Psalms 8:5 Meaning and Explanation
“For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Humans are positioned just below celestial beings and invested with divine honor.
The Context of Psalms 8:5
God's answer: humanity receives exalted status and divine honors.
What Does Psalms 8:5 Mean?
The answer arrives: God made humanity nearly on par with angels (or 'Elohim,' divine beings), only slightly subordinate in rank. This is not diminishment but exaltation—positioning humans in the cosmos as distinguished creatures, close to the divine order. The crowning with glory and honor transforms the human condition from insignificance into dignity.
This elevation reflects God's explicit valuation of humanity. We are not beasts, not distant from the divine realm, but crowned—wearing a visible badge of God's investment in and regard for the human race. This crown represents both inherent worth and divine purpose.
Psalms 8:5 in the Original Language
angels (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim), 'divine beings' — the word for God or celestial/divine entities
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 8:5
What does Psalms 8:5 mean?
Humans are positioned just below celestial beings and invested with divine honor.
What is the context of Psalms 8:5?
God's answer: humanity receives exalted status and divine honors.