Hebrews 2:9 – “But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse gives us the turning point in the chapter. The writer has been talking about how humanity was meant to rule over creation, but that we don’t see that happening now because of sin and brokenness. Then comes this powerful statement: “But we do see Jesus.” That changes everything.
Jesus stepped into our place. He became “lower than the angels” by taking on human flesh and living among us. He didn’t come as a distant ruler-He came as one of us, humble and lowly. And He suffered death. Not just any death, but a purposeful one. Jesus tasted death for everyone. He took the penalty of sin on Himself so that others could be freed from it.
Because He was willing to suffer and die, God lifted Him up. He is now “crowned with glory and honor.” His suffering led to victory, and through Him, the brokenness of humanity can be healed. This verse is packed with hope, showing that Jesus has already accomplished what we could not.
Historical Context
The people reading this letter were likely discouraged. Many were Jewish believers who had left their old ways behind to follow Jesus and were now facing hardship and rejection. They may have been wondering if they had made the right choice. The writer points them to Jesus-reminding them that He too suffered, but His suffering had purpose and led to glory.
In the ancient world, dying a public death-especially on a cross-was shameful. But here, the writer flips the script. Jesus’ death wasn’t defeat; it was the very path to honor. In doing this, the writer comforts and strengthens weary believers who were tempted to turn back.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches the heart of the gospel: Jesus became truly human, suffered, and died in our place. It emphasizes that He didn’t just appear human-He was fully human, and He experienced everything we do, including death. His suffering wasn’t pointless. It was part of God’s plan to rescue people from sin and death.
It also shows the grace of God. Jesus didn’t suffer death because He had to-He did it because of God’s love. And He didn’t do it for a select few-He did it for everyone. That doesn’t mean all are automatically saved, but it does mean the offer of salvation is available to all.
Jesus‘ current position-crowned with glory and honor-confirms that God accepted His sacrifice and raised Him up as King.
Literary Analysis
The structure of the verse contrasts what we don’t see (full human authority over creation) with what we do see-Jesus exalted. The phrase “made lower than the angels for a little while” reflects both His humility and His temporary suffering. The language of “crowned with glory and honor” shows His exalted state now.
The phrase “tasted death” is also important. It doesn’t mean He sampled it lightly-it means He fully experienced it. He died a real, painful, physical death. The phrase “by the grace of God” anchors this entire verse in the unearned kindness and love of God.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Philippians 2:6–11 – Jesus humbled Himself, became obedient to death, and was exalted by God.
- Isaiah 53:5 – “He was pierced for our transgressions… the punishment that brought us peace was on Him.”
- Romans 5:8 – “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 – Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.
- Revelation 5:12 – “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength…”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is an anchor for your faith. When the world feels chaotic, when your own life feels messy or hopeless, remember this: we see Jesus. We see the One who stepped into our broken world, suffered alongside us, and overcame death itself.
You may not have all the answers about your struggles, but you have a Savior who understands suffering firsthand. And He didn’t just suffer-He won. That gives you hope in your pain and strength in your waiting.
This verse also reminds us that God’s ways often involve suffering before glory. If Jesus walked that path, we should not be surprised if we do too.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love shines through every phrase in this verse. He didn’t leave us in our broken condition. He didn’t send someone else to fix the problem-He came Himself in the person of Jesus. By His grace, Jesus tasted death so we wouldn’t have to face eternal death.
This is the love of a God who doesn’t stand at a distance but draws near. He takes on our pain and our punishment so that we can be lifted up and restored.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse centers on Jesus. It tells us who He is (God in human form), what He did (suffered and died), why He did it (because of God’s grace, for everyone), and what happened next (He was crowned with glory and honor).
Jesus fulfills Psalm 8 perfectly. He became the true human-the One who reflects God’s image without flaw, who rules in righteousness, and who brings many sons and daughters to glory (as the next verse will say).
He is our hope, our example, and our King.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What stands out to you most about Jesus in this verse?
- How does knowing that Jesus “tasted death for everyone” change the way you view His sacrifice?
- In what areas of your life do you need to remember that Jesus is now “crowned with glory and honor”?
- How can Jesus’ example of suffering before glory encourage you in hard times?
- What does this verse show you about the character of God?