Hebrews 1:10

KJV

And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}, Thou {G4771}, Lord {G2962}, in {G2596} the beginning {G746} hast laid the foundation {G2311} of the earth {G1093}; and {G2532} the heavens {G3772} are {G1526} the works {G2041} of thine {G4675} hands {G5495}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and,

“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth;
heaven is the work of your hands.

Berean Standard Bible

And: “In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.

American Standard Version

And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning didst lay the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the works of thy hands:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 1:10 is a profound declaration affirming the divine identity and creative power of Jesus Christ, drawing directly from Old Testament scripture. It stands as a pivotal statement in the book of Hebrews' overarching argument for the supremacy and preeminence of the Son of God, unequivocally identifying Him as the eternal Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 1:10 is part of an extended catena of Old Testament quotations (Hebrews 1:5-14) meticulously assembled by the author to demonstrate Christ's superiority over angels, who were highly revered in Jewish thought. Specifically, Hebrews 1:10-12 directly quotes Psalm 102:25-27 from the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament). In its original context, Psalm 102 is a prayer addressed to Yahweh, the eternal Creator God. By applying these very words to Jesus, the author of Hebrews makes an undeniable theological statement: Jesus is not merely a messenger or a created being, but He is identified with the eternal, unchanging God of Israel. This quotation follows the powerful description of Christ as the "radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of his nature" in [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory"), further solidifying His divine essence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The epistle to the Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians, likely facing persecution or temptation to revert to Judaism. These believers held a deep reverence for the Old Covenant, the Law given through angels, and the established temple system. The author's strategy is to demonstrate that Jesus Christ is superior to every aspect of the Old Covenant—superior to the prophets, superior to angels, superior to Moses, superior to the Aaronic priesthood, and superior to the sacrifices. By attributing the act of creation, a foundational tenet of Jewish theology reserved for Yahweh alone, to Jesus, the author powerfully reinforces Christ's ultimate authority and divine nature, thereby urging his audience to remain steadfast in their faith in Him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological themes in Hebrews and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **Deity of Christ**, as the application of Psalm 102:25-27 to Jesus leaves no room for doubt about His divine status; He is the eternal "Lord." Closely related is **Christ as Creator**, explicitly presenting Jesus as the active agent in bringing the universe into existence, aligning with other New Testament passages such as [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him") and [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer") which describe His essential role in creating and sustaining all things. Furthermore, the declaration "in the beginning" underscores **Christ's Pre-existence and Eternity**, highlighting His existence prior to creation itself. This theme sets the stage for the following verses, [Hebrews 1:11-12](/hebrews/1-11-12 "Hebrews 1:11-12 - The Impermanence of Creation vs. Christ's Permanence"), which contrast the temporary, perishable nature of the created order with the unchanging, enduring nature of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term (G2962) signifies supreme authority and sovereignty. In the Septuagint (LXX), it is consistently used to translate the Hebrew name for God, Yahweh. Its application to Jesus in this verse is a profound theological statement, unequivocally asserting His divine identity and sovereign rule, identifying Him with the God of the Old Testament.
* **laid the foundation (Greek, _themelióō'_):** Derived from _themelios_ (G2311), meaning "to lay a basis for" or "to establish." This word emphasizes a deliberate, powerful, and fundamental act of establishment. It highlights Christ's active role in bringing order and stability to the cosmos, not merely as an observer but as the architect and builder of creation.
* **works (Greek, _érgon'_):** This noun (G2041) refers to toil, an effort, or an act. When applied to God's creation, it conveys the idea of deliberate, masterful craftsmanship and personal involvement. The heavens are not merely products of an impersonal force but are the intentional, skillful "works" of Christ's hands, reflecting His power and artistry.
* **earth (Greek, _gē'_):** This term (G1093) refers to the soil, a region, or the entire terrene globe. Its inclusion alongside "heavens" (G3772, _ouranós'_) signifies the totality of the physical universe, from the ground beneath our feet to the farthest reaches of the cosmos. This comprehensive scope underscores Christ's universal creative dominion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, Thou, Lord,"**: This opening phrase is a direct address, transferring the divine title "Lord" (from Psalm 102:25, originally to Yahweh) to Jesus. This is a bold and unequivocal declaration of Christ's deity, asserting that He shares the very nature and sovereignty of God the Father. It immediately establishes the supreme authority of the one being described.
* **"in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth;"**: This clause attributes the foundational act of creation to Christ. "In the beginning" (G746, _archḗ_) points to His pre-existence and active involvement at the very outset of all things. The phrase "laid the foundation" (G2311, _themelióō'_) signifies a deliberate, powerful, and fundamental act of establishment, emphasizing the stability and purposefulness with which Christ brought the physical world into existence.
* **"and the heavens are the works of thine hands:"**: This extends Christ's creative agency to the celestial realm, completing the picture of universal creation. "The heavens" (G3772, _ouranós'_) refers to the sky and the cosmos, while "the works of thine hands" (G2041, _érgon_; G5495, _cheír_) is an anthropomorphic expression that highlights personal involvement, masterful craftsmanship, and proprietary ownership over all creation. It underscores that the entire universe is the direct result of His divine power and design.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices in this verse. The primary device is **Quotation/Allusion**, as the verse is a direct citation from Psalm 102:25-27 (LXX). This strategic quotation serves to transfer the divine attributes and creative actions originally ascribed to Yahweh in the Old Testament directly to Jesus, thereby asserting His full deity. Another significant device is **Anthropomorphism**, seen in the phrase "works of thine hands." While God is spirit and does not literally have hands, this imagery attributes human-like physical actions to Him to convey His personal involvement, meticulous craftsmanship, and sovereign power in creation. Furthermore, the pairing of "earth" and "heavens" constitutes a **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts are used to represent a whole. In this case, it signifies the totality of the created universe, emphasizing Christ's comprehensive dominion over all things visible and invisible. Finally, the direct address "Thou, Lord" (even though quoted) functions as an **Apostrophe**, powerfully emphasizing the personal and divine identity of the one being addressed, namely Jesus Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 1:10 is a cornerstone for understanding the profound theological truth of Christ's deity and His active role in creation. By applying Psalm 102:25-27, a psalm addressed to the eternal Yahweh, directly to Jesus, the author asserts that Jesus is not merely a created being or a high-ranking angel, but He is God Himself—the pre-existent, eternal, and sovereign Creator of the universe. This truth establishes Christ's absolute authority and preeminence over all things, providing a firm foundation for the entire New Testament's understanding of His person and work. It underscores that the one who accomplished salvation is the same one who brought all things into being, ensuring the efficacy and cosmic scope of His redemptive plan.

