Psalms 8:6

Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all [things] under his feet:

Thou madest him to have dominion {H4910} over the works {H4639} of thy hands {H3027}; thou hast put {H7896} all things under his feet {H7272}:

you had him rule what your hands made, you put everything under his feet -

You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet:

Thou makest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet:

Commentary

Context

Psalm 8 is a hymn of praise to God, contrasting His immense glory, visible in the heavens, with the seemingly small place of humanity. David, the author, marvels that the Creator of the vast universe would pay attention to human beings. This verse follows the observation of God's majesty (verses 1-2) and the wonder that God regards humanity despite His greatness (verses 3-5). Verse 6 then elaborates on the high status and authority God has granted to humankind.

Key Themes

  • Human Dominion and Stewardship: The primary theme is the authority God has delegated to humanity over the created world. This recalls the original mandate given at creation.
  • God's Appointment: This verse emphasizes that this dominion is not inherent to humanity but is a gift and appointment from God ("Thou madest him... thou hast put").
  • Scope of Authority: "All things" under humanity's feet signifies a comprehensive, though delegated, rule over the earthly realm.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "dominion" is the Hebrew word mashal (ืžึธืฉึทืืœ), which means to rule, govern, reign, or have authority over. It is the same word used in Genesis 1:26 concerning humanity's role over the earth. The phrase "under his feet" is an ancient idiom signifying complete subjugation or authority.

Related Scriptures

This verse directly echoes the creation mandate given to Adam and Eve in Genesis 1:28, where God tells them to "replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."

Significantly, Psalm 8:6 is quoted in the New Testament, particularly in Hebrews 2:8, to argue for the ultimate authority of Jesus Christ. While the psalm initially speaks of humanity generally, the New Testament authors interpret its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who fully embodies the ideal human and exercises complete authority over all things, including death itself (1 Corinthians 15:27, Ephesians 1:22).

Reflection and Application

This verse reminds us of the incredible dignity and responsibility God has bestowed upon humanity. We are appointed as stewards, given authority to care for and govern the earth and its creatures. This calls us to responsible environmentalism and ethical treatment of the world around us. However, the New Testament's application points us to the truth that humanity, marred by sin, has not fully lived up to this mandate. The full realization of this dominion is seen in Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills God's design for humanity and whose future reign will establish ultimate peace and order over all creation. Our hope lies in His authority and our participation in His redemptive work.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 1:28 (20 votes)

    And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

  • Genesis 1:26 (15 votes)

    ยถ And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

  • Hebrews 2:8 (11 votes)

    Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing [that is] not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.

  • Ephesians 1:22 (10 votes)

    And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church,

  • Matthew 28:18 (10 votes)

    And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

  • Genesis 9:2 (6 votes)

    And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth [upon] the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.

  • Psalms 110:1 (6 votes)

    ยถ A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.