To the Hebrews 1:1-14

  • God speaks by means of his Son (1-4)

  • The Son superior to the angels (5-14)

1  Long ago God spoke to our forefathers by means of the prophets on many occasions and in many ways.+ 2  Now at the end of these days he has spoken to us by means of a Son,+ whom he appointed heir of all things,+ and through whom he made the systems of things.*+ 3  He is the reflection of God’s glory+ and the exact representation of his very being,+ and he sustains all things by the word of his power. And after he had made a purification for our sins,+ he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.+ 4  So he has become better than the angels+ to the extent that he has inherited a name more excellent than theirs.+ 5  For example, to which one of the angels did God ever say: “You are my son; today I have become your father”?+ And again: “I will become his father, and he will become my son”?+ 6  But when he again brings his Firstborn+ into the inhabited earth, he says: “And let all of God’s angels do obeisance to him.”* 7  Also, he says about the angels: “He makes his angels spirits, and his ministers*+ a flame of fire.”+ 8  But about the Son, he says: “God is your throne+ forever and ever, and the scepter of your Kingdom is the scepter of uprightness.* 9  You loved righteousness, and you hated lawlessness. That is why God, your God, anointed you+ with the oil of exultation more than your companions.”+ 10  And: “At the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the works of your hands. 11  They will perish, but you will remain; and just like a garment, they will all wear out, 12  and you will wrap them up just as a cloak, as a garment, and they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never come to an end.”+ 13  But about which of the angels has he ever said: “Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet”?+ 14  Are they not all spirits for holy service,*+ sent out to minister for those who are going to inherit salvation?

Footnotes

^ Or “the ages.” See Glossary.
^ Or “bow down to him.”
^ Or “public servants.”
^ Or “justice.”
^ Or “for public service.”