Hebrews 2:7
Verse
Context
Jesus like His Brothers
6But somewhere it is testified in these words: “What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? 7You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor 8and placed everything under his feet.” When God subjected all things to him, He left nothing outside of his control. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him.
Sermons
Stephen Kaung
George Fox
Lewis Sperry ChaferSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou madest him a little lower than the angels - We must again have recourse to the original from which this quotation is made: ותחסרהו מעט מאלהים vattechasserehu meat meelohim. If this be spoken of man as he came out of the hands of his Maker, it places him at the head of all God's works; for literally translated it is: Thou hast made him less than God. And this is proved by his being made in the image and likeness of God, which is spoken of no other creature either in heaven or earth; and it is very likely that in his original creation he stood at the head of all the works of God, and the next to his Maker. This sentiment is well expressed in the following lines, part of a paraphrase on this psalm, by the Rev. C. Wesley: - "Him with glorious majesty Thy grace vouchsafed to crown: Transcript of the One in Three, He in thine image shone. Foremost of created things, Head of all thy works he stood; Nearest the great King of kings, And little less than God." If we take the words as referring to Jesus Christ, then they must be understood as pointing out the time of his humiliation, as in Heb 2:9; and the little lower, βραχυ τι, in both verses, must mean for a short time, or a little while, as is very properly inserted among our marginal readings. Adam was originally made higher than the angels, but by sin he is now brought low, and subjected to death; for the angelic nature is not mortal. Thus, taking the words in their common acceptation, man in his present state may be said to be lessened below the angels. Jesus Christ, as the eternal Logos, or God with God, could not die, therefore a body was prepared for him; and thus βραχυ τι, for a short while, he was made lower than the angels, that he might be capable of suffering death. And indeed the whole of the passage suits him better than it does any of the children of men, or than even Adam himself in a state of innocence; for it is only under the feet of Jesus that all things are put in subjection, and it was in consequence of his humiliation that he had a name above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, Phi 2:9-11. Therefore he must be infinitely higher than the angels, for they, as well as all the things in heaven, bow in subjection to him. Thou crownedst him with glory and honor - This was strictly true of Adam in his state of innocence, for he was set over all things in this lower world; all sheep and oxen, the beasts of the field, the fowl of the air, the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth over the paths of the seas, Psa 8:7, Psa 8:8. So far all this perfectly applies to Adam; but it is evident the apostle takes all in a much higher sense, that of universal dominion; and hence he says, he left nothing that is not put under him. These verses, collated with the above passage from the Epistle to the Philippians, mutually illustrate each other. And the crowning Christ with glory and honor must refer to his exaltation after his resurrection, in which, as the victorious Messiah, he had all power given to him in heaven and earth. And although we do not yet see all things put under him, for evil men, and evil spirits, are only under the subjection of control, yet we look forward to that time when the whole world shall be bowed to his sway, and when the stone cut out of the mountain without hands shall become great, and fill the whole earth. What was never true of the first Adam, even in his most exalted state, is true of the second Adam, the Lord Jesus Christ; and to him, and to him alone, it is most evident that the apostle applies these things; and thus he is higher than the angels, who never had nor can have such dominion and consequent glory.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
a little--not as BENGEL, "a little time." than the angels--Hebrew, "than God," "Elohim," that is, the abstract qualities of God, such as angels possess in an inferior form; namely, heavenly, spiritual, incorporeal natures. Man, in his original creation, was set next beneath them. So the man Jesus, though Lord of angels, when He emptied Himself of the externals of His Divinity (see on Phi 2:6-7), was in His human nature "a little lower than the angels"; though this is not the primary reference here, but man in general. crownedst him with glory and honour--as the appointed kingly vicegerent of God over this earth (Gen. 1:1-2:25). and didst set him over the works of thy hands--omitted in some of the oldest manuscripts; but read by others and by oldest versions: so Psa 8:6, "Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet,.... Good angels, men and devils, all things in heaven, earth, and sea; see Pe1 3:22 for in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him; there is no one person or thing that is not subject to Christ; the subjection is the most universal, either voluntary or involuntary; whether they will or not, they are, and must be subject; God has left nothing but what he has put under his power: but now we see not yet all things put under him; this seems to be an objection, and even a contradiction to what is before said; which may be removed by observing, that though this general subjection is not seen by us, it does not follow that it is not; and though it is not as yet visible, yet it will be: and besides, the apostle's sense may be, that no such general subjection to any mere man has ever been seen and known; as not to Solomon, nor Ahasuerus, nor Cyrus, nor Alexander the great, nor Julius, nor Augustus Caesar, nor any other; and this he may observe, to show the non-application of this passage to any but to Jesus Christ; and this sense is confirmed by what follows.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:7 them: Literally him. This refers to humanity in general and is applied specifically to Christ (see study note on 2:6-8). • Christ became a little lower than the angels (or lower than the angels for only a little while), like other human beings (see also Phil 2:5-8). As a result of his suffering, he was crowned . . . with glory and honor (see Heb 2:9; Phil 2:9-11).
