What does Hebrews 1:11 mean?
They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; Hebrews 1:11
Explanation
Hebrews 1:11 says, “They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment.” This passage is part of a larger segment that speaks about the superiority of Christ compared to the angels. The verse highlights the transient nature of the created world, including the heavens and the earth, in contrast to the eternal nature of Christ. It uses the metaphor of a garment growing old to illustrate the idea that the cosmos, as grand as it may seem, is still subject to aging and change, much like a piece of clothing that eventually wears out. Christ, however, is described as remaining unchanged – forever the same and never ceasing to exist.
Historical Context
The Book of Hebrews was written to a group of early Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and were at risk of abandoning their Christian faith to revert back to Judaism. The precise date and authorship of Hebrews are subject to debate, but it is generally placed within the first century AD. Using a blend of Old Testament quotations and first-century rabbinic interpretations, Hebrews aims to demonstrate the preeminence of Christ as the ultimate revelation of God, superior to the angels, Moses, the priesthood, and the Old Covenant. Verse 1:11 draws particularly from Psalms 102:25-27 and reflects common Jewish exegetical methods of that time.
Theological Insights
From a Christian theological perspective, Hebrews 1:11 articulates the belief in Christ’s divinity and immutability, which means that unlike the physical realm, Jesus does not change or decay. This idea is rooted in classical theism, which sees God as perfect, unchanging, and eternal. By extending these attributes to Christ, Hebrews reinforces the Christian belief in the Trinity, affirming Jesus as fully divine and of one substance with God the Father.
Practical Applications
Practically, Hebrews 1:11 can inspire believers to focus on eternal truths rather than transient material realities. In a modern context, it encourages individuals to invest their time and energy into things that have lasting value—faith, love, and righteous living as Jesus embodied. The verse also offers comfort that despite the changing world, there is consistency and hope in Christ.
Cross-References
- Psalms 102:25-27
- Isaiah 51:6
- 2 Corinthians 4:18
- James 1:11
- 1 Peter 1:24-25
Language Study
The key phrase in Hebrews 1:11, “They shall perish,” uses the Greek verb “ἀπολούνται” (apólountai), suggesting destruction or ceasing to exist. “Thou remainest” comes from “διαμένεις” (diaméneis), indicating endurance or permanence. “Wax old” is translated from “παλαιωθήσονται” (palaiōthēsontai), inferring age or obsolescence, similar to worn-out clothing.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
The imagery of creation wearing out like a garment has parallels in other ancient Near Eastern literature. For example, the theme of gods creating and destroying worlds is seen in various mythologies. However, the notion of a single, unchanging divine being as presented in Hebrews is distinctive to the Judeo-Christian tradition.
Scientific Perspectives
Hebrews 1:11 touches on concepts related to entropy and the eventual heat death of the universe—scientific theories that describe a cosmos moving toward disorder and a state of energy equilibrium where no work is possible. These concepts inadvertently echo the biblical theme of creation’s impermanence, although the original text does not engage directly with scientific ideas.
commentaries
Commentators often highlight the contrast in Hebrews 1:11 between the created order and the Creator. For instance, Matthew Henry views this as a testament to God’s eternal dominion and the perishable nature of the world. F.F. Bruce notes the psalmist’s imagery, emphasizing the Christian doctrine of Christ’s unchangeability (immutability). John Gill interprets the verse in light of God’s sovereignty over the temporal universe. Many commentaries align on the theological point that this verse illustrates Christ’s divine nature and eternal existence.