Hebrews 2:9
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Hebrews 2:9
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.
Chapter Context
Hebrews 2 is a homiletical epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, obedience, discipleship. Written during before Jerusalem's destruction (c. 60-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Jewish Christians faced persecution pressure to return to Judaism's legal protections.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-18: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Hebrews and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Hebrews 2:9
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.
Analysis
'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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References Jesus: John 1:29
- References God: Hebrews 7:25, John 3:16, Acts 2:33, Romans 5:8, Revelation 5:9
- Parallel theme: Hebrews 10:5, John 12:32, Romans 5:18, 1 John 2:2