ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Hebrews 1

Heb. 1:1–2:18 Jesus Is Superior to Angelic Beings. Jesus’ identity (1:1–4) shows his superiority to angels. This superiority includes his uniqueness as Son of God (1:5–14) and his humanity as Son of Man. Because of both he is the perfect founder of salvation (2:5–18).

Heb. 1:1–4 This is a single sentence in Greek. Many of the book’s themes are announced here. These include the contrasting periods of revelation (vv. 1–2; compare 2:2–4; 3:1–6; 4:14–5:10; 6:13–10:18), Jesus’ unique status as Son of God (1:2–3; compare vv. 5–14; 3:1–6; 5:5–10; 7:26–28), his purifying work (1:3; compare 9:11–10:18), and his supremacy (1:4; compare 1:5–2:18).

Heb. 1:1 Long ago contrasts with “these last days” in v. 2. Two similar Greek words emphasize the many times and many ways in which God has spoken. This speaking was through prophets, which included both the prophetic and the historical books of the OT (see Deut. 18:15; Acts 3:22; 4:25; 26:22). our fathers. The OT patriarchs (compare Heb. 3:9; 8:9), the readers’ spiritual ancestors.

Heb. 1:2 Four contrasts occur between vv. 1 and 2: time of revelation (“long ago” vs. these last days); agent of revelation (“prophets” vs. Son); recipients of revelation (“fathers” vs. us); and the unity of the final revelation in the Son (“many times and in many ways” vs. at one time, in and through God’s Son). Since God has spoken finally and fully in the Son, and since the NT fully reports and interprets this supreme revelation, the canon of Scripture is complete. Jesus is heir of all things. He “inherits” all creation from his Father (v. 4). The Son’s preexistence, authority, power, and full deity are evident in his role in creating the world; compare John 1:3, 10; Col. 1:16.

Heb. 1:3 Glory is often described as light (Isa. 60:1; Rev. 21:23). Here the Son is God’s glorious light. Jesus is the exact imprint of God’s real nature. Thus the Son is identical to God in substance, characteristics, and abilities. right hand of the Majesty on high. The place of supreme authority (see Heb. 1:13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; also Mark 14:62; Rom. 8:34; Eph. 1:20). sat down. Jesus’ work of salvation is complete. “Majesty” also describes God in Heb. 8:1 (compare Jude 25).

Heb. 1:4 The main theme of chs. 1–2 is announced: Jesus is superior to angels. There was much speculation about angels in first-century Judaism. Angels minister before God’s throne. They guide and protect humans. They revealed the Mosaic law (see 1:7; 2:2; 12:22; 13:2). Yet Jesus is superior to them, in part because his name (that is, his essence) is “Son” (1:5). He has a closer relationship with and better inheritance from the Father than the angels have.

Heb. 1:5 You are my Son. This quotes Ps. 2:7. In that psalm the Messiah is the Anointed One (Ps. 2:2), is king over all (Ps. 2:6–8), and especially is God’s Son (Ps. 2:7). today I have begotten you. A poetic expression reflecting the unique relationship of the Son to God Almighty (see further Heb. 1:6); this speaks of entering into a new phase of that Father-Son relationship and does not mean that the Son once did not exist. Similar words of divine sonship are spoken at Jesus’ baptism (Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22; compare Matt. 3:17) and his transfiguration (Matt. 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35). he shall be to me a son. This proclamation (2 Sam. 7:14; also 1 Chron. 17:13) is declared to King David concerning his covenant heir, whom God will designate God’s own “Son.” Solomon failed to follow the law and was not “established forever” (2 Sam. 7:16); hence, the promise can only be fulfilled by the Davidic Messiah.

Heb. 1:6 The firstborn son in Israelite families had first place in terms of inheritance (see Gen. 43:33; Ex. 4:22). The title as applied to Jesus does not mean that he was created (see note on Col. 1:15). Let all God’s angels worship him may refer to either Ps. 97:7 or Deut. 32:43—or possibly both. Since only God is worthy of worship (Ex. 20:3–5; Isa. 42:8; Rev. 19:10), this is further evidence of the Son’s full deity.

Heb. 1:7 The splendor of angels is acknowledged, proving that the Son, who is superior to all the angels, is all the more glorious.

Heb. 1:8–9 The quotation (Ps. 45:6–7) is from a psalm about the Davidic king. Only Jesus, the Davidic Messiah (the anointed One), truly fits this description. Your throne, O God. The messianic Son is rightfully called God by God the Father. (See also John 1:1; 18; 20:28; Titus 2:13.)

Heb. 1:10–12 In light of the clear statement about Christ’s deity (vv. 8–9), the author emphasizes his role in creation and his eternality.

Heb. 1:13 Cited from Ps. 110:1. This psalm of David is quite significant in Hebrews (see Heb. 5:6; 7:17; 21) and elsewhere (Matt. 22:44; Acts 2:34; 1 Cor. 15:25). It applies to “great David’s greater son,” the Messiah. right hand. See note on Heb. 1:3.

Heb. 1:14 ministering spirits. Angels serve believers, those who are to inherit salvation. But salvation is possible only through Jesus (2:10; 5:9; 9:28). The angels’ important role still pales in comparison to him.