 2:17-18](/hebrews/2-17-18 "Hebrews 2:17-18 - Christ's Sympathy as High Priest") explains, He had to become like His brothers in every respect so that He could truly experience human temptation and suffering, enabling Him to sympathize with and help those who are tempted. Angels, being spirit beings, cannot die or fully identify with human frailty. Second, and most crucially, Jesus had to become human to experience death, which is the penalty for sin. The author states He was made lower "for the suffering of death," emphasizing that only as a human could He "taste death for every man." This act, as the ultimate sacrifice, was essential for the atonement of sins and the [destruction of the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Victory Over Death"). His humanity was the necessary vehicle for His redemptive mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 2:9 powerfully articulates the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, revealing Jesus as the ultimate answer to humanity's fallen condition. The "suffering of death" that Jesus endured is the direct fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system, which pointed to a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin, as seen in [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice"). His voluntary humiliation, being "made a little lower than the angels," perfectly aligns with the prophetic anticipation of a suffering servant who would bear the iniquities of many, as foretold in [Isaiah 53:3-6](/isaiah/53-3-6 "Isaiah 53:3-6 - The Suffering Servant"). Furthermore, His subsequent crowning "with glory and honour" directly fulfills the messianic prophecies of a reigning King, such as those found in [Psalm 110:1](/psalm/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Anointed King"), demonstrating His ultimate victory over sin, death, and the grave. This verse is a profound declaration that Jesus, through His unique blend of divinity and humanity, became the perfect mediator, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and the exalted Lord who now reigns, offering salvation to "every man" through the [boundless grace of God](/ephesians/2-4-7 "Ephesians 2:4-7 - God's Rich Mercy and Grace"). His entire life, death, and resurrection, encapsulated in this single verse, are the central act of God's saving history, making Him the focus of all redemptive hope and the very [author of eternal salvation](/hebrews/5-9 "Hebrews 5:9 - Author of Eternal Salvation").

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

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.