Hebrews 2:7

"But one has somewhere testified, saying, “What is man, that you think of him? Or the son of man, that you care for him?"

Key Reflection

In the first century, when Hebrews 2:7 was written, this passage likely drew upon Psalm 8:4, which posed a similar question: “What is man, that you care for him? What is the son of man, that you think of him?” The original audience would have recognized these words as part of Israel’s wisdom literature, highlighting the humility and insignificance of humanity in comparison to God. This context underscores the extraordinary nature of God’s concern for mankind, making it clear that despite our frailty, God values us profoundly.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 7. Thou madest him a little lower than the angels. Marg. A little while inferior to. The Greek may here mean, a little inferior in rank, or inferior for a little time. But the probable meaning is, that it refers to inferiority of rank. Such is its obvious sense in Ps 8, from which this is quoted. The meaning is, that God had made man but little inferior to the angels in rank. He was inferior, but still God had exalted him almost to their rank. Feeble, and weak, and dying as he was, God had exalted him, and had given him a dominion and a rank almost like that of the angels.

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