What does Hebrews 1:6 mean?

And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. Hebrews 1:6

Explanation

Hebrews 1:6 speaks of a monumental and celestial event—God introducing His “firstbegotten” (firstborn) into the world, and commanding that all angels of God should worship him. Within the Christian tradition, this verse is typically interpreted to refer to Jesus Christ, who is considered the Son of God and “firstborn” over all creation. In essence, the verse asserts Christ’s superiority over spiritual beings and honors Him with a status and reverence that is unique.

Historical Context

The epistle to the Hebrews, written to Jewish Christians of the first century, emphasizes the supremacy of Christ over the old Jewish system, including the angels (who were highly revered in Jewish tradition). This verse can be understood against the backdrop of early Christian efforts to solidify the doctrine of Christ’s divinity in the context of Jewish monotheism and angelology. It aims to distinguish Christ from the angels, not merely as another created being, but as the divine Son worshiped by all heavenly beings.

Theological Insights

From a Trinitarian Christian perspective, Hebrews 1:6 is seen as a demonstration of the divine nature of Christ and His co-equality with the Father. It also addresses christological debates by establishing that Jesus is not an angel but above them in rank.

Non-Trinitarian perspectives, such as those from Unitarian Christians or Jehovah’s Witnesses, may view the worship mentioned here as different in nature or degree to the worship given to God, aligning it more closely with respect or veneration.

Jewish and Islamic interpretations would reject the notion that this verse promotes the divinity of Christ, arguing instead for the integrity of monotheistic belief that no person or angel should be an object of worship in the way that God is.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to recognize and honor the supremacy of Christ in their own lives. It also invites Christians to join in with the heavenly worship of Jesus, reminding them of their connection to a celestial community of faith. In a broader sense, this verse can inspire believers to revere the divine and cultivate humility by acknowledging the sovereignty of a higher power.

Cross-References

• Colossians 1:18, “And he is the head of the body, the church: … the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
• Philippians 2:9-11, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:”
• Revelation 5:11-12, “And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne … saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.”

Language Study

The key term “firstbegotten” or “firstborn” in Greek is “πρωτότοκος” (prōtotokos), which signifies preeminence in position and inheritance rights. In Jewish culture, the firstborn son held a place of honor and received a double portion of the inheritance.

The word for “worship” is “προσκυνέω” (proskuneō), which in the Greek context encompasses acts of reverence and homage, and would have been understood as a term conveying deferential honor, which in this case is directed at a divine figure.

The phrase “brings into the world” implies a significant entrance or introduction to the public domain, giving the sense of a formal presentation with great significance.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a divine being or a firstborn of the gods is present in various ancient cultures. For example, in ancient Egyptian religion, the god Osiris is often considered the firstborn of the gods. In Roman mythology, Jupiter (Zeus in Greek mythology) is the king of the gods. The commonality lies in the idea of a supreme being holding special status among the gods. However, differing from polytheism, Hebrews 1:6 pertains to a monotheistic framework where Christ is distinguished within the context of a single divine essence.

Scientific Perspectives

Science does not address theological concepts such as the divinity of Jesus or the existence of angels, as these topics fall outside the empirical scope of scientific inquiry. However, the study of cosmology and the universe’s origins do engage with questions about the existence of a higher power or creator, which can indirectly relate to the themes of divinity and creation found within Hebrews 1:6.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered comments on this verse. For instance:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the dignity and authority of Christ’s kingdom, and that angels, though mighty, are to worship Him.
• The Pulpit Commentary notes the significance of the term “firstborn” – a title said to proclaim the Messianic king.
• John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible interprets this as a point of the exaltation of Christ after his resurrection and ascension, receiving the worship even of angels as acknowledgment of His divine sovereignty.

Each commentary reflects on the various aspects of Christ’s identity and the implications for understanding the nature of Jesus in Christian theology.