Berean Standard Bible
They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment.
King James Bible
They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;
NET Bible
They will perish, but you continue. And they will all grow old like a garment,
Greek:
αὐτοὶ ἀπολοῦνται, σὺ δὲ διαμένεις, καὶ πάντες ὡς ἱμάτιον παλαιωθήσονται
Transliteration:
autoì apoloûntai, sù dè diaméneis, kaì pántes ōs himátion palaiōthḗsontai
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Study Bible:
They will perish
The phrase "They will perish" refers to the created order, including the heavens and the earth, as mentioned in the preceding verses. The Greek word for "perish" is "ἀπολοῦνται" (apolountai), which implies destruction or coming to an end. This highlights the transient nature of the physical universe in contrast to the eternal nature of God. From a historical perspective, this reflects the Jewish understanding of the temporal world, which is subject to decay and change, as seen in the writings of the Old Testament prophets. Theologically, it underscores the Christian belief in the eventual renewal of creation, as God will bring about a new heaven and a new earth.
but You remain
The contrast "but You remain" emphasizes the eternal and unchanging nature of God. The Greek word "μένεις" (meneis) means to stay or abide, indicating permanence. This is a profound declaration of God's immutability, a key attribute in conservative Christian theology. While the world and everything in it may change or cease to exist, God remains constant and faithful. This assurance of God's eternal presence provides comfort and hope to believers, affirming that their faith is anchored in the One who is everlasting.
they will all wear out like a garment
The imagery "they will all wear out like a garment" uses a metaphor to describe the aging and eventual obsolescence of the created world. The Greek word "παλαιωθήσονται" (palaiōthēsontai) means to grow old or become obsolete. This metaphor is rooted in the everyday experience of clothing wearing out over time, making it a relatable illustration for the original audience. Historically, garments were valuable possessions, and their wearing out symbolized the inevitable decline of even the most cherished material things. Scripturally, this echoes Psalm 102:26, reinforcing the message of the temporary nature of creation. For believers, this serves as a reminder to focus on the eternal rather than the temporal, encouraging a life oriented towards the everlasting kingdom of God.
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Commentary:
Eternal Nature of God: The verse emphasizes the
unchanging, everlasting nature of God. While everything in the created world is
subject to change and decay, God remains the same. This speaks to God's
immutability and eternal existence.
Transience of Creation: The metaphor of creation wearing
out like a garment highlights its temporary and fragile nature. Just as clothes
eventually wear out and need to be replaced, so too will the heavens and the
earth. This is a common theme in biblical literature, underscoring the fleeting
nature of earthly things.
Connection to Psalms: Hebrews 1:11 is a quotation from
Psalm 102:26. This connection reinforces the idea that the New Testament
authors saw the Old Testament as pointing to the eternal truths about God and
His relationship to the world.
Christ's Superiority: Within the broader context of
Hebrews 1, this verse serves to highlight the superiority of Christ over the
angels. The author of Hebrews is making a case that Christ, being eternal and
unchanging, is far superior to the angels, who are part of the created order
and thus subject to change.
Encouragement for Believers: For the original audience,
this verse would have served as a source of comfort and encouragement. Amidst
the trials and uncertainties of life, believers could find assurance in the
unchanging nature of God. No matter how unstable the world may seem, God
remains constant.
Theological Implications: The immutability of God is a
fundamental theological concept. It means that God's character, will, and
promises are steadfast. For believers, this means that they can trust in God's
promises and rely on His unchanging nature.
They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment.
They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;
They will perish, but you continue. And they will all grow old like a garment,
αὐτοὶ ἀπολοῦνται, σὺ δὲ διαμένεις, καὶ πάντες ὡς ἱμάτιον παλαιωθήσονται
autoì apoloûntai, sù dè diaméneis, kaì pántes ōs himátion palaiōthḗsontai
The phrase "They will perish" refers to the created order, including the heavens and the earth, as mentioned in the preceding verses. The Greek word for "perish" is "ἀπολοῦνται" (apolountai), which implies destruction or coming to an end. This highlights the transient nature of the physical universe in contrast to the eternal nature of God. From a historical perspective, this reflects the Jewish understanding of the temporal world, which is subject to decay and change, as seen in the writings of the Old Testament prophets. Theologically, it underscores the Christian belief in the eventual renewal of creation, as God will bring about a new heaven and a new earth.
The contrast "but You remain" emphasizes the eternal and unchanging nature of God. The Greek word "μένεις" (meneis) means to stay or abide, indicating permanence. This is a profound declaration of God's immutability, a key attribute in conservative Christian theology. While the world and everything in it may change or cease to exist, God remains constant and faithful. This assurance of God's eternal presence provides comfort and hope to believers, affirming that their faith is anchored in the One who is everlasting.
The imagery "they will all wear out like a garment" uses a metaphor to describe the aging and eventual obsolescence of the created world. The Greek word "παλαιωθήσονται" (palaiōthēsontai) means to grow old or become obsolete. This metaphor is rooted in the everyday experience of clothing wearing out over time, making it a relatable illustration for the original audience. Historically, garments were valuable possessions, and their wearing out symbolized the inevitable decline of even the most cherished material things. Scripturally, this echoes Psalm 102:26, reinforcing the message of the temporary nature of creation. For believers, this serves as a reminder to focus on the eternal rather than the temporal, encouraging a life oriented towards the everlasting kingdom of God.
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