Hebrews 1:12

And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

And {G2532} as {G5616} a vesture {G4018} shalt thou fold {G1667} them {G846} up {G1667}, and {G2532} they shall be changed {G236}: but {G1161} thou {G4771} art {G1488} the same {G846}, and {G2532} thy {G4675} years {G2094} shall {G1587} not {G3756} fail {G1587}.

and you will fold them up like a coat.
Yes, they will be changed like clothing,
but you remain the same,
your years will never end.”

You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed; but You remain the same, and Your years will never end.”

And as a mantle shalt thou roll them up, As a garment, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, And thy years shall not fail.

Hebrews 1:12 KJV presents a profound statement about the eternal and unchanging nature of Jesus Christ, drawing directly from the Old Testament. It declares that while the physical heavens and earth will wear out and be transformed, Christ Himself remains constant and everlasting.

Context

This verse is part of the opening chapter of the Book of Hebrews, which meticulously argues for the superiority of Jesus Christ over angels, prophets, and even the created order. The author quotes extensively from the Old Testament to establish Christ's divine identity and unique role. Verses Hebrews 1:10-11, immediately preceding this verse, already introduce the quotation from Psalm 102:25-27, emphasizing that the Lord established the heavens and the earth, and they will perish, but He endures. Verse 12 concludes this powerful affirmation of Christ's eternal sovereignty and is a direct citation from Psalm 102:26-27.

Key Themes

  • The Immutability of Christ: The central message is that Jesus Christ is "the same, and thy years shall not fail." This highlights His eternal nature, consistency, and reliability. Unlike anything in creation, He is not subject to decay, change, or limitations of time. This divine attribute emphasizes His trustworthiness and constant character.
  • The Transience of Creation: The imagery of the heavens and earth being "folded up" like a "vesture" and "changed" speaks to the temporary and perishable nature of the physical universe. While majestic, it is not eternal in its current form and is subject to God's will for transformation. This echoes biblical prophecies of a new heaven and a new earth (e.g., 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1), indicating a future, divinely orchestrated renewal.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Authority: The ability to "fold up" and "change" the cosmos underscores God's absolute power and authority over all creation. Since Christ is identified with this divine power, it affirms His ultimate dominion and control over the destiny of the universe.

Linguistic Insights

The term "vesture" (KJV) comes from the Greek word himation (ἱμάτιον), referring to a garment or cloak. The imagery evokes something that can be worn, taken off, folded, and ultimately discarded or replaced. This powerfully contrasts with the eternal, unchanging nature of Christ. The word "changed" (Greek: allasso - ἀλλάσσω) implies a fundamental alteration or transformation, not mere destruction, aligning with biblical teaching on the renewal of creation rather than its annihilation.

Practical Application

For believers, the unchanging nature of Christ presented in Hebrews 1:12 offers immense comfort and security. In a world characterized by constant change, uncertainty, and decay, knowing that Jesus Christ is "the same" provides a steadfast anchor for faith and hope. It assures us that His promises endure, His character is consistent, and His power is undiminished. This truth encourages unwavering trust in His eternal reign and His unfailing love, providing a solid foundation for our spiritual lives amidst life's shifting circumstances.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 102:26

    They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:

  • Psalms 102:27

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

  • Hebrews 13:8

    Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

  • John 8:58

    Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

  • James 1:17

    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

  • Exodus 3:14

    And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

  • Psalms 90:4

    For a thousand years in thy sight [are but] as yesterday when it is past, and [as] a watch in the night.

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