* [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him")
* [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")
* [Psalm 102:25-27](/psalm/102-25-27 "Psalm 102:25-27 - The Creator's Enduring Nature")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 1:10 offers immense comfort, profound reassurance, and a powerful call to worship. If Jesus Christ is the one who "laid the foundation of the earth" and whose "hands" crafted "the heavens," then His power, wisdom, and authority are absolute and without limit. This truth invites us to place our complete trust in Him, knowing that the one who created and sustains the entire cosmos is fully capable of sustaining our lives, upholding His promises, and bringing about His eternal purposes. In a world characterized by constant change, instability, and uncertainty, the unchanging nature of our Creator Lord, as highlighted in the subsequent verses ([Hebrews 1:11-12](/hebrews/1-11-12 "Hebrews 1:11-12 - The Enduring Creator")), provides an unshakeable anchor for our souls. This verse calls us to a profound posture of worship and reverence, recognizing Jesus not merely as our Savior, but as the sovereign, eternal Creator and Sustainer of all that exists, to whom all glory and honor are due.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing Jesus as the Creator of the universe impact your understanding of His authority and power in your daily life?**
* **In what ways does the unchanging nature of Christ, as the Creator, offer you comfort and stability amidst the changes and uncertainties of the world?**
* **How might acknowledging Christ's direct role in creation deepen your worship and appreciation for the natural world around you?**

### FAQ

**Why does the author of Hebrews quote Psalm 102:25-27 and apply it to Jesus?**

Answer: The author of Hebrews quotes Psalm 102:25-27 and applies it to Jesus to unequivocally establish Christ's full deity and preeminence over all creation and all beings, including angels. This is a central part of the author's overarching argument that Jesus is superior to every aspect of the Old Covenant. By taking words originally addressed to Yahweh, the eternal God of Israel, and applying them directly to Jesus, the author demonstrates that Jesus shares the same divine nature, power, and eternal existence as the Father. This theological move is crucial for the author's purpose of convincing his Jewish Christian audience that Christ is the ultimate revelation of God and the supreme authority worthy of their unwavering faith, as seen throughout [Hebrews 1](/hebrews/1 "Hebrews 1 - Christ's Superiority").

**Does this verse mean Jesus is separate from God the Father?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that Jesus is separate from God the Father in essence. Instead, it affirms Christ's divine nature, identifying Him as possessing the attributes and performing the actions of the eternal God of the Old Testament. Within the Trinitarian understanding of God, which is foundational to Christian theology, the Son (Jesus) shares the same divine essence as the Father and the Holy Spirit, yet is distinct in person. [Hebrews 1:10](/hebrews/1-10 "Hebrews 1:10 - Christ as Creator") emphasizes Christ's co-eternality and co-equality with the Father, particularly in His role as Creator. It highlights the unity of the Godhead in the act of creation, where all things were made through Him, as further articulated in passages like [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God and Creator").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 1:10 reveals Jesus not merely as a historical figure, a wise teacher, or even a great prophet, but as the very Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos. This cosmic authority is foundational to His redemptive work. The one who "laid the foundation of the earth" and whose "hands" crafted "the heavens" is the same divine Son who, in His incarnation, "laid down his life for us" as the ultimate sacrifice for sin ([John 10:15](/john/10-15 "John 10:15 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). His creative power is inextricably linked to His redemptive power; the God who spoke the universe into existence is the God who speaks new life into dead souls. He is not just the beginning of creation but also the "Alpha and the Omega" of salvation history ([Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")), ensuring that His work of redemption is as comprehensive and enduring as His work of creation. Just as He established the physical world, He is now building His church, His spiritual temple, and perfecting His people, making them His "workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works" ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - God's Workmanship in Christ")). Thus, Christ's role as Creator in Hebrews 1:10 provides the ultimate assurance of His power to save, sustain, and ultimately bring all things to their glorious consummation in Him ([Colossians 1:15-20](/colossians/1-15-20 "Colossians 1:15-20 - Christ's Supremacy in Creation and Redemption")).

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

Psalms 102:25

Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens [are] the work of thy hands.

Psalms 102:27

But thou [art] the same, and thy years shall have no end.

Genesis 1:1

¶ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

John 1:1

¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:3

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Jeremiah 32:17

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee:

Psalms 8:3

¶ When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;