King James Version

What Does Hebrews 2:8 Mean?

Hebrews 2:8 in the King James Version says “Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing t...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Hebrews 2:8 · King James Version

Context

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

10

For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The comprehensive scope of 'subjected all things' (Greek 'panta hypetaksas') allows no exceptions - all creation is under Christ's authority. The phrase 'we do not yet see all things subjected' acknowledges the 'already/not yet' tension of Reformed eschatology. Christ reigns now, but full manifestation of His reign awaits the parousia. This prevents both triumphalism and defeatism.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The delay between Christ's enthronement and visible universal submission would have troubled early Christians expecting immediate consummation. The author addresses this by affirming both present reality and future hope.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain hope when Christ's reign is not yet visibly complete in your circumstances?
  2. What areas of your life need to be more fully subjected to Christ's lordship?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
πάντα1 of 25

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑποτεταγμένα·2 of 25

“Thou hast put”

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

ὑποκάτω3 of 25

“under”

G5270

down under, i.e., beneath

τῶν4 of 25
G3588

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

ποδῶν5 of 25

“feet”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

αὐτῷ6 of 25

“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

ἐν7 of 25

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

γὰρ8 of 25

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τῷ9 of 25
G3588

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

ὑποτεταγμένα·10 of 25

“Thou hast put”

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

αὐτῷ11 of 25

“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

τὰ12 of 25
G3588

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

πάντα13 of 25

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

οὐδὲν14 of 25

“nothing”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἀφῆκεν15 of 25

“he left”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

αὐτῷ16 of 25

“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

ἀνυπότακτον17 of 25

“that is not put under”

G506

unsubdued, i.e., insubordinate (in fact or temper)

νῦν18 of 25

“now”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

δὲ19 of 25

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

οὔπω20 of 25

“not yet”

G3768

not yet

ὁρῶμεν21 of 25

“we see”

G3708

by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear

αὐτῷ22 of 25

“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

τὰ23 of 25
G3588

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

πάντα24 of 25

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑποτεταγμένα·25 of 25

“Thou hast put”

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

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 2:8 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 2:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 13:31 Corinthians 15:27Psalms 8:61 Peter 3:221 Corinthians 15:24-25Daniel 7:14

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