King James Version

What Does Hebrews 2:9 Mean?

Hebrews 2:9 in the King James Version says “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour;... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 2:9 · KJV


Context

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.

11

For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'A little lower than the angels' quotes Psalm 8:5, applying it christologically. The paradox of incarnation—the Creator becoming creature—is captured in 'crowned with glory and honour.' The phrase 'taste death for every man' uses 'taste' (Greek 'geuomai') not to minimize but to emphasize the full experience of death. The substitutionary atonement ('for every man') is clearly taught.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 8 originally celebrated humanity's exalted position in creation. Hebrews reinterprets it as messianic, showing how Christ fulfilled humanity's intended destiny by first identifying with human limitations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's voluntary humiliation in the incarnation demonstrate the depth of God's love?
  2. What does it mean that Christ tasted death for you specifically?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
τοῦ1 of 25

who

G3588

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

δὲ2 of 25

But

G1161

but, and, etc

βραχύ3 of 25

a little

G1024

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

τι4 of 25
G5100

some or any person or object

παρ'5 of 25

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 25

the angels

G32

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

ἠλαττωμένον7 of 25

lower

G1642

to lessen (in rank or influence)

βλέπομεν8 of 25

we see

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

Ἰησοῦν9 of 25

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

διὰ10 of 25

for

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ11 of 25

who

G3588

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

πάθημα12 of 25

the suffering

G3804

something undergone, i.e., hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence

τοῦ13 of 25

who

G3588

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

θανάτου14 of 25

death

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

δόξῃ15 of 25

with glory

G1391

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

καὶ16 of 25

and

G2532

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

τιμῇ17 of 25

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

ἐστεφανωμένον18 of 25

crowned

G4737

to adorn with an honorary wreath (literally or figuratively)

ὅπως19 of 25

that

G3704

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

χάριτι20 of 25

by the grace

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

θεοῦ21 of 25

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ὑπὲρ22 of 25

for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

παντὸς23 of 25

every man

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

γεύσηται24 of 25

he

G1089

to taste; by implication, to eat; figuratively, to experience (good or ill)

θανάτου25 of 25

death

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)


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 2:9 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 2:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study