Hebrews 1:1-2:18

God’s Final Word: His Son 1In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but 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. 3The 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.

4So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

The Son Superior to Angels 5For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father” Psalm 2:7 ? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son” 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chron. 17:13 ?

6And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” Deut. 32:43 (see Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint)

7In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.” Psalm 104:4

8But 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.

9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” Psalm 45:6,7

10He also says, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.

11They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment.

12You 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.” Psalm 102:25-27

13To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet” Psalm 110:1 ? 14Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Warning to Pay Attention 1We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.

4God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

Jesus Made Fully Human 5It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking.

6But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him?

7You made them a little Or them for a little while lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor

8and put everything under their feet.” Psalm 8:4-6 Or 7 You made him a little lower than the angels; / you crowned him with glory and honor / 8 and put everything under his feet.” In putting everything under them, Or him God left nothing that is not subject to them. Or him Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them. Or him

9But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. 10In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verse 12; and in 3:1, 12; 10:19; 13:22.

12He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.” Psalm 22:22

13And again, “I will put my trust in him.” Isaiah 8:17 And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.” Isaiah 8:18 14Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17For this reason he had to be made like them, Or like his brothers fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.