Hebrews 1:10

Berean Standard Bible
And: “In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.
 
King James Bible
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
 
NET Bible
And, "You founded the earth in the beginning, Lord, and the heavens are the works of your hands.
 
Greek Text:
καὶ σὺ κατ’ ἀρχὰς κύριε τὴν γῆν ἐθεμελίωσας καὶ ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν σού εἰσιν οἱ οὐρανοί
 
Transliteration:
kai su kat' archas kyrie tēn gēn ethemeliōsas kai erga tōn cheirōn sou eisin hoi ouranoi
 
 
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Bible Study:
 
In the beginning
This phrase echoes the opening of Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." The Greek term "archē" signifies not just a point in time but the commencement of all creation. It emphasizes God's eternal existence and His sovereign initiation of the universe. This phrase sets the stage for understanding Christ's preeminence and active role in creation, affirming His divine nature and eternal existence.
 
Lord
The Greek word "Kyrios" is used here, a title of respect and authority, often used in the Septuagint to translate the Hebrew name for God, Yahweh. This title ascribes to Jesus the same divine authority and reverence given to God the Father, underscoring the doctrine of the Trinity. It affirms the deity of Christ, recognizing Him as sovereign over all creation.
 
You laid the foundations of the earth
The imagery of laying foundations suggests stability, order, and purpose. The Greek verb "themelioō" implies a deliberate and powerful act of creation. This phrase highlights God's intentional design and the intricate care with which He established the earth. It reflects the biblical theme of God as the master architect, whose wisdom and power are evident in the created order.
 
and the heavens are the work of Your hands
The heavens, often representing the vastness and majesty of the universe, are described as the "work of Your hands," using the Greek word "ergon," meaning work or craftsmanship. This phrase emphasizes the personal involvement and skill of God in creation. It portrays the universe as a masterpiece, crafted with precision and purpose, reflecting the glory and majesty of its Creator. The use of "hands" anthropomorphically conveys God's intimate and active role in shaping the cosmos.
 
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Commentary:
 
Christological Implications: By quoting Psalm 102:25-27, the author of Hebrews attributes these words to Christ, thereby affirming Christ's divine nature. The text suggests that Jesus is not only the creator of the universe ("you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands") but also eternal and unchangeable ("you remain the same, and your years will never end"), characteristics traditionally ascribed to God.
 
Supremacy of Christ: This quotation is part of a larger argument in Hebrews 1, which contrasts Jesus with angels. The author uses these Old Testament references to show that Jesus is far superior to any angelic being, as only God could be described with such attributes.
 
Old Testament Fulfillment: The use of Psalm 102 here is an example of how early Christians saw the Old Testament prophecies and hymns as fulfilled or illuminated by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This approach was common in New Testament writings to connect Jesus with the Jewish Scriptures.
 
Theological Context: This verse supports the theological theme of Hebrews, which is the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old. By attributing creation and eternal existence to Jesus, the text underscores His role as the mediator of a better, eternal covenant.
 
In summary, Hebrews 1:10 is used to highlight Jesus' divine nature, His role in creation, and His eternal existence, reinforcing the central Christian belief in the divinity of Christ and His preeminence over all creation. This verse plays a crucial role in the epistle's argument for the supremacy of Jesus over all else, including the Mosaic law and the angelic messengers of the Old Testament.