Regarding Psalms 8:5, where Elohim is translated “angels,” this comes from the LXX (and Jewish expositors) and represents how the Hebrew translators of the LXX thought fit to render Elohim in this context. Ellicott, in his commentary (on Hebrews 2:7) says that the LXX translators tended to soften down expressions relating to God which seemed strong or bold as savouring too much of the gods of Greek mythology. The R.V. renders “lower than God” this is the correct translation. The Speaker’s Commentary says of the A.V. translation that “the word Elohim . . . does not appear anywhere to mean distinctly ‘angels.’” Paul’s citation of the LXX in Hebrews 2:6-7 proves nothing as between “the angels” and “God.” N.T. writers used the LXX in making quotations from the O.T. as sufficiently accurate to suit the matter in hand. So here. Paul lays no stress on the word “angels” nor is his argument affected if we follow the Hebrew text and read “God.” Paul helps us to understand how man was made a little lower than, or better—a little while inferior to—the angels or God, by explaining in v. 9 that the inferiority refers to man’s mortality. (See Speaker’s Commentary on this verse). Man, higher than the rest of God’s creatures, is nevertheless below the Divine nature, whether God or the angels, in that he can die. The citation from the LXX is sufficient to establish Paul’s argument but should not be pressed outside that argument.
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Author: W. L. Bedwell
Keywords: Elohim, El, Eloah, Eloha, Elohai, God, Plural of majesty, Trinity, Name of God, God's name, Deity, Lower than the angels, Lower than God, Elohim angels, God manifestation
Bible reference(s): Psalm 8:5, Heb 2:7
Source: “Did Jesus Christ Pre-Exist?,” The Testimony, Vol. 22, No. 260, August 1952, pg. 237.
Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.