You asked

how does the new testament pick up or transform the idea of 'son of man' from this psalm?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Psalm 8:4-5

“what is man, that you think of him? What is the son of man, that you care for him? You have made him a little lower than God, and crowned him with glory and honor.”

This psalm is a hymn of praise, marveling at God's majesty displayed in creation, and reflecting on humanity's surprising place within it. It contrasts the vastness of the cosmos with the seemingly smallness of humans, yet highlights their unique dignity.

What does it mean for humans to be 'crowned with glory and honor' in a world that often feels chaotic or meaningless?

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Read alongside it

Hebrews 2:6-9
This New Testament passage explicitly quotes Psalm 8 and applies it to Jesus, interpreting his incarnation and suffering as the means by which humanity's 'glory and honor' are fully realized.
Genesis 1:26-28
This passage describes humanity's creation in God's image and their mandate to rule over creation, providing an Old Testament parallel to the 'glory and honor' in Psalm 8.
Philippians 2:5-8
This text speaks of Christ humbling himself, echoing the idea of being 'a little lower than God' in order to achieve a greater purpose.

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