Hebrews 1:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 1:1 serves as a profound theological overture, immediately establishing the divine origin and historical continuity of God's revelation to humanity. It succinctly declares that God, in His sovereign initiative, communicated His truth to the ancestors of Israel through various means and at different junctures in history, utilizing the prophets as His chosen instruments. This foundational statement sets the stage for the epistle's central argument: the incomparable superiority and finality of God's ultimate revelation in His Son, Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This opening verse functions as a majestic prologue, contrasting God's past, fragmented communication with His complete and final word in Jesus Christ, as immediately introduced in [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Has Spoken by His Son"). It establishes a crucial theological bridge between the Old Covenant and the New, asserting both continuity and culmination. The author's immediate transition from past revelation to the Son's supremacy (see [Hebrews 1:2-4](/hebrews/1-2-4 "Hebrews 1:2-4 - The Son's Superiority Over All")) highlights the epistle's overarching theme: the absolute preeminence of Christ over all previous revelations, institutions, and figures of the Old Testament. This foundational statement prepares the reader for the subsequent arguments detailing Christ's superiority to angels, Moses, the Levitical priesthood, and the Old Covenant sacrifices.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle to the Hebrews was likely addressed to Jewish Christians facing significant challenges, possibly persecution or the temptation to revert to Judaism. These believers were deeply rooted in Old Testament traditions, understanding the Law, the prophets, and the temple rituals as central to their faith. The author's strategy is not to dismiss the Old Covenant but to demonstrate its fulfillment and transcendence in Christ. By beginning with God's historical communication through prophets "unto the fathers," the author immediately connects with their heritage, affirming the divine authority of the Old Testament while simultaneously laying the groundwork to argue for the New Covenant's superiority. The audience would have recognized the profound significance of God speaking, as it marked pivotal moments in their national history and identity.
* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 1:1 introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the epistle. First, it underscores **God's Initiative in Revelation**, emphasizing that communication originates from Him; He is not a silent or passive deity but one who actively engages with His creation. Second, the phrase "at sundry times and in divers manners" points to the concept of **Progressive Revelation**, indicating that God's truth unfolded gradually and in various forms over centuries, preparing the way for the ultimate unveiling. This progressive nature is evident in how God spoke through various means, such as direct speech, dreams, visions, and the Law, as seen in passages like [Numbers 12:6-8](/numbers/12-6-8 "Numbers 12:6-8 - God's Communication with Prophets") or [Deuteronomy 5:4-5](/deuteronomy/5-4-5 "Deuteronomy 5:4-5 - God Speaks to Moses"). Third, the verse highlights the **Divine Authority of the Prophets**, affirming their role as God's chosen spokespersons, whose messages carried divine weight and were integral to Israel's understanding of God's will and promises. Finally, this opening verse establishes the **Foundation for Christ's Supremacy**, setting a historical and theological backdrop against which the unparalleled nature of God's final word in His Son will be powerfully presented.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** This term, G2316, refers to the supreme Divinity, emphasizing the ultimate source and authority of the revelation. It highlights that the communication originates from the one true God, the creator and sustainer of all things, whose nature it is to speak and reveal Himself. The use of "God" as the subject immediately establishes the divine weight and infallibility of the message.
* **sundry times (Greek, _polymerōs'_):** G4181, meaning "in many portions" or "piecemeal." This adverb describes the fragmented nature of Old Testament revelation. God did not reveal His entire plan or full truth in one single, comprehensive declaration but rather in parts, over extended periods, and through various historical events and prophetic utterances. This implies a gradual, unfolding process, like a mosaic being assembled piece by piece.
* **divers manners (Greek, _polytrópōs'_):** G4187, meaning "in many ways" or "in various modes." This adverb complements "sundry times" by describing the varied forms or methods through which God communicated. These manners included dreams, visions, direct speech, theophanies, laws, historical events, and the inspired words of the prophets, demonstrating God's adaptability and multifaceted approach to reaching humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"God, who...":** The verse immediately asserts God as the subject and initiator of all divine communication. This emphasizes His sovereignty, His active involvement in human history, and His inherent desire to make Himself known. The opening phrase sets a tone of divine authority and purpose.
* **"...at sundry times and in divers manners...":** This crucial phrase describes the characteristics of Old Testament revelation. "At sundry times" (πολυμερῶς, _polymerōs_) indicates that God's revelation was not a single, complete event but unfolded in many portions, over a long span of history, suggesting a progressive unveiling. "And in divers manners" (πολυτρόπως, _polytrópōs_) specifies the varied forms God's communication took—dreams, visions, direct speech, the Law, historical events, and the prophetic word—demonstrating His diverse methods of interacting with humanity.
* **"...spake in time past...":** The verb "spake" (ἐλάλησεν, _elalēsen_) signifies a definite, historical act of communication. The phrase "in time past" (πάλαι, _pálai_) clearly demarcates this era of revelation as distinct from the present, setting up a temporal contrast with the "last days" mentioned in the subsequent verse, where God speaks through His Son. This highlights the historical reality and the completed nature of the Old Covenant prophetic era.
* **"...unto the fathers by the prophets,":** This identifies both the recipients and the instruments of God's past revelation. "The fathers" refers to the patriarchs and ancestors of the Jewish people, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant relationship with Israel. "By the prophets" signifies that these divinely inspired individuals served as God's authoritative messengers, delivering His word to His chosen people, acting as intermediaries for His divine will.

