Hebrews 2:8

and placed everything under his feet.” When God subjected all things to him, He left nothing outside of his control. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The author addresses Jewish Christians facing persecution, placing this declaration immediately after quoting Psalm 8 to contrast humanity's original creation mandate with Christ's exalted status. The moment occurs mid-argument as the writer explains Jesus' temporary humiliation followed by his present coronation.

The words — The Greek ὑπέταξας (hupetaxas) translates as "you have put in subjection," combined with ὑποκάτω τῶν ποδῶν (hupokatō tōn podōn), literally "under the feet." This phrasing mirrors the exact wording of the Psalmist's claim of total dominion.

The thread — The subjection theme originates in Psalm 8:6, reappears in 1 Corinthians 15:27 to describe cosmic authority, and parallels John 13:3 where the Father entrusts all things to the Son. These references trace a consistent biblical trajectory from creation mandate to Christological fulfillment.

Why it lands — The text states that God's universal subjection is a completed divine act, yet explicitly notes that believers do not currently see everything subject to him. It requires readers to align their expectations with God's declared reality rather than present observation.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.

Cross-references

John 13:3 Jesus knew that the Father had delivered all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God.
1 Corinthians 15:27 For “God has put everything under His feet.” Now when it says that everything has been put under Him, this clearly does not include the One who put everything under Him.
Psalms 8:6 You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet:
Daniel 7:14 And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
1 Peter 3:22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him.
1 Corinthians 15:24 Then the end will come, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father after He has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power.
Ephesians 1:21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
Philippians 2:9 Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names,
John 3:35 The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in His hands.
Hebrews 1:13 Yet to which of the angels did God ever say: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet”?