“For a Little While Lower than the Angels” (Ps 8,6): Humanity’s Temporary Inferiority in Hebrews 2,7

Abstract Some argue that Hebrews employs Psalm 8,6a—“You made him for a little while below the angels”—to serve the divergent ends of describing Jesus’ degradation and humanity’s exaltation. Against this view, this article argues that Hebrews applies these words more analogously to describe a temporary inferior status below angels for both Jesus and humanity, a status Jesus has already surpassed and humanity will rise above in the future. To make this argument, this article defends that Hebrews applies Psalm 8 to both Jesus and humanity. After examining the application to Jesus, it is argued that Hebrews presents humanity as presently lower than angels, but indicates they will attain a rank above them in the future. Finally, the article claims that the word ἐλαττόω means “to diminish,” not “to create at a lesser status.” Thus, Hebrews may understand the statement that God “diminished humanity below angels” as a reference to God’s judgment on humanity’s first sin.