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how does the new testament echo or reinterpret 'a little lower than god' in christ?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Hebrews 2:9

“But we behold him who has been made a little lower than the angels, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for everyone.”

The book of Hebrews is a sermon or theological treatise written to Jewish Christians, likely in the late 1st century, who might have been tempted to revert to traditional Jewish practices or were struggling with their faith. The author emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus Christ over angels, Moses, and the Old Covenant, presenting him as the ultimate high priest and the perfect sacrifice.

What does it mean for Christ to be both fully God and 'a little lower than the angels' through his human experience?

Then — the setting

The book of Hebrews was likely written in the latter part of the 1st century, possibly from Rome or Italy, to a community of Jewish believers who were under pressure or struggling to maintain their Christian confession. The author's primary aim was to demonstrate the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant over the Old, using extensive arguments drawn from the Jewish Scriptures. The audience was familiar with the Old Testament, and the author's argument hinged on their understanding of these texts and the hierarchy of angels, who were seen as powerful intermediaries between God and humanity. For the author to argue that Jesus, though divine, was 'made lower' than angels, was a significant theological move, affirming his true humanity and the purpose of his suffering, while ultimately exalting him above all.

Across the Testaments

The passage in Hebrews 2:9 directly quotes and reinterprets Psalm 8:5 (often rendered 'a little lower than God' or 'a little lower than angels' depending on the Hebrew word 'elohim'). In Psalm 8, the original intent is to marvel at humanity's elevated status, made in God's image and given dominion over creation. The New Testament author of Hebrews applies this human status directly to Jesus, arguing that he intentionally took on this 'lower' human condition – lower even than angels – in order to experience death for all humanity. This reinterpretation shifts the focus from humanity's inherent dignity to Christ's incarnational humility and redemptive suffering, portraying him as the perfect human who fulfills Psalm 8's vision and then transcends it through his exaltation.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Psalm 8:4-5
This Psalm describes humanity as 'a little lower than God' (or angels), which Hebrews 2:9 quotes and applies to Jesus.
Philippians 2:6-8
Describes Christ's humility and incarnation, 'emptying himself' and taking the form of a servant.
John 1:14
States that 'the Word became flesh,' speaking to the divine taking on human form.

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