Hebrews 2:6-8
It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that "visiting" implies a more active and concerned care than merely being "mindful." God doesn't just remember humanity from a distance; He actively intervenes and looks after us. This subtle distinction points to the depth of God's personal investment in us, even when we feel insignificant.
The author is contrasting God's original plan for humanity with the present reality, arguing that the "world to come" is not subjected to angels. To prove this, he quotes Psalm 8, which marvels at the great honor God bestowed upon humankind, making them rulers over creation. This sets the stage for showing how this dominion was lost by the first Adam and is now fully realized in Christ, the "Son of Man."
Have you ever looked at the stars and felt impossibly small? The Bible captures that same awe, asking about humanity's seemingly insignificant place in God's grand universe.
The writer of Hebrews quotes Psalm 8, starting with a profound question: "What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him?" This isn't a question born of despair, but of awe.
A Universe of Scale
When David, likely the psalmist, wrote this, he was probably gazing at the night sky. The sheer immensity of the cosmos—the stars, the moon, the vastness of creation—makes human existence seem incredibly tiny. It prompts a natural question: why would the Creator of all this pay attention to us?
More Than Just Being 'Mindful'
The passage uses two key phrases:
This isn't just about God knowing we exist; it's about Him actively engaging with us, showing a deep and abiding care for humanity.
The Bible declares humanity has dominion over creation, but this grand inheritance seems lost. Where is it found today?
The writer of Hebrews isn't just quoting Psalm 8 for poetic effect. He's using it to build an argument about God's plan for humanity and, specifically, for Jesus.
The Original Mandate
Psalm 8, along with Genesis 1, speaks of God giving humanity dominion over His creation. Man was made in God's image, intended to be His vicegerent on earth, ruling wisely and tenderly over all the creatures.
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.
angelos · Greek Noun
Spiritual beings created by God who serve as His messengers, attendants, and agents, functioning in a realm higher than humanity in their natural, pre-resurrection state.
doxa · Greek Noun
A state of dignity, splendor, or majesty that reflects the character and presence of God, particularly associated with the status of redeemed humanity or the exalted Christ.
This passage highlights how the author of Hebrews uses a well-known psalm, originally a reflection on God's creation and humanity's place within it, to underscore Jesus' supreme authority over angels and His role in restoring humanity's intended dominion.
c. 1000 BC
David Composes Psalm 8
King David, likely inspired by observing the night sky, composes Psalm 8, marveling at God's care for humanity despite the vastness of creation. The psalm reflects on the dominion God originally granted to humankind.
c. 500 BC
Septuagint Translation of Psalm 8
The Book of Psalms is translated into Greek for the Jewish diaspora. This translation of Psalm 8:4-6 is the version later quoted in the New Testament, with some variations from the original Hebrew.
c. 30 BC - AD 50
Philo of Alexandria's Writings
Jewish philosopher Philo uses similar indefinite quotation styles when referencing Scripture, indicating a common practice among learned Jews and Hellenistic readers.
c. AD 60-80— this verse
Author of Hebrews Quotes Psalm 8
The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews quotes Psalm 8:4-6 to argue that God's plan is not for angels, but for humanity, specifically pointing to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of man's dominion.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of Psalm 8, asking 'What is man, that you regard him, the son of man, that you think of him?' highlighting humanity's frailty against God's greatness.
1 Corinthians 15:27The Apostle Paul also quotes from Psalm 8, applying the dominion given to man not just to Adam, but ultimately to Christ, showing how Christ fulfills the original intent for humanity.
Genesis 1:26This verse establishes the original divine mandate for humanity to have dominion, providing the foundational context for the wonder expressed in Psalm 8 about man's appointed place.
Matthew 21:16Jesus himself references Psalm 8, using it to answer the chief priests and scribes, demonstrating that the Psalm's focus on human praise has a profound spiritual significance pointing to God's purpose in Christ.
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 verse highlights that "visiting" implies a more active and concerned care than merely being "mindful." God doesn't just remember humanity from a distance; He actively intervenes and looks after us. This subtle distinction points to the depth of God's personal investment in us, even when we feel insignificant.
The author is contrasting God's original plan for humanity with the present reality, arguing that the "world to come" is not subjected to angels. To prove this, he quotes Psalm 8, which marvels at the great honor God bestowed upon humankind, making them rulers over creation. This sets the stage for showing how this dominion was lost by the first Adam and is now fully realized in Christ, the "Son of Man."
The author is contrasting God's original plan for humanity with the present reality, arguing that the "world to come" is not subjected to angels. To prove this, he quotes Psalm 8, which marvels at the great honor God bestowed upon humankind, making them rulers over creation. This sets the stage for showing how this dominion was lost by the first Adam and is now fully realized in Christ, the "Son of Man."
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A Dominion Lost and Reclaimed
However, the commentary highlights that this dominion was fractured by humanity's fall into sin. Adam lost the full realization of this rule, and subsequent human history often shows the opposite of dominion—man being enslaved by sin, or ruling cruelly over creation and each other.
The argument here is that this original mandate of dominion, so clearly stated in Scripture, is not fully realized in any mere human being. It points beyond ordinary humanity.
The Ultimate Fulfillment in Christ
The ultimate fulfillment of this dominion is found in Jesus Christ, the "Son of Man." He is the perfect Man who perfectly embodies God's original intention. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus reclaims and exercises true dominion, not just over this earth, but over the "world to come" and all spiritual powers. The psalm, therefore, finds its true and complete meaning in Him, and through Him, in all who are united with Him.
The question "Why does God care for us?" is profound. When applied to Jesus, it takes on an even more astonishing dimension.
The writer of Hebrews uses the awe-inspiring question from Psalm 8 not just to highlight God's care for humanity in general, but to emphasize the supreme way God cares for His Son, Jesus.
God's Favor on His Son
When the psalmist asks, "What is man, that you are mindful of him? Or the son of man, that you visit him?" the apostle Paul, in other contexts, points directly to Jesus as the ultimate answer. While the psalm speaks of humanity's intended dignity, Jesus embodies it perfectly.
The 'Son of Man' Title
The phrase "son of man" is particularly significant. It's a title Jesus frequently used for Himself. It points to His humanity, His solidarity with us, and His role as the representative of humanity. Yet, He is also uniquely the Son of God.
Divine Wonder at the Incarnation
The commentary suggests that the angels themselves look with amazement (though not envy) at how God has exalted humanity through Jesus. The union of the divine and human in Jesus, the elevation of humanity to a place above the angels through Him, is a stupendous act of divine love and care. The question "Why?" echoes through eternity, met by the reality of God's boundless love expressed in the person of Jesus Christ.
timē · Greek Noun
High status, esteem, or reverence granted to an individual, often as a result of divine appointment or virtuous character.
"It has been testified somewhere,
“What is man, that you are mindful of him,
or the son of man, that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels;
you have crowned him with glory and honor, pu…" — The verse highlights that "visiting" implies a more active and concerned care than merely being "mindful." God doesn't just remember humanity from a distance; He actively intervenes and looks after u…