What does Hebrews 1:7 mean?

And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. Hebrews 1:7

Explanation

Hebrews 1:7 quotes a verse from the Old Testament (Psalm 104:4) to describe the nature and role of angels in the divine scheme. This verse is part of a larger argument in the book of Hebrews that establishes the superiority of Christ above all things, including angels. The verse does this by depicting angels as servants made by God, created as “spirits” and “a flame of fire.” The word “spirits” here is often understood as referring to their immaterial or non-corporeal nature. The phrase “a flame of fire” is interpreted to suggest their power, purity, and the swift execution of God’s will. The verse is poetic and metaphorical, using the imagery of fire to convey the awe-inspiring and dynamic qualities of angels as agents of God.

Historical Context

Hebrews is an epistle in the New Testament that was written to Jewish Christians, likely before the destruction of the second temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD. The author, whose identity remains unknown, encourages believers to understand the supremacy of Christ and remain steadfast in their faith, amidst possible persecutions and the temptation to revert to Judaism. The epistle seeks to solidify the belief in Christ as the ultimate revelation of God, surpassing the old covenant, prophets, and angels. In the ancient world, angels were often seen as powerful and majestic beings, and by showing Christ as superior to angels, the author of Hebrews, reinforces the divine authority of Christ.

Theological Insights

Theological interpretations of this verse often center on the nature and ministry of angels:

• Ministerial Role: Angels are considered ministers who serve God’s purposes, emphasizing their role in executing the divine will rather than acting as autonomous beings.
• Christological Perspective: From a Christocentric point of view, the verse sets a backdrop against which Christ’s divinity is highlighted. By showing that angels are created to serve, the pre-existence and sovereignty of Christ are affirmed.
• Angelology: In studies of angelology, this verse contributes to a doctrinal understanding of angels as created beings, thus rejecting any idea of them being divine or worthy of worship.

Practical Applications

The verse can serve as a reminder of the orderly hierarchy in the divine realm and the service rendered to God by all created beings:

• Humility: Believers might be inspired by the service of angels to also serve God with humility and dedication.
• Focus on Christ: By acknowledging Christ’s authority over even the majestic beings like angels, individuals are encouraged to focus their worship and adoration solely on Christ.
• Divine Providence: Reflecting on the verse can reinforce a believer’s trust in divine providence, knowing that angels are active as God’s agents in the world.

Cross-References

• Psalms 104:4 – “Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:”
• Hebrews 1:14 – “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”
• Psalm 103:20 – “Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.”

Language Study

The Greek terms used for “angels” (ἄγγελος, angelos), “spirits” (πνεῦμα, pneuma), and “flame of fire” (φλὸξ πυρός, phlox pyros) highlight different aspects of angelic beings:

• ἄγγελος (angelos): This word means messenger, emphasizing the primary function of angels as conveyors of God’s messages.
• πνεῦμα (pneuma): While this can mean spirit, it also conveys the concept of breath or wind, which may underline the immaterial and powerful nature of angels.
• φλὸξ πυρός (phlox pyros): Literally meaning flame of fire, this phrase implies dynamism, power, and purification as characteristics of angels’ ministry.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, including Greek and Roman mythology, there were beings akin to angels, such as messengers of the gods (Hermes/Mercury). However, these beings often had their own stories and personalities, unlike the biblical angels who are consistently depicted as serving the will of God without personal agendas.

Scientific Perspectives

The description of angels as “spirits” and “a flame of fire” uses poetic language rather than empirical categories. Therefore, the verse does not intersect directly with scientific inquiry, which deals with the material world. The language is metaphorical, and its purpose is to evoke a sense of the mystical and powerful nature of angelic beings in the service of God.

Commentaries

Various Biblical scholars and commentators offer different insights on Hebrews 1:7:

• Matthew Henry: Comprehends the verse in the context of the glory of Christ and the duty of angels as servants who are mighty, and who, like fire, are both powerful and speedy in their tasks.
• John Calvin: Highlights God’s sovereignty, suggesting that the designation of angels as “a flame of fire” indicates their swift responsiveness to God’s will.
• John Gill: Notes that this verse shows the difference between Christ, who is the Son, and angels, interpreting the fire as emblematic of their zeal and swiftness in obedience.

Each commentary upholds the distinction between Jesus Christ and angels, consistent with the primary theme of the book of Hebrews.