Hebrews 1 Meaning and Commentary

Hebrews 1

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,

“You are my Son;
today I have become your Father”?

Or again,

“I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son”?

6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,

“Let all God’s angels worship him.”

7 In speaking of the angels he says,

“He makes his angels spirits,
and his servants flames of fire.”

8 But about the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.”

10 He also says,

“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
11 They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
12 You will roll them up like a robe;
like a garment they will be changed.
But you remain the same,
and your years will never end.”

13 To which of the angels did God ever say,

“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet”?

14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Hebrews 1 Meaning

The Bible verses in Hebrews 1 are a powerful declaration of the supremacy of Jesus Christ. They affirm that Jesus, as the Son of God, is far greater than any other angelic being or human ruler. The verses highlight Jesus’ role in creation, his divine nature, and his exalted position at the right hand of God. They also emphasize the superiority of his name and the eternal nature of his kingdom.

Hebrews 1 Commentary and Explanation

In Hebrews chapter 1, we are presented with a powerful exposition of the supremacy of Jesus Christ. The author begins by establishing the superiority of Christ over the prophets and angels, setting the stage for the rest of the letter.

The author opens by stating, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds” (Hebrews 1:1-2). This verse emphasizes the progressive nature of God’s revelation. In the past, God spoke through the prophets, but now, in these last days, He has spoken through His Son. This echoes the words of Jesus Himself in John 14:6 when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God to humanity.

Furthermore, the author declares that Jesus is the “heir of all things.” This echoes Psalm 2:8, which says, “Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession.” It reaffirms Jesus’ sovereignty over all creation, as also stated in Colossians 1:16-17.

The author then goes on to emphasize Jesus’ role in creation. He states that God made the worlds through His Son. This aligns with John 1:3, which says, “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” Jesus, as the Word of God, played a central role in the creation of the universe.

Moving forward, the author highlights Jesus’ radiance and the express image of God’s person. This reflects the profound truth that Jesus is the perfect representation of God. In John 14:9, Jesus Himself said, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” Jesus is not merely a messenger; He is the embodiment of God’s nature and character.

The author also mentions that Jesus upholds all things by the word of His power. This echoes Colossians 1:17, which says, “And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” It reinforces the idea that Jesus is not only the Creator but also the Sustainer of the universe.

Furthermore, Hebrews 1:3 states that Jesus, after purifying our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. This sitting down signifies the completion of His work of redemption, as contrasted with the continual sacrifices of the Old Testament priesthood. It echoes Psalm 110:1, which says, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies Your footstool.’” This passage emphasizes Jesus’ exaltation and victory over sin and death.

Hebrews 1 sets the stage for the rest of the book by establishing the preeminence of Jesus Christ. It reminds us that in Christ, we have the ultimate revelation of God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, the perfect representation of God’s nature, and the victorious Redeemer who sits at the right hand of God. As believers, we are called to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and to acknowledge His supremacy in all aspects of our lives.

Context of Hebrews 1

The book of Hebrews was written to a specific audience, Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and tempted to turn back from their newfound faith in Jesus Christ.

The author aims to strengthen their resolve and encourage them to persevere by focusing on the supremacy of Jesus. Therefore, the verses in Hebrews 1 serve as an introduction to the author’s argument, affirming the superiority of Jesus as the Son of God and establishing his divinity and authority.

Lessons From Hebrews 1

The verses in Hebrews 1 remind us of the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the supreme authority of Jesus Christ. They teach us that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God’s love and truth, and that he is far greater than any other being in heaven or on earth. Through these verses, we learn the significance of Jesus’ role as the agent of creation, the perfect reflection of God’s nature, and the enthroned King of an eternal kingdom.

The emphasis on Jesus’ superiority over angels reminds us that even heavenly beings worship and submit to him. This challenges us to recognize Jesus’ divine nature and to worship him with reverence and awe. The eternal nature of Jesus’ kingdom also encourages us to anchor our hope and security in him, knowing that his reign is unshakable.

Furthermore, these verses remind us of the ongoing relevance of the Old Testament scriptures. They demonstrate how Old Testament passages are fulfilled and find their ultimate meaning in Jesus Christ. This encourages us to study the entire Bible with a Christ-centered perspective, understanding how all the various parts point to the supremacy of Jesus.

Final Thoughts

The verses in Hebrews 1 present a powerful declaration of the supremacy of Jesus Christ over all creation. They emphasize his role in creation, his divine nature, and his exalted position at the right hand of God.

Through these verses, we are reminded of the importance of recognizing Jesus’ authority and worshiping him as the Son of God. The truths revealed in Hebrews 1 provide a solid foundation for our faith and inspire us to live in awe of the greatness and glory of Jesus Christ.