One Timers

Psalm 8:5 (KJV) For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

(Proverbs 27 also read)

I read this verse with comments in mind that I heard at church.  The point being made involved angels and how in God’s hierarchy they are above human beings.  There was some great principle being expounded and this was proof of that point.  I don’t remember if the parallel statement in Hebrews was brought up.  It doesn’t matter to my observation.

In comparing the KJV and NASB I saw that the KJV says “angels” and the NASB has “God” with a footnote.  What gives?  I did a little homework.  The Hebrew word in question is Elohim.  This is the standard, common word used for God in the OT.  It is one you are familiar with,

Genesis 1:1 (KJV) In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

It is used over 2,600 times and “God” is the translation 2,346 times with small “g” god another 244.  It is only translated “angel” one time and that is here.

So?  What does that say?  I am not sure about the whole field of discussion but one caution I would offer is to be careful about making major statements based on a 1/2600 translation of a word.