Hebrews 2:7

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:

Hebrews 2:7 (KJV)

Context

Hebrews 2:7 quotes Psalm 8:5-6 and applies it to Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews writes to Jewish believers facing persecution, encouraging them to remain faithful by showing Christ’s superiority and His redemptive work. In its original psalm context, the words describe the honor God bestowed on humanity. In Hebrews, the same words are applied to Jesus, who represents humanity and secures salvation for all.

Meaning

The phrase “a little lower than the angels” can mean either a small degree of inferiority in rank or a short period of time. In Hebrews, both meanings apply to Jesus: He temporarily took on human flesh and was subject to human limitations and suffering, yet without compromising His divine nature. The Greek text (ἠλάττωσας αὐτὸν βραχύ τι παρ’ ἀγγέλους, δόξῃ καὶ τιμῇ ἐστεφάνωσας αὐτόν) supports the translation “a little lower than the angels” or “for a little while lower than the angels.” This highlights Jesus’ temporary state of humanity, when He became the perfect mediator between God and humanity.

Though He humbled Himself, He was not stripped of divine glory and honor. After His resurrection and ascension, Jesus was exalted to the highest place of authority and honor at the right hand of God the Father (Hebrews 1:3), restoring and surpassing the original glory intended for humanity. The immediate context (Hebrews 2:8-9) clarifies that while all things are not yet visibly subjected to humanity, we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.

Biblical connections

The passage also affirms that Jesus, as the exalted Son of God, has been given dominion over the works of God’s hands. Through His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection, He secured victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness and now reigns over creation. Believers who are united with Christ share in this dominion.

Application

Practical application follows. First, our identity in Christ: as believers we are united with Him and share in His exalted position, calling us to live in the reality of our restored relationship with God. Second, embracing humility: just as Jesus humbled Himself to become a servant, we are called to humility and selflessness in our relationships. Third, responsible stewardship: as recipients of God’s dominion, we are entrusted with caring for His creation and must exercise wise stewardship over the resources and responsibilities given to us. Finally, confidence in God’s plan: Hebrews 2:7 reminds us that God’s redemptive plan, fulfilled in Christ, will ultimately triumph over all opposition, giving us comfort and assurance in times of persecution or hardship.

Reflection

The verse underscores the temporary nature of Christ’s lower status, which was for the purpose of redemption, and His subsequent crowning with glory and honor. It reminds us that God’s redemptive plan, fulfilled in Christ, will ultimately triumph over all opposition, giving us comfort and assurance in times of persecution or hardship.