Hebrews 1 - 2

The Supremacy of God's Son

1 Long ago, at many times and a in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but b in these last days c he has spoken to us by d his Son, whom he appointed e the heir of all things, f through whom also he created g the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and h the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. i After making purification for sins, j he sat down k at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name l he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,
m "You are my Son,
today I have begotten you"?
Or again,
n "I will be to him a father,
and he shall be to me a son"?

6 And again, when he brings o the firstborn into the world, he says,
p "Let all God's angels worship him."

7 Of the angels he says,
q "He makes his angels winds,
and his ministers a flame of fire."

8 But of the Son he says,
r "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, s has anointed you
with t the oil of gladness beyond your companions."

10 And,
u "You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
 11 they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment,
 12 like a robe you will roll them up,
like a garment they will be changed. 1
But you are v the same,
and your years will have no end."

13 And to which of the angels has he ever said,
w "Sit at my right hand
x until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"?

14 Are they not all ministering spirits y sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to z inherit salvation?

Hebrews 2

Warning Against Neglecting Salvation

1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since a the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and b every transgression or disobedience received a just c retribution, 3 d how shall we escape if we e neglect such a great salvation? It was f declared at first by the Lord, and it was g attested to us h by those who heard, 4 g while God also bore witness i by signs and wonders and various miracles and by j gifts of the Holy Spirit k distributed according to his will.

The Founder of Salvation

5 Now it was not to angels that God subjected the world l to come, of which we are speaking.

6 It has been testified somewhere,
m "What is man, that you are mindful of him,
or the son of man, that you care for him?
 7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels;
you have crowned him with glory and honor, 2

8 putting everything in subjection under his feet."
Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, n we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. 9 But we see him o who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, p crowned with glory and honor q because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might r taste death s for everyone.

10 For it t was fitting that he, u for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons v to glory, should make the w founder of their salvation x perfect through suffering. 11 For y he who sanctifies and z those who are sanctified a all have one source. 3 That is why he is not ashamed to call them b brothers, 4

12 saying,
c "I will tell of your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the d congregation I will sing your praise."

13 And again,
e "I will put my trust in him."
And again,
f "Behold, I and the children g God has given me."

14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise h partook of the same things, that i through death he might j destroy k the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who l through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he m helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had n to be made like his brothers in every respect, o so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest p in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered q when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