Hebrews 2:7
Jesus like His Brothers
6But somewhere it is testified in these words: “What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? 7You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor 8and placed everything under his feet.” When God subjected all things to him, He left nothing outside of his control. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Foundations - Spiritual Life
By Stephen Kaung80651:48GEN 2:7GEN 3:6JHN 3:6ROM 6:6ROM 7:15ROM 8:13GAL 5:16HEB 2:7
This sermon delves into the creation of man, the purpose of God in creating humanity, the choice between living for oneself or living for Christ, the battle between the spirit and the soul, and the importance of defeating the enemy in our lives to fulfill God's purpose. It emphasizes the need to live for Christ, even in the face of difficulties, and to allow the life of Christ within us to grow and mature, enabling us to be used by God to overcome the works of the enemy.
Bristol Conference 1973-01 the Lord Jesus Christ
By Stan Ford78640:46MAT 6:33ACT 1:1HEB 1:1HEB 2:7HEB 2:10HEB 3:3HEB 4:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's ultimate subject is His Son, Jesus Christ. The sermon is based on the book of Hebrews, particularly focusing on chapter 3 and chapter 4. The preacher highlights Jesus as the vocal expression of God's force, the vested inheritor of God's universe, and the superior one who is counted worthy of more glory than Moses. The sermon also mentions Jesus as the apostle and high priest, emphasizing his role in salvation and bringing many sons to glory. The sermon concludes by referencing Acts chapter 1 and Hebrews chapter 4, emphasizing Jesus' teachings and his role in the kingdom of God.
Bristol Conference 1973-06 the Lord Jesus Christ
By Stan Ford77038:44ACT 1:1HEB 1:1HEB 2:2HEB 2:7HEB 2:10HEB 3:3HEB 4:14In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the nature of Jesus Christ as both the Son of God and the Son of Man. He emphasizes that anyone can come to Jesus, regardless of their social status or background, as long as they have faith in the blood of the lamb. The preacher quotes Dr. Vole, who describes Jesus as the vocal expression of God's hope, the inheritor of God's universe, and the center of God's plan. The sermon also highlights Jesus as a messenger, a conqueror, a savior, a captain, and a parent, showing his love and compassion for those he has redeemed. Additionally, the preacher references Hebrews 2:1-3 and 2:9-14 to support his points about Jesus' role and significance.
Loving Others: By Seeing God's Glory (Jn. 15:12; 17:22)
By Mike Bickle331:08:55Community in ChristAbiding LoveLoving OthersMAT 16:18JHN 15:12JHN 17:22EPH 4:16HEB 2:7Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of loving others as a reflection of God's glory, urging the congregation to extend their love beyond familiar circles to those who feel unnoticed or unloved. He highlights that true love mirrors the relationship within the Trinity and is essential for the church's mission, as it demonstrates God's character to the world. Bickle encourages believers to actively seek out and include those who may feel isolated within the church community, reinforcing that every member has a pastoral calling to love and support one another.
