See in Reader
9.3 KiB
Hebrews 1
Hebrews 1:1
General Information:
Although this letter does not mention to whom it was sent, the author wrote particularly to Hebrews (Jews), who would have understood the many Old Testament references. This prologue provides the background for the whole book: the unsurpassing greatness of the Son, who is greater than all. The book begins by emphasizing that the Son is better than the prophets and the angels.
Hebrews 1:2
in these last days
"in these final days." This phrase refers to the time when Jesus began his ministry, extending until God establishes his complete rule in his creation.
through a Son
"Son" here is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples)
to be the heir of all things
The author speaks of the Son as if he will inherit wealth and property from his Father. Alternate translation: "to possess all things" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
It is through him that God also made the universe
"It is through the Son that God also made all things"
Hebrews 1:3
the brightness of God's glory
"the light of his glory." God's glory is associated with a very bright light. The author is saying that the Son embodies that light and fully represents God's glory.
glory, the exact representation of his being
"glory, the image of God's being." The phrase "the exact representation of his being" is similar in meaning to "the brightness of God's glory." The Son embodies the character and essence of God and fully represents everything that God is. Alternate translation: "glory and is just like God" or "glory, and what is true about God is true about the Son"
the word of his power
"his powerful word." Here "word" refers to a message or command. Alternate translation: "his powerful command" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)
After he had made cleansing for sins
The abstract noun "cleansing" can be expressed as a verb: "making clean." Alternate translation: "After he had finished making us clean from sins" or "After he had finished purifying us from our sins" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-abstractnouns)
he had made cleansing for sins
The author speaks of forgiving sins as if it were making a person clean. Alternate translation: "he had made it possible for God to forgive our sins" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high
To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "he sat down at the place of honor and authority beside the Majesty on high" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate:translate_symaction)
the Majesty on high
Here "Majesty" refers to God. Alternate translation: "God Most High" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)
Hebrews 1:4
He has become
"The Son has become"
as the name he has inherited is more excellent than their name
Here "name" refers to honor and authority. Alternate translation: "as the honor and authority he has inherited is superior to their honor and authority" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)
he has inherited
The author speaks of receiving honor and authority from his father as if it were inheriting wealth and property from his father. Alternate translation: "he has received" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
Hebrews 1:5
General Information:
The first prophetic quotation (You are my Son) comes from the Psalms. The prophet Samuel wrote the second one (I will be a Father to him). The words "You" and "he" refer to Jesus, and the words "I" and "me" refer to God the Father.
For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son ... a Son to me"?
This question emphasizes that God does not call any angel his Son. Alternate translation: "For God never said to any of the angels, 'You are my Son ... a Son to me.'" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)
You are my Son ... I have become your Father
These two phrases mean essentially the same thing. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-parallelism)
Hebrews 1:6
General Information:
The quotation, "All God's angels ... him," comes from one of the books that Moses wrote.
the firstborn
This means Jesus. The author refers to him as the "firstborn" to emphasize the Son's importance and authority over everyone else. It does not imply that there was a time before Jesus existed or that God has other sons like Jesus. Alternate translation: "his honored Son, his only Son" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
he says
"God says"
Hebrews 1:7
General Information:
The quotation, "He is the one who makes ... fire," is from the Psalms.
He is the one who makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire
Possible meanings are 1) "God has made his angels to be spirits who serve him with power like flames of fire" or 2) God makes the wind and flames of fire his messengers and servants. In the original language the word for "angel" is the same as "messenger," and the word for "spirits" is the same as "wind." With either possible meaning, the point is that the angels serve the Son because he is superior. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
Hebrews 1:8
General Information:
This scriptual quotation comes from the Psalms.
But to the Son he says
"But God says this to the Son"
Son
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples)
Your throne, God, is forever and ever
The Son's throne represents his rule. Alternate translation: "You are God, and your reign will last forever and ever" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)
The scepter of your kingdom is the scepter of uprightness
Here "scepter" refers to the Son's rule. Alternate translation: "And you will rule over the people of your kingdom justly" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)
Hebrews 1:9
has anointed you with the oil of joy more than your companions
Here "oil of joy" refers to the joy that the Son felt when God honored him. Alternate translation: "has honored you and made you more joyful than anyone else" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
Hebrews 1:10
General Information:
This quotation comes from another Psalm.
Connecting Statement:
The author continues explaining that Jesus is superior to the angels.
In the beginning
"Before anything existed"
you laid the earth's foundation
The author speaks of God creating the earth as if he built a building on a foundation. Alternate translation: "you created the earth" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
The heavens are the work of your hands
Here "hands" refer to God's power and action. Alternate translation: "You made the heavens" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)
Hebrews 1:11
They will perish
"The heavens and earth will disappear" or "The heavens and earth will no longer exist"
wear out like a piece of clothing
The author speaks of the heavens and earth as if they were a piece of clothing that will get old and eventually become useless. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-simile)
Hebrews 1:12
roll them up like a cloak
The author speaks of the heavens and earth as if they were a robe or another kind of outer garment. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-simile)
they will be changed like a piece of clothing
The author speaks of the heavens and earth as if they were clothing that could be exchanged for other clothing. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-simile)
they will be changed
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will change them" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
your years do not end
Periods of time are used to represent God's eternal existence. Alternate translation: "your life will never end" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
Hebrews 1:13
General Information:
This quotation comes from another Psalm.
But to which of the angels has God said at any time ... feet"?
The author uses a question to emphasize that God has never said this to an angel. Alternate translation: "But God has never said to an angel at any time ... feet.'" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)
Sit at my right hand
To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "Sit in the place of honor beside me" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-symaction)
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet
Christ's enemies are spoken of as if they will become an object on which a king rests his feet. This image represents defeat and dishonor for his enemies. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
Hebrews 1:14
Are not all angels spirits ... inherit salvation?
The author uses this question to remind the readers that angels are not as powerful as Christ, but they have a different role. Alternate translation: "All angels are spirits who ... inherit salvation." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)
for those who will inherit salvation
Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. Alternate translation: "for those whom God will save" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)