  1. Cross References
    Numbers 12:6
    And he said, "Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream.
    Numbers 12:8
    With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
    Joel 2:28
    And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.
  2. Cross References
    1 Peter 1:20
    He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you
    Hebrews 9:26
    For then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
    Acts 2:17
    'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
  3. Cross References
    Hebrews 2:3
    How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard.
  4. Cross References
    Matthew 14:33
    And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God.
  5. Cross References
    Psalms 2:8
    Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.
    Matthew 21:38
    But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.
    Matthew 28:18
    And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
  6. Cross References
    Hebrews 3:3
    For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses - as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself.
    John 1:3
    All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
  7. Cross References
    Hebrews 11:3
    By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
  8. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 4:4
    In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
  9. Cross References
    Hebrews 9:14
    How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
  10. Cross References
    Mark 16:19
    So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
  11. Cross References
    Luke 22:69
    But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.
  12. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:21
    Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
    Philippians 2:9
    Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.
  13. Cross References
    Hebrews 5:5
    So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you".
    Acts 13:33
    This he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, "'You are my Son, today I have begotten you.
    Psalms 2:7
    I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you.
  14. Cross References
    2 Samuel 7:14
    I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men.
    Psalms 89:26 - 27
    He shall cry to me, 'You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.
  15. Cross References
    Psalms 2:7
    I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you.
  16. Cross References
    2 Samuel 7:14
    I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men.
  17. Cross References
    Romans 8:29
    For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
  18. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 32:43
    "Rejoice with him, O heavens; bow down to him, all gods, for he avenges the blood of his children and takes vengeance on his adversaries. He repays those who hate him and cleanses his people's land."
    Psalms 97:7
    All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!
  19. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 32:43
    "Rejoice with him, O heavens; bow down to him, all gods, for he avenges the blood of his children and takes vengeance on his adversaries. He repays those who hate him and cleanses his people's land."
  20. Cross References
    Psalms 104:4
    He makes his messengers winds, his ministers a flaming fire.
  21. Cross References
    Psalms 104:4
    He makes his messengers winds, his ministers a flaming fire.
  22. Cross References
    Psalms 45:6 - 7
    Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness.
  23. Cross References
    Psalms 45:6 - 7
    Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness.
  24. Cross References
    Isaiah 61:1
    The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.
  25. Cross References
    Isaiah 61:3
    To grant to those who mourn in Zion - to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
  26. Cross References
    Psalms 102:25 - 27
    Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
  27. Cross References
    Psalms 102:25 - 27
    Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
  28. Cross References
    Hebrews 13:8
    Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
  29. Cross References
    Psalms 110:1
    The Lord says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.
  30. Cross References
    Hebrews 10:13
    Waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet.
  31. Cross References
    Psalms 110:1
    The Lord says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.
  32. Cross References
    Genesis 19:16
    But he lingered. So the men seized him and his ...
    Genesis 28:12
    And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder ...
    Genesis 32:1 - 2
    Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God me...
    Judges 6:11
    Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under th...
    Judges 13:3
    And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman...
    Psalms 34:7
    The angel of the Lord encamps around those who ...
    Psalms 91:11
    For he will command his angels concerning you t...
    Psalms 103:20 - 21
    Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty on...
    Daniel 3:28
    Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, "Blessed be t...
    Daniel 6:22
    My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouth...
    Daniel 10:11
    And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly loved...
    Matthew 18:10
    See that you do not despise one of these little...
  33. Cross References
    Matthew 25:34
    Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
  34. Cross References
    Acts 7:53
    You who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.
  35. Cross References
    Hebrews 10:28
    Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies ...
    Numbers 15:30 - 31
    But the person who does anything with a high ha...
    Deuteronomy 4:3
    Your eyes have seen what the Lord did at Baal-p...
    Deuteronomy 17:2
    If there is found among you, within any of your...
    Deuteronomy 17:5
    Then you shall bring out to your gates that man...
    Deuteronomy 17:12
    The man who acts presumptuously by not obeying ...
    Deuteronomy 27:26
    "'Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the wor...
  36. Cross References
    Hebrews 10:35
    Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.
    Hebrews 11:26
    He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
  37. Cross References
    Hebrews 10:28 - 29
    Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
    Hebrews 12:25
    See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.
  38. Cross References
    Matthew 22:5
    But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business.
  39. Cross References
    Hebrews 1:2
    But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
  40. Cross References
    Mark 16:20
    And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.]]
    Acts 5:32
    And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.
  41. Cross References
    Luke 1:2
    Just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us.
  42. Cross References
    Hebrews 2:3
    How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard.
  43. Cross References
    Acts 2:22
    Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know -
    Acts 2:43
    And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
  44. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 12:4
    Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.
    1 Corinthians 12:11
    All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
  45. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:5
    He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.
  46. Cross References
    Hebrews 6:5
    And have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come.
  47. Cross References
    Psalms 8:4 - 6
    What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
  48. Cross References
    Psalms 8:4 - 6
    What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
  49. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:25
    For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
  50. Cross References
    Hebrews 2:7
    You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor.
  51. Cross References
    Acts 3:13
    The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.
    1 Peter 1:21
    Who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
    Acts 2:33
    Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.
  52. Cross References
    Philippians 2:7 - 9
    But made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
    John 10:17
    For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.
  53. Cross References
    Matthew 16:28
    Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.
    John 8:52
    The Jews said to him, "Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, 'If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.
  54. Cross References
    John 12:32
    And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.
  55. Cross References
    Luke 24:26
    Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?
  56. Cross References
    Romans 11:36
    For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
  57. Cross References
    Hebrews 3:1
    Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.
    Romans 8:30
    And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
  58. Cross References
    Hebrews 5:9
    And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.
  59. Cross References
    Hebrews 5:9
    And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.
    Hebrews 7:28
    For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
    Luke 13:32
    And he said to them, "Go and tell that fox, 'Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.
    Philippians 3:12
    Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
  60. Cross References
    Hebrews 13:12
    So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.
  61. Cross References
    Hebrews 10:10
    And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
    Hebrews 10:14
    For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
    Hebrews 10:29
    How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?
  62. Cross References
    Acts 17:28
    For "'In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, "'For we are indeed his offspring.
  63. Cross References
    Matthew 25:40
    And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.
  64. Cross References
    Psalms 22:22
    I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:
  65. Cross References
    Hebrews 12:23
    And to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect.
  66. Cross References
    Psalms 22:22
    I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:
  67. Cross References
    Psalms 18:2
    The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
    Isaiah 8:17
    I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob, and I will hope in him.
    Isaiah 12:2
    "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation."
  68. Cross References
    Isaiah 8:18
    Behold, I and the children whom the Lord has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the Lord of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion.
  69. Cross References
    John 17:2
    Since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.
  70. Cross References
    Isaiah 8:18
    Behold, I and the children whom the Lord has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the Lord of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion.
  71. Cross References
    John 1:14
    And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
  72. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:54 - 56
    When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory.
  73. Cross References
    Colossians 2:15
    He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
    2 Timothy 1:10
    And which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
  74. Cross References
    1 John 3:8
    Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
    John 16:11
    Concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
  75. Cross References
    Romans 8:15
    For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!
  76. Cross References
    Isaiah 41:8 - 9
    But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend.
    Hebrews 8:9
    Not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord.
  77. Cross References
    Philippians 2:7
    But made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
  78. Cross References
    Hebrews 4:15 - 16
    For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
    Hebrews 5:2
    He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.
    Hebrews 5:7 - 8
    In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.
  79. Cross References
    Hebrews 5:1
    For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
    Romans 15:17
    In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God.
  80. Cross References
    Hebrews 4:15
    For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
    Luke 22:28
    You are those who have stayed with me in my trials.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.