Thursday, January 9, 2025

Hebrews 1:6

 


Berean Standard Bible
And again, when God brings His firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all God’s angels worship Him.”
 
King James Bible
And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
 
NET Bible
But when he again brings his firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all the angels of God worship him!"
 
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Berean Study Bible
 
And again
This phrase indicates a continuation or reinforcement of a previous argument. The author of Hebrews is emphasizing the supremacy of Christ by introducing another scriptural reference. The Greek word "πάλιν" (palin) suggests a repetitive action or a return to a previous point, underscoring the importance of Christ's divine status and the consistency of this message throughout Scripture.
 
when God brings
The act of God bringing His firstborn into the world is a divine initiative. The Greek word "εἰσαγάγῃ" (eisagagē) implies a formal introduction or presentation. This highlights the intentionality and authority of God in presenting Christ to the world, affirming His preeminence and the fulfillment of divine prophecy.
 
His firstborn
The term "firstborn" (Greek: "πρωτότοκον," prōtotokon) is rich with theological significance. In Jewish culture, the firstborn held a place of honor and inheritance rights. Here, it signifies Christ's preeminence and unique status as the Son of God, not in terms of creation, but in rank and authority. This title affirms Christ's eternal existence and His role as the heir of all things.
 
into the world
The phrase "into the world" (Greek: "εἰς τὴν οἰκουμένην," eis tēn oikoumenēn) refers to the inhabited earth. This underscores the incarnation of Christ, His entry into human history, and His mission to redeem humanity. It highlights the tangible and historical reality of Christ's coming, bridging the divine and the earthly realms.
 
He says
This indicates a direct quotation from God, emphasizing the authority and divine origin of the statement. The use of "λέγει" (legei) in Greek underscores the active and present nature of God's word, which is living and powerful, as further elaborated in Hebrews 4:12.
 
Let all God’s angels worship Him
This command for the angels to worship Christ underscores His superiority over the angelic beings. The Greek word for worship, "προσκυνησάτωσαν" (proskynēsatosan), implies a deep reverence and submission. This reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, likely drawing from Deuteronomy 32:43 in the Septuagint, and affirms Christ's divine nature and authority. The angels, as ministering spirits, are called to acknowledge Christ's lordship, reinforcing His position as the exalted Son of God.
 
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Context: The Book of Hebrews is written to Jewish Christians to demonstrate the superiority of Christ over the old covenant. In the first chapter, the author contrasts Jesus with the angels to show Jesus' divine nature and authority.
 
The Firstborn: This refers to Jesus Christ. The term "firstborn" here does not imply that Jesus was created but rather speaks to His preeminence, authority, and status. In many ancient cultures, the firstborn had a position of honor and leadership within the family. Theologically, it reflects Christ's unique relationship with God the Father, as seen in other scriptures like Colossians 1:15-18 where "firstborn" signifies His supremacy over all creation.
 
He brings into the world: This could refer to either the incarnation of Jesus when He was born or His second coming. However, most scholars interpret this as referring to His incarnation, highlighting the moment when Jesus entered human history.
 
Let all God’s angels worship him: This is a direct citation or adaptation from the Septuagint version of Deuteronomy 32:43 or possibly Psalms 97:7, where angels (or heavenly beings) are called to worship. This act of worship by angels signifies Jesus' divine status. In Jewish tradition, angels are servants of God who do not receive worship themselves but give it to God. Here, Jesus is being worshipped by angels, underscoring His deity and His role in the divine plan.
 
Theological Implication: This verse is used to argue for the divinity of Christ, showing that He is worthy of worship, something only due to God. It's part of a broader argument in Hebrews that Jesus is not just a prophet or an angel but is, in fact, God incarnate, superior to all created beings, including angels.
 
This passage thus plays a crucial role in the Christological discussions within Christianity, emphasizing Jesus' divine nature and His unique position in relation to God and all creation.
 
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John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible:
 
And again, when he bringeth the first begotten into the world;.... By "the first begotten" is meant Christ. This is a name given him in the Old Testament, and is what the Hebrews were acquainted with, and therefore the apostle uses it; it is in Psa_89:27 from whence it seems to be taken here, and which the ancient Jews (u) acknowledge is to be understood of the Messiah; who, as the Son of God, is the only begotten of the Father, and was begotten from eternity, as before declared, and before any creature had a being, and therefore called the firstborn of every creature, Col_1:15 and is sometimes styled the first begotten from the dead; he rose the first in time, and is the first in causality and dignity: and he may be called the firstborn, with respect to the saints, who are of the same nature with him, and are partakers of the divine nature, and are adopted into the family of God, though they are not in the same class of sonship with him; and the bringing of him into the world may refer to his second coming, for this seems agreeable from the natural order of the words, which may be rendered, "when he shall bring again", &c. that is, a second time, and from Psa_97:1 from whence the following words are cited; and from the glory he shall then have from the angels, who will come with him, and minister to him; and not to his resurrection from the dead, when he was exalted above angels, principalities, and powers; though, as we read the words, they seem to regard his first coming in to this habitable world, at his incarnation and birth, when he was attended with angels, and worshipped by them, according to the order of God the Father, as follows:
 
he saith, and let all the angels of God worship him; these words are cited from Psa_97:7 where the angels are called Elohim, gods. So Aben Ezra on the place observes, that there are some (meaning their doctors) who say, that "all the gods are the angels"; and Kimchi says, that the words are not imperative, but are in the past tense, instead of the future,
 
all the angels have worshipped him; that is, they shall worship him; as they have done, so they will do. According to our version, they are called upon to worship God's firstborn, his only begotten Son, with a religious worship and adoration, even all of them, not one excepted; which shows, that Christ, as the first begotten, is the Lord God, for he only is to be served and worshipped; and that if angels are to worship him, men ought; and that angels are not to be worshipped, and that Christ is preferable to them; and the whole sets forth the excellency and dignity of his person. Philo the Jew (w) often calls the Logos, or Word of God, his first begotten.
 
(u) Shemot Rabba, sect. 19. fol. 104. 4. (w) De Agricultura, p. 195. De Confus. Ling. p. 329, 341. Somniis, p. 597.
 
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Cross References:
 
Deuteronomy 32:43
Rejoice, O heavens, with Him, and let all God’s angels worship Him. Rejoice, O nations, with His people; for He will avenge the blood of His children. He will take vengeance on His adversaries and repay those who hate Him; He will cleanse His land and His people.
 
Revelation 5:11-12
Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels encircling the throne, and the living creatures and the elders. And their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”
 
Philippians 2:9-11
Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
 

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