Hebrews 1

Hebrews opens by saying that the God who spoke in many ways through the prophets has now spoken fully and finally in his Son. The writer shows that the Son is Creator, sustainer, and purifier of sins, and now reigns beside the Father. He then proves the Son is greater than the angels by a chain of Old Testament quotations.

Hebrews 1:1

God has always been a God who speaks. He did not leave his people guessing. Through the prophets he spoke in pieces, in many settings and by many means, such as visions, laws, songs, and events. It was true, but it was partial and preparatory.

BSA: many different ways (“in divers manners, variously”): God’s earlier messages came in varied forms, each showing a part of the picture.

Greek: πολυμερῶς (polymerōs, G4181) — “in many parts, piece by piece.” The word pictures a message handed over in fragments. Each prophet added a piece, but none gave the whole.

See also: Numbers 12:6-8.

Hebrews 1:2

The final word has come in a Son. ‘These last days’ means the age that began with Christ. The Son is heir of everything, and he is also the one through whom the universe was made. He stands at both ends of history: its source and its inheritor.

BSA: last days (“in this final age”): With Christ, God’s closing chapter has begun, and no further revelation will surpass him. heir (“one who receives a share”): All creation is destined for the Son, and those who belong to him share in what he receives.

See also: John 1:3; Colossians 1:16.

Hebrews 1:3

The Son shows us what God is like. As sunlight comes from the sun and shows its brightness, so the Son shows the Father’s glory. He holds creation together by his word. Then he dealt with our sins himself and sat down, because the work was finished.

BSA: radiance (“brightness, shining forth”): The Son is the shining out of God’s glory, not a separate light, and cannot be divided from the Father. purification (“cleansing, forgiveness”): His sacrifice truly cleansed sin and did not merely cover it.

Greek: χαρακτήρ (charaktēr, G5481) — “exact impression, stamp.” The word was used for the imprint a die leaves on a coin. The Son bears the precise stamp of God’s being, so to see him is to see what God is like.

See also: Colossians 1:15-17; John 14:9.

Hebrews 1:4

Having reached his place at God’s right hand, the Son is shown to be far above the angels. Angels were honored as God’s messengers who stood in his presence. Yet the name the Son has received, the name of Son, is higher than any angel has ever held.

BSA: inherited (“by inheritance, as a gift”): This name is his by birthright as the Son, and not something he earned or the angels could win.

See also: Philippians 2:9-11.

Hebrews 1:5

The writer begins to prove his point from Scripture. God never called any angel his Son in this special sense. These words come from Psalm 2 and from God’s promise to David’s heir in 2 Samuel 7. They point ultimately to Christ as the royal Son.

See also: Psalm 2:7; 2 Samuel 7:14.

Hebrews 1:6

When the firstborn enters the world, the angels themselves are told to worship him. Firstborn here speaks of rank and honor, as the one who holds the inheritance. Angels do not accept worship for themselves, so this command shows who the Son truly is.

BSA: worship (“bow down, pay homage to”): Angels are commanded to give the Son the homage that belongs only to God.

See also: Deuteronomy 32:43; Revelation 19:10.

Hebrews 1:7

Angels are described as servants whom God uses like wind and fire. These are images of swift and powerful service. They are splendid creatures, but their role is to carry out God’s will, not to rule.

BSA: servants (“ministers, those who serve”): Even the mightiest angels are defined by service, not royal authority.

See also: Psalm 104:4.

Hebrews 1:8-9

In contrast, the Father speaks to the Son as God, with a throne that lasts forever. His rule is marked by justice, and he loves what is right and hates what is evil. For this reason he is anointed with gladness above all others who share in his kingdom.

BSA: scepter (“rod, staff”): The king’s rod of authority is justice itself, so his rule is fair and true. anointed (“consecrated, appointed”): The Son is set apart as King with joy that no one else shares so fully.

Greek: ὁ θεός (ho theos, G3588) — “O God.” The Father addresses the Son directly with the title God, showing the Son shares God’s own nature.

See also: Psalm 45:6-7.

Hebrews 1:10-12

Now the Son is addressed as Lord and Creator. Earth and heavens will wear out like old clothes and be changed, but he never changes. His years do not end. Creation is temporary, while the Son is eternal and can be trusted completely.

BSA: remain (“continue, stay forever”): When everything else passes, he stays, so he is a sure place to stand. the same (“unchanging, eternal”): His character and years never alter, unlike all that he has made.

See also: Psalm 102:25-27; Hebrews 13:8.

Hebrews 1:13

The last quotation shows the Son’s place of honor. God invited him to sit beside him until every enemy is brought low. No angel was ever given such a seat. Angels stand to serve, but the Son sits as King, and the final outcome is certain.

BSA: footstool (“a symbol of submission”): Conquered enemies placed beneath a king’s feet showed their full defeat.

See also: Psalm 110:1; 1 Corinthians 15:25.

Hebrews 1:14

The chapter ends by putting angels in their rightful place. They are servants sent out to help those who will inherit salvation. This means believers are cared for by God’s unseen servants. They also share in the inheritance that belongs first to the Son.

BSA: inherit (“receive as a gift”): Salvation is a gift received, not a wage earned.

Greek: λειτουργικὰ (leitourgika, G3010) — “serving, ministering.” The word is related to priestly and public service. Angels are workers who serve on behalf of others.

See also: Psalm 91:11.