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TNIV Bible

Most-Requested Passage Explanations

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Genesis 1:26-27 Genesis 5:2 Psalm 1:1-3 Psalm 8:3-8 Psalm 34:20 Proverbs 5:21 Matthew 7:3-5 Luke 17:3 John 14:23 Acts 20:28-30 1 Corinthians 14:28 1 Corinthians 15:21 1 Timothy 2:12 Hebrews 2:17 James 1:12 Revelation 3:20 Revelation 22:18

Hebrews 2:6

NIV

“What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

TNIV

“What are mere mortals that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?

Hebrews 2:6 quotes Psalm 8:4—a psalm in which David marvels at God’s care for human beings.

  • In Psalm 8:4, the term “man” translates a Hebrew word (enosh) that refers to human beings as frail creatures. Thus the TNIV’s translation “mere mortals” effectively captures a subtle nuance of the original meaning that might otherwise be missed.
  • In Psalm 8:4, the term “son of man” translates a Hebrew idiom (ben adam) that refers to human beings. The TNIV captures this nuance in its translation of Hebrews 2:6.

“Son of man” is not a messianic reference in Psalm 8:4 or Hebrews 2:6. Rather, it is used of human beings in contrast to God.

  • When “son of man” contrasts humanity with God—as is the case here—it would make little sense to suggest a messianic connotation, since Jesus the Messiah is himself God.
  • In most Old Testament contexts, “son of man” has no messianic connotation. For example, God called the prophet Ezekiel a “son of man” more than 90 times, highlighting the contrast between the two of them. See also Numbers 23:19, which says, “God is not a…son of man” (NIV). (No one would suggest this passage has a messianic connotation.)

The TNIV captures with precision the significance of Hebrews 2:6-9.

  • God created humanity for glory—to rule over his creation (2:5-8a)
  • At the present time, God’s intent for humanity—to be crowned with glory and to rule over creation—is not realized (2:8b).
  • The divine purpose is fulfilled in Jesus, who is first mentioned in Hebrews 12:9. It is Jesus who, having lowered himself to become human and to suffer death, fulfills the hope of humanity spoken of in Psalm 8.

The TNIV retains the phrase “Son of Man” where it is used of Jesus.

  • Jesus referred to himself as the “Son of Man” 79 times in the New Testament, drawing on the Aramaic phrase bar enash in Daniel 7:13. Without exception, the TNIV retains this designation for Jesus. See, for example, Matthew 8:20.