King James Version

What Does Hebrews 2:7 Mean?

Hebrews 2:7 in the King James Version says “Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the wor...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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: lower: or, while inferior to”

Hebrews 2:7 · KJV

Context

5

For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.

6

But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?

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: lower: or, while inferior to

8

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.

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. for the: or, by the

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'made him a little lower than the angels' can also be translated 'for a little while lower than the angels,' referring to Christ's incarnation. The crowning with 'glory and honor' (Greek 'doxē kai timē') points to Christ's exaltation after His humiliation. This demonstrates the Reformed principle that Christ's work involves both humiliation (incarnation, suffering, death) and exaltation (resurrection, ascension, session), securing full salvation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The LXX translated the Hebrew 'elohim' (God/gods) as 'angels,' which the author adopts. This reading fits the argument that Christ temporarily took a position below angels to accomplish redemption, then was elevated above them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's voluntary humiliation inform your understanding of true greatness?
  2. What does Christ's exaltation after humiliation teach about the path of discipleship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἠλάττωσας1 of 20

“Thou madest”

G1642

to lessen (in rank or influence)

αὐτὸν2 of 20

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

βραχύ3 of 20

“a little”

G1024

short (of time, place, quantity, or number)

τι4 of 20
G5100

some or any person or object

παρ'5 of 20

“than”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

ἀγγέλους6 of 20

“the angels”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

δόξῃ7 of 20

“with glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

καὶ8 of 20

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τιμῇ9 of 20

“honour”

G5092

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

ἐστεφάνωσας10 of 20

“thou crownedst”

G4737

to adorn with an honorary wreath (literally or figuratively)

αὐτὸν11 of 20

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ12 of 20

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κατέστησας13 of 20

“didst set”

G2525

to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy

αὐτὸν14 of 20

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐπὶ15 of 20

“over”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὰ16 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔργα17 of 20

“the works”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

τῶν18 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χειρῶν19 of 20

“hands”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

σου·20 of 20

“of thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 2:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 2:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 8:5Philippians 2:6-7

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