Hebrews 1:11

KJV

They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;

KJV (with Strong's)

They {G846} shall perish {G622}; but {G1161} thou {G4771} remainest {G1265}; and {G2532} they all {G3956} shall wax old {G3822} as {G5613} doth a garment {G2440};

Complete Jewish Bible

They will vanish, but you will remain;
like clothing, they will all grow old;

Berean Standard Bible

They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment.

American Standard Version

They shall perish; but thou continuest: And they all shall wax old as doth a garment;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 1:11 is a profound declaration of the eternal and unchanging nature of Jesus Christ, presented in stark contrast to the temporary, decaying, and transient character of the created universe. Drawing from Psalm 102, the author of Hebrews underscores the divine sovereignty and immutability of the Son, asserting that while the heavens and earth are destined to perish and wear out like an old garment, Christ Himself remains steadfast, enduring, and eternally constant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 1:11 is part of a sustained argument in Hebrews 1, which establishes the absolute supremacy of the Son over all angelic beings. Following the majestic opening declaration of God's final revelation through His Son in [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God's Revelation Through His Son"), the author immediately pivots to demonstrate Christ's superiority to angels, a crucial point for his Jewish audience who held angels in high regard. Verses [Hebrews 1:5-14](/hebrews/1-5-14 "Hebrews 1:5-14 - Christ's Superiority to Angels") achieve this by stringing together a series of Old Testament quotations, each applied directly to the Son. Specifically, [Hebrews 1:10-12](/hebrews/1-10-12 "Hebrews 1:10-12 - The Son as Creator and Sustainer") quotes [Psalm 102:25-27](/psalm/102-25-27 "Psalm 102:25-27 - God's Eternal Nature") to affirm Christ's role as Creator and His eternal, unchanging nature. This particular verse, [Hebrews 1:11](/hebrews/1-11 "Hebrews 1:11 - The Transience of Creation vs. Christ's Immutability"), highlights the transience of creation as a foil to the Son's eternal endurance, reinforcing His divine identity and supreme authority.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The epistle to the Hebrews was written to a community of Jewish Christians, likely facing persecution or temptation to revert to Judaism. This community would have been deeply familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures and the veneration of angels as mediators of the Law. The author's rigorous use of Old Testament citations, particularly from the Psalms, was a highly effective rhetorical strategy to demonstrate that Jesus was not merely a prophet, a priest, or even an angel, but the very Son of God, superior to all that came before. The imagery of garments wearing out was a common and relatable metaphor for decay and transience in the ancient world, where clothing was made from natural fibers and subject to significant wear and tear, unlike modern durable materials. This vivid imagery would have immediately resonated with the audience, emphasizing the impermanence of the physical world they inhabited.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Hebrews and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **Immutability of Christ**, asserting that Jesus Christ is unchanging and eternal, providing a steadfast anchor for faith in a world of flux. This theme is foundational to the author's argument for Christ's superiority and the new covenant's permanence, contrasting sharply with the temporary nature of the old covenant and its rituals. Another key theme is the **Transience of Creation**, which depicts the physical heavens and earth as subject to decay and eventual transformation, not annihilation, but a change in form, preparing the reader for the concept of a [new heavens and a new earth](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - The Promise of New Heavens and a New Earth") where righteousness dwells, as seen in prophetic texts like [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and New Earth") and later in [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and a New Earth"). Finally, the verse underscores **Christ's Divine Supremacy**, as applying a Psalm originally addressed to Yahweh, the Creator, directly to the Son unequivocally declares His divine status and co-equality with God the Father, establishing His absolute authority over all creation, as further emphasized in [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - The Son, Heir of All Things and Creator of the Worlds").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **perish (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** From ἀπό and the base of ὄλεθρος; to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively. In this context, it signifies the coming to an end of the current form or state of the heavens and the earth, rather than their absolute annihilation. It speaks to their impermanence and susceptibility to change, contrasting with the eternal nature of the Son.
* **remainest (Greek, _diaménō'_):** From διά and μένω; to stay constantly (in being or relation). This word emphasizes the Son's enduring, unwavering existence and character. Unlike creation, which is subject to decay, the Son continues without cessation or alteration, highlighting His eternal, stable, and reliable nature.
* **wax old (Greek, _palaióō'_):** From παλαιός; to make (passively, become) worn out, or declare obsolete. This vivid term describes the process of aging and deterioration, akin to a garment becoming tattered and unusable over time. It powerfully conveys the inherent decay and impermanence of the physical cosmos, reinforcing its contrast with the Son's timelessness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall perish;":** This clause refers to the heavens and the earth, which are the "works of thy hands" mentioned in the preceding verse ([Hebrews 1:10](/hebrews/1-10 "Hebrews 1:10 - The Son as Creator")). The verb "perish" (ἀπόλλυμι) indicates that the created order, despite its grandeur and apparent stability, is not eternal in its current form. It is subject to an end or a radical transformation, underscoring its finite and contingent nature, dependent on its Creator.
* **"but thou remainest;":** In stark contrast to the perishing creation, this clause unequivocally declares the eternal endurance of the Son. The pronoun "thou" refers directly to Christ, emphasizing His personal, continuous, and unchanging existence. The verb "remainest" (διαμένω) conveys a steadfastness that transcends time and decay, establishing His divine attribute of immutability. This is the central affirmation of the verse.
* **"and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;":** This final clause further elaborates on the transience of the heavens and the earth. The phrase "wax old" (παλαιόω) uses the powerful **simile** of a garment. Just as clothing wears out, fades, and becomes useless over time, so too will the created universe undergo a process of deterioration or obsolescence. This imagery reinforces the idea that creation is a temporary, mutable entity, designed for a specific purpose and duration, ultimately subject to the will of its eternal Creator.

