1:1 In many parts and many ways, long ago God, having spoken to the fathers by the prophets, 2 in these last days has spoken to us by the Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the universe. 3 Who, being the radiance of the glory and the exact representation of His substantial nature, upholding also all things by the word of His power, by Himself[1] having made a purification of our[2] sins, sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the messengers[3], as He has inherited a more excellent name than theirs.
5 For to which of the messengers did He ever say,
“You are My Son, I today have become Your Father”?[4]
And again,
“I will be a Father to Him and He shall be a Son to Me”?[5]
6 And again, when He brings in the firstborn into the inhabited earth, He says,
“And let them worship Him all messengers of God.”[6]
7 And about the messengers, indeed, He says,
“Who is making His messengers winds, and His servants a flame of fire.”[7]
8 But about the Son…
“Your throne, O God, is to the age of the age; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your reign.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions.”[8]
10 And:
“You, O Lord, at the beginning You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.
11 They will perish, but You remain; and they will all grow old like a garment.
12 And as a cloak You shall roll them up, and[9] they shall be changed. But You are the same, and Your years shall not fail.”[10]
13 But to which of the messengers has He ever said,
“Sit at My right hand, until I should place Your enemies a footstool of Your feet?”[11]
14 Are they not all ministering spirits, being sent forth for service for the sake of those about to inherit salvation?
[1] Verse 3 – Byz, M and TR texts read δι᾽ ἑαυτοῦ, by Himself. NU text, following about a dozen Grk MSS, omits δι᾽ ἑαυτοῦ.
[2] Verse 3 – Byz, M and TR texts read ἡμῶν, our. NU text, following about a half dozen Grk MSS, omits ἡμῶν.
[3] Verse 4 – Almost all English versions here transliterate (rather than translate) ἀγγέλων, the Greek genitive masculine plural form of the noun ἄγγελος, as “angels.” So also in verses 5-7, 13.
[4] Verse 5 – Psalm 2:7.
[5] Verse 5 – 2 Samuel 7:14.
[6] Verse 6 – A quotation based on a reading found in the Greek LXX and in a DSS fragment (4QDeutq), but not the Hebrew MT of Deuteronomy 32:43. See also Psalm 97:7 in the LXX.
[7] Verse 7 – Psalm 104:4.
[8] Verses 8-9 – Psalm 45:6-7.
[9] Verse 12 – NU text, following half a dozen Grk MSS, adds ὡς ἱμάτιον, like a garmet. Byz, M and TR texts omit ὡς ἱμάτιον.
[10] Verses 10-12 – Psalm 102:25-27.
[11] Verse 13 – Psalm 110:1.