The Beauty of God in the Life of a Believer (Ps. 90:17)
By Mike Bickle2355:49The Beauty of GodHumility and SurrenderPSA 27:4PSA 90:17PSA 149:4ISA 61:3MAL 3:16MAT 10:422CO 2:15COL 3:3HEB 2:71PE 3:4Mike Bickle emphasizes the beauty of God and how it is imparted to believers, highlighting that God's beauty is not only to be admired but also shared with His people. He explains that this beauty begins at the moment of salvation and is cultivated through humility and surrender, which may often go unrecognized in this life but will be celebrated in the age to come. Bickle encourages believers to intentionally seek out and recognize the beauty within themselves and others, as it is a reflection of God's grace and love. He reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness and humility are beautiful in God's eyes and contribute to our eternal significance. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a shift in perspective, urging believers to see their lives through the lens of God's beauty and purpose.
Epistle 283
By George Fox0FaithfulnessEncouragementMAT 6:20EPH 6:11EPH 6:131TH 1:42TI 1:6HEB 2:71PE 1:42PE 3:1George Fox emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith and wearing the whole armor of God to withstand trials and tribulations. He encourages believers to maintain their public testimonies and support one another, especially during difficult times, reminding them to keep their focus on heavenly treasures rather than earthly concerns. Fox expresses his desire for all to remain steadfast and faithful to the truth, despite personal struggles and weaknesses. He urges Friends to visit and encourage each other, ensuring that no one falters in their faith. His heartfelt message is a call to unity and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The Angels
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0GEN 16:1JOB 38:7PSA 8:5MAT 4:11MAT 25:31MAT 25:41MAT 28:2MRK 5:9LUK 2:13LUK 7:24LUK 8:30LUK 22:43ACT 1:101CO 6:3GAL 3:191TI 4:11TI 5:21HEB 1:14HEB 2:7JAS 2:252PE 2:4JUD 1:6REV 1:20REV 5:11REV 20:10Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the intricate details of angels as depicted in the Scriptures, emphasizing their distinct order of creation, heavenly position above man, and the various classes of angelic beings, including the unfallen angels and the fallen angels. The sermon explores the nature, ministry, and significance of angels in pivotal events such as creation, the giving of the law, the birth and resurrection of Christ, and their future role in the second coming of Christ.
Psalms 8:3
By Chuck Smith0God's MajestyGod's Love for HumanityPSA 8:3HEB 2:7Chuck Smith explores the majesty of God as reflected in the vastness of the universe, emphasizing that despite the grandeur of creation, God is intimately mindful of humanity. He highlights that God loves each person personally, knowing their struggles and weaknesses, and that His love is demonstrated through the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Smith reassures that even in our failures, we are not punished but rather embraced by God's grace. He concludes by affirming that God has given authority to Jesus over all creation, even as many still resist His rule.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou madest him a little lower than the angels - We must again have recourse to the original from which this quotation is made: ותחסרהו מעט מאלהים vattechasserehu meat meelohim. If this be spoken of man as he came out of the hands of his Maker, it places him at the head of all God's works; for literally translated it is: Thou hast made him less than God. And this is proved by his being made in the image and likeness of God, which is spoken of no other creature either in heaven or earth; and it is very likely that in his original creation he stood at the head of all the works of God, and the next to his Maker. This sentiment is well expressed in the following lines, part of a paraphrase on this psalm, by the Rev. C. Wesley: - "Him with glorious majesty Thy grace vouchsafed to crown: Transcript of the One in Three, He in thine image shone. Foremost of created things, Head of all thy works he stood; Nearest the great King of kings, And little less than God." If we take the words as referring to Jesus Christ, then they must be understood as pointing out the time of his humiliation, as in Heb 2:9; and the little lower, βραχυ τι, in both verses, must mean for a short time, or a little while, as is very properly inserted among our marginal readings. Adam was originally made higher than the angels, but by sin he is now brought low, and subjected to death; for the angelic nature is not