Hebrews 2:7
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:
Original Language Analysis
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 20
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
παρ'
than
G3844
παρ'
than
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
5 of 20
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
ἀγγέλους
the angels
G32
ἀγγέλους
the angels
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
6 of 20
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
δόξῃ
with glory
G1391
δόξῃ
with glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
7 of 20
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τιμῇ
honour
G5092
τιμῇ
honour
Strong's:
G5092
Word #:
9 of 20
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
ἐστεφάνωσας
thou crownedst
G4737
ἐστεφάνωσας
thou crownedst
Strong's:
G4737
Word #:
10 of 20
to adorn with an honorary wreath (literally or figuratively)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 20
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κατέστησας
didst set
G2525
κατέστησας
didst set
Strong's:
G2525
Word #:
13 of 20
to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 20
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
ἐπὶ
over
G1909
ἐπὶ
over
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργα
the works
G2041
ἔργα
the works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
17 of 20
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The LXX translated the Hebrew 'elohim' (God/gods) as 'angels,' which the author adopts. This reading fits the argument that Christ temporarily took a position below angels to accomplish redemption, then was elevated above them.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's voluntary humiliation inform your understanding of true greatness?
- What does Christ's exaltation after humiliation teach about the path of discipleship?
Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'made him a little lower than the angels' can also be translated 'for a little while lower than the angels,' referring to Christ's incarnation. The crowning with 'glory and honor' (Greek 'doxē kai timē') points to Christ's exaltation after His humiliation. This demonstrates the Reformed principle that Christ's work involves both humiliation (incarnation, suffering, death) and exaltation (resurrection, ascension, session), securing full salvation.