But 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?
HEBREWS 2:6KJVWhat does Hebrews 2:6 mean?
Hebrews 2:6 asks why God cares so much about human beings, quoting a question from the Old Testament about the significance of people in God’s eyes. The verse highlights the wonder that God notices and visits humanity, even though people seem small and insignificant compared to the vastness of creation.
The writer of Hebrews is reminding readers of Psalm 8, where the psalmist marvels that God is mindful of humans and pays attention to them. This question sets up the following verses, which explain how Jesus shares in humanity and why God’s care for people is so remarkable in the bigger story of salvation.
The Greek behind Hebrews 2:6
- ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos): This word means “man” or “human being.” The verse uses it to refer to all people, not just males, emphasizing the general insignificance of humanity compared to God.
- μιμνῄσκῃ (mimnēskē): Translated as “mindful,” this word carries the sense of remembering or being attentive to someone. The verse wonders why God would remember or pay attention to humans at all.
- ἐπισκέπτῃ (episkeptē): Rendered “visitest,” this word often means to look after, care for, or pay a special visit. Here, it suggests not just a casual visit, but God’s active concern and involvement in human lives.
Why Hebrews 2:6 matters
- Hebrews 2:6 clears up the idea that God is distant or uninterested in people; instead, it shows God’s surprising attention and care for humanity.
- The verse sets the stage for understanding Jesus’ role as one who fully shares in human experience, making God’s care even more personal and profound.
- By quoting Psalm 8, Hebrews 2:6 connects the story of Jesus to the wider biblical theme of God valuing and honoring people, even when they seem unimportant in the grand scheme of things.