mortal. Thus, taking the words in their common acceptation, man in his present state may be said to be lessened below the angels. Jesus Christ, as the eternal Logos, or God with God, could not die, therefore a body was prepared for him; and thus βραχυ τι, for a short while, he was made lower than the angels, that he might be capable of suffering death. And indeed the whole of the passage suits him better than it does any of the children of men, or than even Adam himself in a state of innocence; for it is only under the feet of Jesus that all things are put in subjection, and it was in consequence of his humiliation that he had a name above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, Phi 2:9-11. Therefore he must be infinitely higher than the angels, for they, as well as all the things in heaven, bow in subjection to him. Thou crownedst him with glory and honor - This was strictly true of Adam in his state of innocence, for he was set over all things in this lower world; all sheep and oxen, the beasts of the field, the fowl of the air, the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth over the paths of the seas, Psa 8:7, Psa 8:8. So far all this perfectly applies to Adam; but it is evident the apostle takes all in a much higher sense, that of universal dominion; and hence he says, he left nothing that is not put under him. These verses, collated with the above passage from the Epistle to the Philippians, mutually illustrate each other. And the crowning Christ with glory and honor must refer to his exaltation after his resurrection, in which, as the victorious Messiah, he had all power given to him in heaven and earth. And although we do not yet see all things put under him, for evil men, and evil spirits, are only under the subjection of control, yet we look forward to that time when the whole world shall be bowed to his sway, and when the stone cut out of the mountain without hands shall become great, and fill the whole earth. What was never true of the first Adam, even in his most exalted state, is true of the second Adam, the Lord Jesus Christ; and to him, and to him alone, it is most evident that the apostle applies these things; and thus he is higher than the angels, who never had nor can have such dominion and consequent glory.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
a little--not as BENGEL, "a little time." than the angels--Hebrew, "than God," "Elohim," that is, the abstract qualities of God, such as angels possess in an inferior form; namely, heavenly, spiritual, incorporeal natures. Man, in his original creation, was set next beneath them. So the man Jesus, though Lord of angels, when He emptied Himself of the externals of His Divinity (see on Phi 2:6-7), was in His human nature "a little lower than the angels"; though this is not the primary reference here, but man in general. crownedst him with glory and honour--as the appointed kingly vicegerent of God over this earth (Gen. 1:1-2:25). and didst set him over the works of thy hands--omitted in some of the oldest manuscripts; but read by others and by oldest versions: so Psa 8:6, "Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet,.... Good angels, men and devils, all things in heaven, earth, and sea; see Pe1 3:22 for in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him; there is no one person or thing that is not subject to Christ; the subjection is the most universal, either voluntary or involuntary; whether they will or not, they are, and must be subject; God has left nothing but what he has put under his power: but now we see not yet all things put under him; this seems to be an objection, and even a contradiction to what is before said; which may be removed by observing, that though this general subjection is not seen by us, it does not follow that it is not; and though it is not as yet visible, yet it will be: and besides, the apostle's sense may be, that no such general subjection to any mere man has ever been seen and known; as not to Solomon, nor Ahasuerus, nor Cyrus, nor Alexander the great, nor Julius, nor Augustus Caesar, nor any other; and this he may observe, to show the non-application of this passage to any but to Jesus Christ; and this sense is confirmed by what follows.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:7 them: Literally him. This refers to humanity in general and is applied specifically to Christ (see study note on 2:6-8). • Christ became a little lower than the angels (or lower than the angels for only a little while), like other human beings (see also Phil 2:5-8). As a result of his suffering, he was crowned . . . with glory and honor (see Heb 2:9; Phil 2:9-11).