Heb 2:5-9 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Heb 2:5-9: 2:5-9 The author of Hebrews uses Ps 8:4-6 to transition from the discussion of Christ’s exalted divinity (Heb 1:5-14 ) to the discussion of his humanity (2:10-18 ). Psalm 8 is often presented with Ps 110:1 (see Heb 1:13 ) to speak of the submission of created things to Christ (see 1 Cor 15:25-27 ; Eph 1:20-23 ). Christ is the consummate human being. In his exaltation, he fulfills what fallen humanity could not: true dominion over the created order. 2:5 it is not angels: Cp. 1:13 .

Summary for Heb 2:5-9: 2:5-9 ^a The author of Hebrews uses Ps 8:4-6 ^b to transition from the discussion of Christ’s exalted divinity (Heb 1:5-14 ^c) to the discussion of his humanity (2:10-18 ^d). Psalm 8 ^e is often presented with Ps 110:1 ^f (see Heb 1:13 ^g) to speak of the submission of created things to Christ (see 1 Cor 15:25-27 ^h; Eph 1:20-23 ⁱ). Christ is the consummate human being. In his exaltation, he fulfills what fallen humanity could not: true dominion over the created order. 2:5 ^j it is not angels: Cp. 1:13 ^k.
Summary for Heb 2:6-8: 2:6-8 ^l These verses quote Ps 8:4-6 ^m. Psalm 8 ⁿ speaks of the position God has given humanity, but the author of Hebrews applies it as a prediction about Christ, who is the fulfillment and representative head of humanity. 2:6 ^o What are mere mortals: These two lines of the psalm proclaim God’s special attention to human beings.

• a son of man (or the Son of Man): The phrase son of man speaks of human existence; it parallels mere mortals in the previous line. In the Gospels Jesus frequently referred to himself with this phrase.
2:7 ^p 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 ^q). As a result of his suffering, he was crowned . . . with glory and honor (see Heb 2:9 ^r; Phil 2:9-11 ^s).
2:8 ^t You gave them authority over all things (literally You have put all things under his feet): See study note on 2:6-8.

• nothing is left out: All things are ultimately subject to Christ and the church, but we have not yet seen the complete expression of this reality—it will be consummated at the end of the age.
2:9 ^u What we do see is Jesus: How can the church persevere when evil and death are still in the world? We look to Jesus both in his human life in a position “a little lower than the angels” and in his exaltation, now “crowned with glory and honor.” His suffering as a human being led to his exaltation (see Phil 2:5-11 ^v; cp. Isa 52:13–53:12 ^w). See also Heb 12:1-13 ^x.