And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
Read it in contextThe Son's Superiority Over Angels
Start reading at Hebrews 1:1 (Hebrews 1:1 to Hebrews 1:14).
This passage begins the epistle by establishing the Son's preeminence over all creation, particularly angels, through a series of Old Testament citations.
1:1God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
1:2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
1:3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
1:4Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
1:5For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
1:6And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
1:7And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
1:8But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
1:9Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
1:10And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
1:11They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;
1:12And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
1:13But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
1:14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? The author is unknown. Paul is a longstanding attribution, while Barnabas and Apollos are among other historical proposals; none can be established with certainty. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Hebrews 1:1–4:16): The writer addresses a Christian community, warning its members to hold firmly to what they have heard and using Israel's wilderness generation as an example. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? A community of Christians who had endured suffering and needed perseverance. They are traditionally identified as Jewish Christians, but their precise location and ethnic composition are uncertain. Biblical references: Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 5:12; Hebrews 10:32; Hebrews 13:22. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme is God commanding all angels to worship the firstbegotten when He is brought into the world, emphasizing the firstbegotten's supreme authority and worthiness of worship above angels.
What is God revealing? God is revealing the preeminence of the firstbegotten (His Son) over all angels, demonstrating His unique status by commanding angelic worship.
What is the literary style? The literary style is an epistle or sermon, characterized by theological argument and extensive citation of Old Testament Scriptures to establish the Son's superiority.
When
When was it written? Approximately A.D. 65 to 68.
When does the event take place? The command for angels to worship occurs when the firstbegotten is brought "into the world," referring to His incarnation or entry into human existence.
Where
Where did it happen? The command is given by God, concerning the firstbegotten being brought "into the world."
Where was the author located? The author's location is uncertain.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Son's Superiority Over Angels (Hebrews 1:1 to Hebrews 1:14).
Start reading at Hebrews 1:1. This passage begins the epistle by establishing the Son's preeminence over all creation, particularly angels, through a series of Old Testament citations.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse is a key part of the opening argument in Hebrews 1, which establishes the Son's superiority over angels by citing various Old Testament passages. It directly supports the claim that the Son has "obtained a more excellent name than they" (Hebrews 1:4) by showing that angels are commanded to worship Him. interpretation
How does it point to Christ? The "firstbegotten" is the Son (Hebrews 1:2, 1:5), who is Christ. This passage points to Christ's divine nature and supreme authority, as God Himself commands all angels to worship Him upon His entry into the world. interpretation
How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to recognize the supreme authority and worthiness of the Son, just as the angels are commanded to worship Him. This passage encourages reverence and worship of the Son. interpretation
Uncertain; Pauline authorship is held by manyNot known
What Scripture saysThe letter does not name its author.
Early traditionAncient opinion was divided. Some in the East accepted Pauline authorship; Origen concluded that only God knows who wrote it. Tertullian suggested Barnabas.
What is debatedThe author is genuinely unknown. The polished Greek and the manner of citing Scripture differ from Paul's letters. Claiming certainty here overstates the evidence.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Hebrews 1
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back.
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Son as the one through whom God has spoken and who has purged sins, introducing His greatness over the angels.
Connection to the wholeA sequence of Scripture quotations distinguishes the Son's position from the angels' service and prepares the warning that begins chapter 2.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Hebrews
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back.
Connection to the wholeThe opening establishes the Son's greatness, warns against neglecting salvation, and explains His participation in flesh and blood and help for the tempted.
Connection to the wholeThe doctrinal argument leads to sustained exhortation, examples of faith, and warnings that preserve the readers' responsibility to continue.
Connection to the wholePractical instructions and final requests apply the preceding exhortation to the readers' conduct together and their continuing confession.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.