What does Hebrews 2:8 mean?

This verse completes a quotation of Psalm 8:4–6. The writer of Hebrews is distinguishing between Jesus and angels. In part, this is to show that Jesus is not Himself an angel, but is actually divine (Hebrews 1:3). This reference to Psalm 8 also supports the idea that the Messiah had to be a man in order to fully serve as both our high priest and substitute (Hebrews 2:10). Psalm 8 celebrates the creative work of God, while praising Him for using human beings to rule that creation. As it applies to the book of Hebrews, the author is pointing out that there is no shame in Messiah being fully human—God has granted honor and power to humanity which He never extended to angels.

Interestingly, the writer of Hebrews also points out that this Psalm has not been completely fulfilled, either in humanity or in Christ. The fall of mankind means that there are aspects of creation to which humans are now subject, instead of them being subject to us. And, of course, Jesus Christ is not yet ruling. The connection is supported in verse 9, however. Specifically, we will see how Jesus' suffering and death were crucial to Him becoming the perfect and suitable sacrifice for human sin.