Hebrews 2:9
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
who
G3588
τοῦ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρ'
than
G3844
παρ'
than
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
5 of 25
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 25
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
9 of 25
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
10 of 25
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
who
G3588
τοῦ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πάθημα
the suffering
G3804
πάθημα
the suffering
Strong's:
G3804
Word #:
12 of 25
something undergone, i.e., hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence
τοῦ
who
G3588
τοῦ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θανάτου
death
G2288
θανάτου
death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
14 of 25
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
δόξῃ
with glory
G1391
δόξῃ
with glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
15 of 25
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 25
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 #:
17 of 25
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
ἐστεφανωμένον
crowned
G4737
ἐστεφανωμένον
crowned
Strong's:
G4737
Word #:
18 of 25
to adorn with an honorary wreath (literally or figuratively)
ὅπως
that
G3704
ὅπως
that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
19 of 25
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
χάριτι
by the grace
G5485
χάριτι
by the grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
20 of 25
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
21 of 25
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
22 of 25
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
Cross References
Revelation 5:9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;Acts 2:33Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.1 John 2:2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.Romans 5:18Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.John 1:29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.Hebrews 10:5Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:Romans 5:8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.John 12:32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.Hebrews 7:25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Historical Context
Psalm 8 originally celebrated humanity's exalted position in creation. Hebrews reinterprets it as messianic, showing how Christ fulfilled humanity's intended destiny by first identifying with human limitations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's voluntary humiliation in the incarnation demonstrate the depth of God's love?
- What does it mean that Christ tasted death for you specifically?
Analysis & Commentary
'A little lower than the angels' quotes Psalm 8:5, applying it christologically. The paradox of incarnation—the Creator becoming creature—is captured in 'crowned with glory and honour.' The phrase 'taste death for every man' uses 'taste' (Greek 'geuomai') not to minimize but to emphasize the full experience of death. The substitutionary atonement ('for every man') is clearly taught.