Hebrews 2:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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.

NIV: and put everything under their feet." In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them.

NASB: YOU HAVE PUT EVERYTHING IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET.' For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him.

CSB: and subjected everything under his feet. For in subjecting everything to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. As it is, we do not yet see everything subjected to him.

NLT: You gave them authority over all things.' Now when it says 'all things,' it means nothing is left out. But we have not yet seen all things put under their authority.

KJV: Thou 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.

NKJV: You have 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 do not yet see all things put under him.

This verse completes a quotation of Psalm 8:4–6. The writer of Hebrews is distinguishing between Jesus and angels. In part, this is to show that Jesus is not Himself an angel, but is actually divine (Hebrews 1:3). This reference to Psalm 8 also supports the idea that the Messiah had to be a man in order to fully serve as both our high priest and substitute (Hebrews 2:10). Psalm 8 celebrates the creative work of God, while praising Him for using human beings to rule that creation. As it applies to the book of Hebrews, the author is pointing out that there is no shame in Messiah being fully human—God has granted honor and power to humanity which He never extended to angels.

Interestingly, the writer of Hebrews also points out that this Psalm has not been completely fulfilled, either in humanity or in Christ. The fall of mankind means that there are aspects of creation to which humans are now subject, instead of them being subject to us. And, of course, Jesus Christ is not yet ruling. The connection is supported in verse 9, however. Specifically, we will see how Jesus' suffering and death were crucial to Him becoming the perfect and suitable sacrifice for human sin.

Hebrews 2:5–18 explains why the Messiah, Jesus Christ, came in the form of a man, rather than being an angel. In order to serve as a true example, He had to experience our human suffering and temptation. By doing so, Jesus was able to become the ''Captain,'' or the ''Founder,'' of our salvation. His resurrection breaks the slavery we experience over our fear of death. By using more quotations from the Old Testament, the writer of Hebrews shows that this is exactly what God planned for all along.

Chapter 2 begins with a strong warning about the dangers of apostasy. Chapter 1 opened by explaining that Jesus Christ is the message of God. This chapter points out that those who have faith in Christ, but drift from that truth, will face dire consequences. The rest of the passage continues a series of proofs begun in Chapter 1. These are quotes from the Old Testament, used to prove that the Messiah is not an angel, but is superior to any created being. He is, in fact, identical to God. And yet, He became fully human in order to serve as our perfect high priest.

The first two chapters of Hebrews are meant to prove that Jesus Christ is superior to angels. Rather than seeing Jesus as a created being, or some form of exalted angel, He should be viewed as what He is: identical with God. These two chapters use extensive Old Testament quotes to prove this point. The first few verses of chapter 2 feature the first of several warnings within the book about the dangers of apostasy. Later chapters will demonstrate that Christ is also superior to other prophets, spiritual leaders, and priests.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.