#### Literary Devices
Hebrews 1:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting the temporary and decaying nature of creation against the eternal and unchanging nature of the Son. This antithesis highlights Christ's divine attributes by emphasizing what He is not, thereby magnifying His unique status. The verse also uses a powerful **Simile** in "as doth a garment," comparing the aging and decay of the cosmos to the wearing out of an article of clothing. This vivid and relatable image makes the abstract concept of cosmic transience tangible and easily comprehensible to the audience. Furthermore, the passage implies **Personification** of the heavens and earth, treating them as entities that can "perish" and "wax old," giving them a quasi-human characteristic of aging and mortality, which further underscores their finitude in comparison to the immortal Son.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 1:11 serves as a cornerstone for understanding the profound theological truth of Christ's divine immutability and His absolute sovereignty over creation. By quoting Psalm 102 and applying it directly to the Son, the author unequivocally places Jesus in the role of Yahweh, the eternal Creator and Sustainer. This establishes His co-equality with God the Father and His inherent authority over all things. The transience of the created order, depicted as a garment that wears out, is not a statement of its worthlessness, but rather a testament to its contingent nature, serving as a temporary stage for God's redemptive plan. This contrast provides immense comfort and security for believers, knowing that their hope is anchored in an unchanging Savior, whose promises and character are eternally reliable, unlike the fleeting realities of the world.

* [Psalm 102:25-27](/psalm/102-25-27 "Psalm 102:25-27 - The Lord's Eternal Nature") - The direct Old Testament source quoted here, originally describing God's eternal nature in contrast to creation.
* [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same") - A direct statement affirming Christ's unchanging nature: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."
* [2 Peter 3:10-13](/2_peter/3-10-13 "2 Peter 3:10-13 - The Day of the Lord and New Creation") - Describes the dissolution of the present heavens and earth and the promise of a new creation, echoing the theme of cosmic transience and future transformation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by relentless change, instability, and decay, Hebrews 1:11 offers a profound and stabilizing truth: while all around us is subject to dissolution and obsolescence, Jesus Christ remains eternally constant. This verse calls us to shift our ultimate trust and allegiance from the fleeting realities of this world—its possessions, achievements, systems, and even its physical existence—to the immutable person of Christ. Our hope is not in a temporary dwelling or a fading glory, but in the One who is the same "yesterday, and to day, and for ever." This understanding should cultivate a deep sense of security and peace, knowing that our salvation, our identity, and our future are anchored in an unshakeable foundation. It compels us to live with an eternal perspective, investing our lives in that which endures, and finding solace in the unwavering faithfulness of our Savior amidst life's inevitable changes and trials.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the transience of the physical world, as described in this verse, impact your priorities and values?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you tend to place trust in things that are "perishing" or "waxing old," rather than in Christ?**
* **How does the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ provide comfort and security in times of personal uncertainty or global upheaval?**

### FAQ
**Does "perish" in Hebrews 1:11 imply the complete annihilation of the heavens and the earth?**

Answer: No, the term "perish" (ἀπόλλυμι, _apóllymi_) in this context does not necessarily imply absolute annihilation, but rather a radical transformation or the coming to an end of the current form and order of the heavens and the earth. The imagery of a "garment" waxing old reinforces this idea; an old garment is not annihilated, but it loses its usefulness and is discarded or replaced. Biblical theology, particularly in the New Testament, points to a future where the existing creation is not utterly destroyed but renewed and transformed. For instance, [2 Peter 3:10-13](/2_peter/3-10-13 "2 Peter 3:10-13 - The Dissolution and Renewal of Creation") speaks of the heavens passing away with a great noise and the elements melting with fervent heat, but immediately follows with the promise of "new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." Similarly, [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and a New Earth") envisions "a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away." Therefore, "perish" here signifies the end of the *current* state of creation, making way for a renewed, eternal reality under Christ's reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 1:11 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in establishing Jesus as the eternal, immutable Son of God, the very Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos, who stands in stark contrast to the transient creation He made. This verse, by applying [Psalm 102:25-27](/psalm/102-25-27 "Psalm 102:25-27 - God's Eternal Nature") directly to Christ, elevates Him to the divine status of Yahweh, underscoring His pre-existence and co-equality with the Father, as articulated in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God and Creator"). The fact that the heavens and earth "perish" and "wax old" while He "remains" highlights His absolute sovereignty over all things, including time and decay. This immutability of Christ is not merely a static attribute but the very foundation of His redemptive work and the New Covenant. Because He is unchanging, His sacrifice on the cross is eternally effective ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")), His priesthood is perpetual ([Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Christ's Unchangeable Priesthood")), and His promises are unfailing. He is the Alpha and the Omega ([Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")), the one constant in a universe destined for transformation, offering a secure and eternal hope to all who trust in Him.

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

Isaiah 51:6

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.

Mark 13:31

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Isaiah 34:4

And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling [fig] from the fig tree.

Luke 21:33

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Revelation 21:1

¶ And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

Isaiah 65:17

¶ For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.