It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him?
English Standard Version (ESV)
The passage asks why God is mindful of humanity, highlighting a profound humility. It suggests that even though humanity is small and prone to sin, God actively "visits" them, showing a deep, personal care and concern that goes beyond mere awareness.
It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him?
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author is arguing that the new covenant, established through Jesus, is superior to the angelic realm, and therefore also superior to the old covenant administered by angels. To support this, he quotes Psalm 8, highlighting humanity's original dominion over creation, a dominion not granted to angels, which he will later show is fully realized in Jesus.
Ever felt insignificant, like a tiny speck in the vast universe? The Bible grapples with this too, but through a lens of awe.
The passage opens with a profound question echoing from Psalm 8: "What is man, that you are mindful of him? or the son of man, that you care for him?"
A Question of Contrast
This isn't just a casual thought; it's an exclamation of wonder! When we look at the grandeur of creation – the stars, the galaxies – humanity can seem incredibly small and fragile. The psalmist, and by extension the author of Hebrews, is struck by the sheer disparity between the infinite Creator and finite humanity.
More Than Just Remembering
Notice the two verbs: "mindful" and "care for" (or "visit"). "Mindful" speaks to God's awareness, remembering us even when we feel forgotten. "Care for" or "visit" goes deeper, implying active concern, oversight, and benevolent engagement. It's not just that God knows we exist; it's that He actively pursues a relationship with us.
This initial question sets the stage for understanding the incredible honor and purpose God has for humanity, a purpose that far exceeds our initial perceived worth.
The Bible declares humans are meant to rule. But who truly holds dominion, and how does this connect to Jesus?
The writer of Hebrews uses Psalm 8 not just to express wonder, but to make a powerful argument about humanity's appointed role.
God's Decree of Dominion
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The Psalm, deeply rooted in Genesis 1, speaks of man being made to have dominion over God's creation. This was the original design – a position of stewardship and authority granted by God.
The Unfulfilled Promise (for Now)
However, the author points out that this dominion, in its fullest sense, hasn't been realized by humanity as a whole. Even in David's time, and certainly now, not all things are fully subject to man. The Apostle Paul, in other contexts, also grapples with this apparent gap between God's decree and humanity's current reality.
Jesus: The Representative Man
The crucial insight here is that this Psalm finds its ultimate fulfillment not in the first man, Adam, nor in any mere human leader, but in Jesus Christ, the "Son of Man." He is the perfect representative, the one through whom God's original intention for humanity's dominion is fully established. The dominion originally intended for humanity is ultimately vested in Jesus, and through Him, it extends to believers.
Understand the original words
enosh · Hebrew Noun
A general term for humanity, often emphasizing its fragility, mortality, and dependence on God in contrast to His transcendence.
ben-adam · Hebrew Noun phrase
A designation for a human being, emphasizing their earthly nature, yet often used prophetically in the Old Testament and uniquely by Jesus to refer to His messianic role, humility, and identification with humanity.
The author quotes Psalm 8, originally a reflection on God's general care for humanity and the dominion given to Adam, to powerfully argue that this dominion is only fully realized in Jesus Christ, who is now exalted far above all created beings, including angels.
c. 1000 BC
David Composes Psalm 8
King David, likely during a moment of awe inspired by the night sky, reflects on humanity's place in God's creation, composing Psalm 8 which questions why God is so mindful of humankind.
c. 1000 BC
David's Reign and Covenant Promises
David ruled as king, and God made significant covenant promises to him, including promises concerning his lineage and dominion. These promises would have been deeply ingrained in the consciousness of Jewish readers.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The southern kingdom of Judah falls to Babylon, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the exile of many Israelites. This event profoundly impacted Jewish identity and their understanding of God's promises.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Following Cyrus the Great's decree, many Jews return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple and their community. This marked a significant turning point, but the glory of Solomon's era was not fully restored.
1st Century AD
Messianic Expectation High
During the Second Temple period, Messianic expectations were particularly fervent, with many anticipating a divinely appointed deliverer who would restore Israel's glory and establish God's kingdom.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Ascension
Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, lives, teaches, dies, and is resurrected, demonstrating his divine authority and fulfilling prophecies. His ascension leaves humanity's future dominion yet to be fully realized.
c. AD 60-64
Authorship of Hebrews
The Epistle to the Hebrews is written, likely to Jewish believers struggling with their faith amidst persecution and a desire to return to old traditions. The author seeks to demonstrate the superiority of Christ.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of awe found in Hebrews 2:6, questioning the significance of humanity in the face of God's grandeur, asking, 'O Lord, what is man, that you regard him, or the son of man, that you think of him?' This highlights the wonder of God's attention to humankind.
Genesis 1:26-28Hebrews 2:6 quotes Psalm 8, which in turn reflects on humanity's original dominion. Genesis lays the foundation for this by describing humanity's creation in God's image and granting them authority over creation, providing the context for the 'What is man?' question.
John 3:16The profound love of God in 'visiting' humanity, as mentioned in Hebrews 2:6, finds a powerful expression in John 3:16, which speaks of God giving His only Son for the world. This demonstrates the incredible value God places on humanity, worth the ultimate sacrifice.
Matthew 21:16Jesus' response to the chief priests and scribes in Matthew 21:16, where He quotes Psalm 8:2 ('Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise'), shows His own recognition of the Psalm's divine inspiration and its application to His own ministry, underscoring the significance of the text cited in Hebrews.
wesleyHebrews 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?"
2:6 What is man - To the vast expanse of heaven, to the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained! This psalm seems to have been composed by David, in a clear, moonshiny, and starlight night, while he was contemplating the wonderful fabric of heaven; because in his magnificent description of its luminaries, he takes no notice of the sun, the most g…
barnesHebrews 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?"
But one in a certain place testified - The apostle was writing to those who were supposed to be familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures, and where it would be necessary only to make a reference in general without mentioning the name. The place which is quoted here is Psalm 8:4-6 . The "argument" of the apostle is this, that there stood in the sacred Scri…
The passage asks why God is mindful of humanity, highlighting a profound humility. It suggests that even though humanity is small and prone to sin, God actively "visits" them, showing a deep, personal care and concern that goes beyond mere awareness.
The author is arguing that the new covenant, established through Jesus, is superior to the angelic realm, and therefore also superior to the old covenant administered by angels. To support this, he quotes Psalm 8, highlighting humanity's original dominion over creation, a dominion not granted to angels, which he will later show is fully realized in Jesus.
The author is arguing that the new covenant, established through Jesus, is superior to the angelic realm, and therefore also superior to the old covenant administered by angels. To support this, he quotes Psalm 8, highlighting humanity's original dominion over creation, a dominion not granted to angels, which he will later show is fully realized in Jesus.
"It has been testified somewhere,
“What is man, that you are mindful of him,
or the son of man, that you care for him?" — The passage asks why God is mindful of humanity, highlighting a profound humility. It suggests that even though humanity is small and prone to sin, God actively "visits" them, showing a deep, persona…
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Last reviewed October 2026