διεμαρτύρατο δὲ πού τις λέγων· τί ἐστιν ἄνθρωπος ὅτι μιμνήσκῃ αὐτοῦ, ἢ υἱὸς ἀνθρώπου ὅτι ἐπισκέπτῃ αὐτόν; (Hebrews 2:6)
The Echo of Wonder in Precise Greek Form
In Hebrews 2:6, the author introduces a citation that carries both literary reverence and theological astonishment. The syntax is shaped by two rhetorical questions—quoted from Psalm 8—that explore the mystery of God’s mindfulness toward humanity. But this verse is not merely poetic; it is constructed with linguistic precision that frames divine condescension in Koine Greek elegance.
This article explores:
- The impersonal introduction διεμαρτύρατο δὲ πού τις λέγων
- The use of interrogative particles τί and conjunction ὅτι in embedded questions
- The significance of the subjunctive verbs μιμνήσκῃ and ἐπισκέπτῃ
διεμαρτύρατο δὲ πού τις λέγων – A Formal but Vague Citation
The phrase διεμαρτύρατο δὲ πού τις λέγων introduces the quotation. The Greek shows an intentionally reverent vagueness.
Grammatical Notes:
- διεμαρτύρατο – aorist middle indicative, 3rd person singular of διαμαρτύρομαι, meaning “to solemnly testify”
- πού – an indefinite adverb, “somewhere”
- τις – indefinite pronoun, “someone”
- λέγων – present active participle, nominative masculine singular, “saying”
The combination πού τις creates an elegant literary humility: the writer knows the source (Psalm 8), but invokes it with deference rather than technical citation.
τί ἐστιν ἄνθρωπος – The Interrogative as Theology
This clause sets up the astonishment of divine attention:
Analysis:
- τί – interrogative pronoun, neuter singular: “what?”
- ἐστιν – present indicative, 3rd singular of εἰμί: “is”
This is a rhetorical question, not seeking information, but expressing amazement: “What is man…?” In Greek, this type of question is used to provoke reflection, not answer.
ὅτι μιμνήσκῃ αὐτοῦ – Subjunctive of Reflection
Here begins the first dependent clause, introduced by ὅτι.
Key Grammar:
- μιμνήσκῃ – present middle subjunctive, 2nd person singular of μιμνῄσκομαι, “you remember”
- αὐτοῦ – genitive, “of him” (i.e., man)
This subjunctive is deliberative or potential: “that you would remember him.” The middle voice reflects internal engagement, and the present tense gives durative force—“that you keep him in mind continually.”
ἢ υἱὸς ἀνθρώπου ὅτι ἐπισκέπτῃ αὐτόν – Parallel Wonder
The second rhetorical line repeats the astonishment with variation.
Form and Force:
- ἐπισκέπτῃ – present middle subjunctive, 2nd singular of ἐπισκέπτομαι, “you care for / visit”
- αὐτόν – accusative singular, “him”
Like μιμνήσκῃ, the subjunctive implies divine initiative not to be presumed. The present tense underscores continual attention; the middle voice suggests personal engagement.
Theological Precision in Subjunctive Mood
| Greek Expression | Form | Function | Theological Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| διεμαρτύρατο δὲ πού τις λέγων | Aorist + indefinite construction | Formal citation with reverent vagueness | Scripture speaks solemnly, even when unnamed |
| τί ἐστιν ἄνθρωπος | Interrogative clause | Expresses astonishment | Human insignificance in divine light |
| μιμνήσκῃ / ἐπισκέπτῃ | Present middle subjunctives | Deliberative or potential clauses | God’s mindfulness and care are not owed—they astonish |
The Question That Honors Humanity
What is man? In Hebrew poetry and Greek syntax, this question reverberates across time. But Hebrews 2:6 uses verbs in the subjunctive, not the indicative—because God’s care is not a given. It is grace.
The subjunctive mood brings in the note of wonder, possibility, and reflection. The middle voice accents divine intimacy, and the present tense keeps that care ongoing. God remembers and visits—not once, but always. And yet, the syntax reminds us: this is not because of who we are—but because of who He is.
Through careful grammatical construction, the writer of Hebrews invites us to tremble in gratitude. The question is rhetorical, yes. But the answer, revealed in Christ, is unspeakably real.
