2:7

There is a textual issue at the end of this verse. Some Greek manuscripts include another clause that can be translated as “and set them over the works of your hands.” In these manuscripts this clause completes Psalm 8:6. The two textual options are:

(1) Most Greek manuscripts do not have this clause, and most English versions do not translate it.

(2) Other Greek manuscripts have this Greek clause. This is followed by only a few English versions. For example:

and have appointed him over the works of your hands (New American Standard Bible)

It is recommended that you follow option (1). Most English versions follow this option. However, since there is also good manuscript evidence for option (2), you may include it in a footnote, as many English versions do. For example, the Good News Translation has this footnote:

Many manuscripts add: You made them rulers over everything you made (see Psalm 8:6).

2:7a

You made him a little lower than the angels: There are two ways to interpret the phrase a little in this clause:

(1) It refers to a short time. For example:

You made him lower than the angels for a little while (NET Bible)

(2) It refers to a slightly lower status. For example:

You made him a little lower than the angels. (God’s Word)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). The words that the author quoted from Psalm 2 referred to the status of people, but here in Hebrews the author used the words to refer to a period of time.

Another way to translate this interpretation is:

For this short time

him: The pronoun him is the same as the one that was used in 2:6. See the note on 2:6b. Make sure to indicate this clearly. In English this is done by using the appropriate pronoun.

lower: The word lower refers here to having less status or dignity than someone else. Some other ways to translate it are:

more humble/unimportant
-or-
power made less than

In some cultures there are figurative ways to say that someone has lower status than someone else. For example:

was downhill ⌊in status⌋ a little

Translate the meaning in a natural way in your language.

2:7b

You crowned him with glory and honor: This clause indicates that God rewarded man by giving him glory and honor. The text continues to refer here both to mankind and to the Messiah. The verb crowned is used in a figurative way. It refers to the custom of honoring someone by placing a wreath (“crown”) of leaves on his head. Here the figure of speech indicates that God honored man by giving him authority and respect.

In some languages the metaphor of a “crown” may not have this meaning. Some other ways to translate the metaphor are:

you gave him an honored position/seat
-or-
you caused him to be greatly respected

him: The pronoun him is the same as the one that was used in 2:7a.

glory and honor: In this context the words glory and honor are very similar in meaning. Both words refer to a position of great importance. In this context the importance is connected with authority to rule over God’s creation.

In some languages it may be more natural to use a single phrase to translate glory and honor. For example:

a position of great status/authority

Some other ways to translate glory and honor are:

greatly honored him like the honor of a king
-or-
made him like a great king who is admired/respected

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