#### Literary Devices
The opening of Hebrews 1:1 is a masterclass in concise yet profound theological statement, employing several literary devices. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, though implicitly. By detailing God's past, fragmented, and varied communication, the verse powerfully sets up the contrast with the singular, complete, and ultimate revelation in the Son, which is immediately introduced in [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Has Spoken by His Son"). This creates a dramatic tension and highlights the superiority of the New Covenant. The use of the Greek words _polymerōs_ ("sundry times") and _polytrópōs_ ("divers manners") demonstrates **Alliteration and Parallelism**, creating a memorable and rhythmic phrase that emphasizes the multifaceted nature of God's Old Testament revelation. The verse also exhibits remarkable **Conciseness**, packing a vast theological history into a single, elegant sentence, demonstrating the author's skill in distilling complex ideas into impactful prose. This concise opening serves as a powerful and authoritative declaration, immediately establishing the epistle's theological framework.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 1:1 lays the indispensable groundwork for understanding the entirety of God's redemptive plan. It portrays God as inherently communicative, not distant or silent, but actively engaged in revealing His character, will, and purposes to humanity. The "sundry times and divers manners" underscore the concept of progressive revelation, where God's truth was unveiled gradually, like pieces of a grand puzzle, preparing humanity for the full and final picture. This progressive unfolding demonstrates God's patient pedagogy, adapting His communication to the understanding and circumstances of His people throughout history. The verse affirms the divine inspiration and authority of the Old Testament, recognizing the prophets as legitimate conduits of God's word, thereby validating the scriptures that formed the foundation of the audience's faith. This historical continuity is crucial, as it shows that the New Covenant is not a radical break but the culmination and fulfillment of God's long-standing promises and interactions.

* [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - God Promises a Prophet Like Moses")
* [2 Peter 1:20-21](/2_peter/1-20-21 "2 Peter 1:20-21 - Prophecy Came Through the Holy Spirit")
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secret to His Servants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 1:1 invites us to marvel at the persistent and varied ways God has sought to communicate with humanity throughout history. It reminds us that the Old Testament, with its laws, narratives, prophecies, and wisdom, is not merely ancient history but divinely inspired revelation—God's authoritative word, delivered through His chosen messengers, the prophets, to "the fathers." Understanding that God spoke "at sundry times and in divers manners" should cultivate in us a deep appreciation for the richness and diversity of the biblical text, recognizing that each part contributes to a larger, unfolding story. This verse encourages us to approach the Old Testament with reverence and diligent study, knowing that it laid the essential foundation for the coming of Christ. It underscores the reliability of God's word and His unwavering commitment to making Himself known, building anticipation for the ultimate revelation found in His Son. For believers today, this means valuing the entire canon of Scripture, understanding that the Old Testament prepares us for the New, and that both are indispensable for a full understanding of God's character and His redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's past methods of revelation ("sundry times and in divers manners") deepen your appreciation for the Old Testament?**
* **In what ways does this verse prepare us to receive God's ultimate revelation in Jesus Christ, as described in the subsequent verses of Hebrews?**
* **Considering God's diverse ways of speaking in the past, how can we better listen to and apply His Word in our lives today?**

### FAQ
**What does "sundry times and in divers manners" mean in the context of God's revelation?**

Answer: The phrase "sundry times and in divers manners" (from the Greek _polymerōs_ and _polytrópōs_) describes the nature of God's communication during the Old Covenant era. "Sundry times" means "in many portions" or "fragmentarily," indicating that God's revelation was not a single, complete declaration but unfolded gradually over centuries, in different historical periods. "Divers manners" means "in many ways" or "in various modes," referring to the different forms God's communication took. This included direct speech (e.g., to Abraham in [Genesis 12:1](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1 - God's Call to Abraham")), dreams and visions (e.g., to Joseph in [Genesis 37:5-10](/genesis/37-5-10 "Genesis 37:5-10 - Joseph's Dreams") or Daniel in [Daniel 7:1](/daniel/7-1 "Daniel 7:1 - Daniel's Vision")), the giving of the Law (e.g., [Exodus 20:1-17](/exodus/20-1-17 "Exodus 20:1-17 - The Ten Commandments")), miraculous events, and the inspired messages delivered through His prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 1:1](/isaiah/1-1 "Isaiah 1:1 - The Vision of Isaiah")). It highlights the progressive and multifaceted nature of God's self-disclosure before the coming of Christ.

**Who were "the fathers" and "the prophets" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The fathers" refers to the revered ancestors and patriarchs of the Jewish people, encompassing figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the generations that followed, to whom God revealed Himself and established His covenants. It signifies the historical lineage of God's chosen people. "The prophets" refers to the divinely appointed messengers and spokespersons of God in the Old Testament era. These individuals, such as Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and many others, were inspired by God to deliver His messages, warnings, instructions, and promises to the people of Israel. They served as intermediaries, conveying God's will and truth to humanity before the advent of the ultimate revelation in Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 1:1 serves as the perfect theological runway for the grand declaration of Christ's supremacy that follows. It establishes the historical precedent of God's communication, highlighting its fragmented and varied nature, precisely to underscore the comprehensive and singular fulfillment found in Jesus. The Old Testament prophets, though divinely inspired, offered only partial glimpses and diverse forms of God's truth. In stark contrast, [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Has Spoken by His Son") immediately declares that in these "last days," God has spoken "by His Son." Jesus is not merely another prophet or another manner of speaking; He is the very Word of God incarnate, the ultimate and complete revelation (cf. [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). All the "sundry times and divers manners" of the past pointed forward to Him, finding their ultimate meaning and culmination in His person and work. He is the one through whom God created the universe, the radiance of God's glory, and the exact imprint of His nature (cf. [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Son Upholds All Things")). Thus, Christ is the final, perfect, and all-sufficient Word, rendering all previous revelations preparatory and finding their fulfillment in Him, establishing Him as the supreme and definitive voice of God to humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Peter 1:20

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

2 Peter 1:21

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

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

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

¶ 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

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

1 Peter 1:12

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.