But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

HEBREWS 2:9KJV
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Hebrews 2:9 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 2:9 mean?

Hebrews 2:9 presents Jesus’ death and his exalted place as part of the same story. Jesus entered a position lower than the angels and suffered death; he is now pictured wearing a crown of glory and honour. The verse says that God’s grace lies behind his death for every person.

After saying that not everything is yet visibly subject to humans in verse 8, the writer directs attention to Jesus. The crown pictures the high honour Jesus has received. “Grace” means God’s freely given kindness.

The Greek behind Hebrews 2:9

  • “little” — βραχύ (brachy): This word can mean a small amount or a short time. Alongside “lower,” it can suggest either a small difference in position or a temporary condition.
  • “taste” — γεύομαι (geuomai): This word can mean to taste or experience something. Here, “taste death” describes Jesus’ own experience of death, rather than merely an encounter with it.

Why Hebrews 2:9 matters

  • Jesus’ suffering is central to the writer’s account of his honour. The phrase “for the suffering of death” connects his death with being “crowned with glory and honour.”
  • The verse gives Jesus’ death a wide reach. The KJV says he tasted death “for every man,” pointing beyond one person or a single group.
  • The mention of angels echoes the words about humans in the passage quoted just before this verse. The writer now applies the description of being “lower than the angels” to Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“made” Greek G1642 · used in 3 verses

  • John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
  • Hebrews 2:7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

“crowned” Greek G4737 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Timothy 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
  • Hebrews 2:7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

“little” Greek G1024 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 22:58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
  • Acts 5:34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
  • Hebrews 2:7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

“he” Greek G1089 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
  • Luke 14:24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
  • Acts 23:14 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.