Hebrews 2:9

But we see Jesus. The “but” here denotes contrast. Man does “not yet” have dominion (see on v. 8), “but we see Jesus.” He has dominion. He has been crowned with glory and honor. He has all authority (Matt. 28:18).

A little lower. Or, “a little while lower” (see on v. 7). Christ is shown to be very man, as truly as in the first chapter He was shown to be very God. His humanity enables Him to be the kind of high priest men need (vs. 17, 18). In heaven Christ was, of course, higher than the angels, immeasurably so. When He became man He voluntarily took His place among men and demanded no special favors. But even under these conditions He did not renounce His Godhood. He knew whence He came (John 13:3); He knew He had power to forgive sins (Matt. 9:6); He knew that at any time He could call to His aid help from above (ch. 26:53). But although He had this power, at no time did He use it to save Himself, except as directed by God. To do this would have invalidated His work. For a discussion of the humiliation of Christ see on Phil. 2:5-8.

For the suffering of death. Rather, “because of the suffering of death.” Also the word order in Greek favors connecting the phrase with “crowned with glory and honour.” The passage therefore sets forth not the purpose of the incarnation but the result of the suffering of death, namely the exaltation.

Crowned with glory. That is, at the time of His ascension (see on Heb. 1:3; cf. on Phil. 2:9).

By the grace of God. Textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for the reading “without God,” suggesting that Christ in His death suffered alone without the sustaining presence of God. Certain scholars, both ancient and modern, hold that this was the original reading. However, the weight of evidence is in favor of the KJV reading. At the same time both readings are factually true: In His death Christ suffered alone (see Matt. 27:46); His suffering for man was also a demonstration of the grace of God.

Taste. Gr. geuomai, “to eat,” “to taste,” “to experience.” The passage does not mean, as some suggest, that Christ merely tasted lightly of death and did not suffer the full measure. Gethsemane shows that He drank the cup to the dregs and tasted death as no man had ever tasted it.

For every man. Or, “in behalf of every man.” Christ’s sacrifice was for all (see on Rom. 5:15). Every one who wills to do so may apply the benefits of the death of Christ to himself (see Rev. 22:17).