Hebrews 1:1

¶ God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

God {G2316}, who at sundry times {G4181} and {G2532} in divers manners {G4187} spake {G2980} in time past {G3819} unto the fathers {G3962} by {G1722} the prophets {G4396},

In days gone by, God spoke in many and varied ways to the Fathers through the prophets.

On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets.

God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners,

Commentary

Hebrews 1:1 serves as a profound introduction to the entire Epistle to the Hebrews, immediately setting the stage by highlighting God's past methods of communication before contrasting them with His ultimate revelation in Jesus Christ.

Context

This opening verse acts as a bridge from the Old Covenant to the New, asserting God's active involvement in human history. It establishes the continuity of God's revelation while simultaneously preparing the reader for the superiority and finality of His Word spoken through His Son, as detailed in the subsequent verses of Hebrews chapter 1. The audience for this letter was likely Jewish Christians who understood the Old Testament well, making this historical overview particularly relevant to their understanding of God's unfolding plan.

Key Themes

  • God's Initiative in Revelation: The verse emphasizes that God is the one who initiates communication with humanity. He is not silent but actively reveals Himself.
  • Progressive Revelation: It speaks of God speaking "at sundry times and in divers manners," indicating that His revelation unfolded gradually and in various forms over different periods. This prepares for the idea that Christ is the culmination of this progressive unveiling.
  • The Role of Prophets: The "prophets" were God's chosen spokespersons in the Old Testament era, delivering His messages, warnings, and promises to "the fathers" (the ancestors of Israel). This highlights the divine authority behind the Old Covenant scriptures.
  • Foundation for Christ: By establishing God's past communication, the verse sets a firm historical and theological foundation upon which the supremacy of Christ's revelation is built. The old way prepared the way for the new.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrases "sundry times" and "divers manners" convey rich meaning from the original Greek:

  • "Sundry times" translates the Greek word polymeros (πολυμερῶς), meaning "in many parts" or "fragmentarily." This suggests that God's revelation in the Old Testament was not a single, complete declaration but came in pieces, line upon line, over centuries.
  • "Divers manners" comes from polytropos (πολυτρόπως), meaning "in many ways" or "in various modes." This refers to the different forms God's communication took: through dreams, visions, direct speech, theophanies, laws, historical events, and even parables. Numbers 12:6 is an example of God speaking in various ways to His prophets.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of God's enduring desire to communicate with His creation. It underscores the reliability and divine origin of the Old Testament scriptures, affirming their value as God's inspired word, even if they were partial compared to the full revelation in Christ. For believers today, it encourages a deeper appreciation for the entirety of God's word, understanding that the Old Testament laid the groundwork for the saving work of Jesus Christ. It also highlights God's adaptability in reaching humanity, using diverse methods to convey truth, ultimately culminating in the Incarnation of His Son.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Peter 1:20 (39 votes)

    Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

  • 2 Peter 1:21 (39 votes)

    For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.

  • Numbers 12:6 (20 votes)

    And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, [I] the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, [and] will speak unto him in a dream.

  • Numbers 12:8 (20 votes)

    With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

  • Joel 2:28 (18 votes)

    ¶ And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

  • 1 Peter 1:10 (15 votes)

    ¶ Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you:

  • 1 Peter 1:12 (15 votes)

    Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.