New Testament · Letter

Hebrews 2

A Little Lower Than the Angels

Jesus tasted death for everyone. He became fully human so he could destroy death's power and free those who lived their whole lives in fear of it.

King James Version BSB KJV

1Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

2For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;

3How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

4God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

5For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.

6But 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?

7Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

8Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.

9But 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.

10For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

11For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

12Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

13And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.

14Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

16For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

18For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Understand This

Hebrews 2, explained

What Hebrews 2 is saying

The author issues the first of five warning passages: neglecting 'so great a salvation' carries consequences more severe than violating the angelic-mediated Mosaic law. Citing Psalm 8, the writer argues that humanity's destined glory is realized not in angels but in Jesus, who through incarnation and suffering became the archegos (pioneer) of salvation. His solidarity with humanity—sharing in flesh and blood—enables Him to destroy death's power and serve as a merciful high priest.

The background behind it

The quotation of Psalm 8:4-6 follows the Septuagint reading of 'a little lower than the angels' rather than the Hebrew 'a little lower than God' (elohim), enabling the christological argument about incarnation and subsequent exaltation. The term archegos carries connotations of both 'founder' and 'trailblazer' in Hellenistic usage.

Themes running underneath

The paradox of exaltation through humiliation is central: Christ's temporary lowering below angels was the means of cosmic victory. The high-priestly motif, introduced here and developed throughout the letter, anchors soteriology in Christ's experiential solidarity with human suffering and temptation.

Why it still matters

The warning against drifting confronts spiritual complacency. Christ's willingness to fully enter human experience means believers have a high priest who understands temptation not theoretically but experientially—a profound resource for perseverance.

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Scripture text: King James Version — public domain.