What does Hebrews 1:2 mean?

Hath 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; Hebrews 1:2

Explanation

Hebrews 1:2 addresses the preeminence of Jesus Christ in God’s communication with humanity, as well as His role in creation and His inheritance. It asserts that in the past, God spoke through the prophets, but in “these last days,” he has spoken through His Son. The term “last days” signifies a period beginning with Christ’s first coming and continuing until His return. It implies a new and final stage in God’s communication.

The verse then describes Jesus with a twofold identity: He is both the “appointed heir of all things” and the agent through whom God made the worlds. The former declares Jesus as the one who will inherit all of creation, reflecting a legal status of superiority and ownership. The latter ascribes a cosmic role to Jesus, affirming Him not simply as a messenger, but as an active participant in creation.

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to a community of early Christians who were familiar with Jewish scripture and traditions. Composed sometime before 70 A.D., it addresses experiences of persecution and doubt among its recipients. The author aims to present Christ as superior to angels, the Moses-led exodus, and the Levitical priesthood, providing biblical validation for the belief in Christ as the culmination of God’s plan for salvation.

The historical context implies that Christians faced the temptation to revert to Judaism or to syncretize their beliefs. Hebrews 1:2 counters these pressures by asserting Christ’s ultimate authority and defining Him as the pinnacle of divine revelation, thereby bolstering the audience’s faith and affirming their commitment to Christian doctrine.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Hebrews 1:2 offers rich insights:

• Christocentrism: This verse promotes a Christ-centered worldview, where Jesus is the focal point of God’s plan.
• Revelation: It implies a progressive revelation, where the fullness of God’s message is ultimately revealed in His Son, marking a transition from the prophets.
• Trinitarianism: While not explicitly mentioning the Trinity, the verse aligns with Trinitarian doctrine by depicting Jesus as both the medium and co-agent of creation with the Father.
• Eschatology: The use of “last days” is eschatological, referring to the final era of redemptive history.
• Supremacy of Christ: The heirship of Jesus indicates His supremacy over all things, consistent with other scriptural passages that emphasize His lordship.

Different denominations may emphasize aspects of this theology differently, with some focusing on the end-times implications, while others underscore the finality and completeness of revelation in Christ.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse offers several applications:

• Faith: Christians can be encouraged to have faith in Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God’s will and character.
• Worship: Since Jesus is appointed heir and creator, He is worthy of worship and honor above all else.
• Witness: Believers are called to share the message that God has fully and finally spoken through His Son.
• Perseverance: In times of doubt or persecution, the supremacy of Christ can be a source of strength and encouragement.

Cross-References

• John 1:1-3 – Describes Jesus as the Word and asserts His role in creation.
• Colossians 1:15-17 – Paul speaks of Christ’s preeminence and His role in the creation of all things.
• Hebrews 1:8 – Further emphasizes the deity of Christ, as God calls His Son “God”.
• Psalm 2:8 – Foreshadows the inheritance of the Messiah, analogous to the heirship mentioned in Hebrews 1:2.
• Ephesians 1:20-22 – Discusses God’s appointment of Christ as head over everything for the church.

Language Study

Two key terms in the original Greek text stand out:

• “Heir” (κληρονόμον, klēronomon): This refers to one who receives an inheritance. In the cultural context, an heir usually received authority and ownership over the family possessions.
• “Worlds” (αἰώνας, aiōnas): This term can also be translated as “ages” or “universe,” indicating not just physical worlds, but also the span of time and history.

The use of these terms emphasizes both Jesus’ authority over the entirety of creation and His involvement throughout the timeline of existence.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparable to the verse in question, many ancient myths feature demigods or heroic figures who play central roles in the creation or ordering of the world, such as Prometheus in Greek mythology or Vishnu in Hindu tradition. However, what sets the Christian narrative apart is the concept of a single God working through His Son, rather than a pantheon of gods.

Scientific Perspectives

While Hebrews 1:2 is not a scientific text, its reference to Jesus in the role of creation could be considered in light of the Big Bang theory, which describes the universe’s origins. Some theologians find harmony between the concept of a divine Creator and the scientific explanation of the universe’s beginnings.

Commentaries

Commentaries generally converge on the interpretation that Hebrews 1:2 sets forth the doctrine of Christ’s superiority:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary discusses how this verse reveals that God’s most excellent Word and final revelation to man come through His Son, emphasizing Jesus’ glory that should draw all to believe in Him.
• John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible reflects on how God’s speaking through His Son is a distinguished privilege and how the description of Christ demonstrates both His divine nature and His mediatorial role.
• The Pulpit Commentary recognizes the eloquence with which the author of Hebrews conveys the divinity and messianic kingship of Christ, alongside His preexistence and active involvement in creation.