Hebrews 2:6
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?
Original Language Analysis
διεμαρτύρατο
testified
G1263
διεμαρτύρατο
testified
Strong's:
G1263
Word #:
1 of 17
to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
6 of 17
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
μιμνῄσκῃ
thou art mindful
G3403
μιμνῄσκῃ
thou art mindful
Strong's:
G3403
Word #:
10 of 17
to remind, i.e., (middle voice) to recall to mind
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 17
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
υἱὸς
the son
G5207
υἱὸς
the son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
13 of 17
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
15 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
Psalms 144:3LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!Isaiah 51:12I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;Job 15:14What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?Job 25:6How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?
Historical Context
Psalm 8 originally celebrated humanity's creation dignity. The Hebrews author applies it christologically to show how Christ, as the true human, fulfills God's intention for humanity. This dual application (to humanity generally and Christ specifically) was common in apostolic exegesis.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you reconcile your insignificance before God with your significance as His image-bearer?
- Why does God's attention to humanity evoke wonder rather than presumption?
Analysis & Commentary
Quoting Psalm 8:4, the author uses 'diemartusato' (testified) to introduce Scripture as authoritative divine witness. The rhetorical question 'What is man?' highlights humanity's apparent insignificance, setting up the contrast with God's gracious exaltation of humanity. Reformed anthropology acknowledges both human depravity and dignity - made in God's image yet fallen, redeemed only by grace.