1. Hebrews 2:9 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does the expression "for a little while" emphasize?

Hebrews 2:9 (ESV)

9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

This puts an emphasis on the temporary nature of humiliation, as needed to complete the redemption. This humiliation may bring with it a challenge to faith, but it is only temporary and to the eye of faith is now already exchanged (“we see”) for a situation of honour and glory.1