You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes that humanity's dominion isn't just about ruling over creation, but about a deep relationship where all things are placed under our "feet." This imagery suggests not mere control, but a profound belonging and subservience, as if the entire created order is meant to support and serve our God-given purpose.
You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Psalmist is marveling at humanity's unique place in God's creation, seeing humans as honored beings crowned with glory. Following this thought, the passage now describes the vast authority God has granted humanity, placing all of creation under their rule. This is understood by many as a prophecy pointing to Christ's ultimate dominion over all things, both heavenly and earthly.
Did you know that right from the beginning, God gave humanity an incredible job description? It wasn't just about surviving, but about ruling.
The Crown of Creation
Look at Psalm 8:6: "You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet." This verse points back to the very creation account in Genesis.
This psalm speaks about humanity's authority, but who is the perfect one who embodies this dominion? The answer points straight to Jesus.
The King of All Creation
While Psalm 8 originally speaks of humanity's delegated authority, the New Testament writers, especially the author of Hebrews, see its ultimate and fullest meaning in Jesus Christ.
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Understand the original words
memshalah · Hebrew Noun
The delegated authority and rule granted by God to humanity to oversee and manage the created order as His representatives.
regel · Hebrew Noun
A sign of absolute authority, subjection, and victory, often denoting that someone or something has been placed completely under the control or rule of another.
This passage directly describes God giving humanity dominion over creation, which is the foundational concept echoed in Psalm 8:6.
1 Corinthians 15:25-27The Apostle Paul explicitly quotes and applies this verse to Jesus Christ, highlighting His ultimate authority and subjection of all enemies, including death.
Hebrews 2:6-8This passage directly references Psalm 8:6 (and verse 5), applying the dominion originally given to mankind to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His superiority even to angels.
Philippians 2:9-11While not a direct quote, this passage describes the exaltation of Christ after His suffering, a concept that aligns with the dominion and supreme authority mentioned in Psalm 8:6.
calvinPsalms 8:5-6: "For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour."
- Thou hast made him little lower. The Hebrew copulative ky, ki, I have no doubt, ought to be translated into the causal particle for, seeing the Psalmist confirms what he has just now said concerning the infinite goodness of God towards men, in showing himself near to them, and mindful of them. In the first place, he represents them as adorned with so many honors as to render the…
gillPsalms 8:6: "Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:"
Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands,.... All power in heaven and in earth being given to him: when he was raised from the dead, and when he ascended on high, and was set down at the right hand of God, he was made or declared Lord and Christ; Lord of the hosts of heaven, of all the angels there, King of saints, King of kings, and Lord of lords. All things…
The verse emphasizes that humanity's dominion isn't just about ruling over creation, but about a deep relationship where all things are placed under our "feet." This imagery suggests not mere control, but a profound belonging and subservience, as if the entire created order is meant to support and serve our God-given purpose.
The Psalmist is marveling at humanity's unique place in God's creation, seeing humans as honored beings crowned with glory. Following this thought, the passage now describes the vast authority God has granted humanity, placing all of creation under their rule. This is understood by many as a prophecy pointing to Christ's ultimate dominion over all things, both heavenly and earthly.
The Psalmist is marveling at humanity's unique place in God's creation, seeing humans as honored beings crowned with glory. Following this thought, the passage now describes the vast authority God has granted humanity, placing all of creation under their rule. This is understood by many as a prophecy pointing to Christ's ultimate dominion over all things, both heavenly and earthly.
"You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet," — The verse emphasizes that humanity's dominion isn't just about ruling over creation, but about a deep relationship where all things are placed under our "feet." This imagery suggests not mere control…
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Last reviewed October 2026