Hebrews Chapter 1 — The Supremacy of the Son
This chapter introduces the Son as God's final messenger, highlighting His role in creation and His status as superior to all angelic beings.
1God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,
2has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds.
3His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, who, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high,
4having become as much better than the angels as the more excellent name he has inherited is better than theirs.
5For to which of the angels did he say at any time,
6When he again brings in the firstborn into the world he says, “Let all the angels of God worship him.”✡Deuteronomy 32:43 LXX
7Of the angels he says,
8But of the Son he says,
9You have loved righteousness and hated iniquity;
10And,
11They will perish, but you continue.
12You will roll them up like a mantle,
13But which of the angels has he told at any time,
14Aren’t they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Hebrews 1:3
“His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, who, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high,”
This verse provides a profound description of the Son's divine nature and His role in maintaining the universe.
Hebrews 1:14
“Aren’t they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?”
This verse clarifies the role and purpose of angels as servants to those receiving salvation.
Chapter Summary
Hebrews Chapter 1 begins by contrasting God’s past communication through prophets with His definitive message through His Son. The author describes the Son as the heir of all things, the creator of the world, and the exact representation of God's nature. After providing purification for sins, the Son sits at the right hand of God. The chapter then focuses on demonstrating the Son's superiority over the angels through a series of scriptural quotations. These passages affirm that while angels are serving spirits, the Son is the eternal King whose throne lasts forever. The text emphasizes that angels are commanded to worship Him and that His name and status are far greater than theirs. Ultimately, the chapter establishes the Son’s divinity, His eternal nature, and His authority over the created order, setting the stage for the rest of the letter's arguments regarding the new covenant.
Frequently Asked Questions
The chapter states that in the past, God spoke to the fathers through prophets at various times and in different ways. In these final days, He has chosen to speak through His Son.
The text describes the Son as being much better than the angels, having inherited a more excellent name. While angels are serving spirits, the Son is worshipped by them and sits at the right hand of God.
It explains that through the Son, God made the worlds. The Son also upholds all things by the word of His power and is the appointed heir of all things.
Study Note
The author of Hebrews uses a series of Old Testament citations, primarily from the Psalms, to build a scriptural case for the Son's divinity and superiority over heavenly messengers.
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