Hebrews 1:2

KJV

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

KJV (with Strong's)

Hath {G2980} in {G1909} these {G5130} last {G2078} days {G2250} spoken {G2980} unto us {G2254} by {G1722} his Son {G5207}, whom {G3739} he hath appointed {G5087} heir {G2818} of all things {G3956}, by {G1223} whom {G3739} also {G2532} he made {G4160} the worlds {G165};

Complete Jewish Bible

But now, in the acharit-hayamim, he has spoken to us through his Son, to whom he has given ownership of everything and through whom he created the universe.

Berean Standard Bible

But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.

American Standard Version

hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 1:2 presents a profound declaration of God's ultimate and definitive revelation through His Son, Jesus Christ, marking the culmination of redemptive history. This verse establishes Jesus' supreme authority and pre-eminence, not only as the appointed heir of all creation but also as the divine agent through whom the very cosmos and all ages were brought into existence. It serves as the foundational assertion for the entire epistle, setting the stage for the argument concerning Christ's superiority over all previous forms of revelation and mediation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 1:2 stands in immediate, powerful continuity with [Hebrews 1:1](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1 - God's Diverse Revelation"). While the preceding verse recounts God's multifaceted and progressive revelation "at sundry times and in divers manners" through the prophets in the past, verse 2 pivots dramatically to the present, declaring that "in these last days" God has spoken definitively "by his Son." This transition is crucial, establishing a climactic contrast between the partial, fragmented revelation of the Old Covenant and the full, complete, and ultimate revelation embodied in Jesus Christ. It serves as the thesis statement for the entire epistle, which will systematically argue for Christ's supremacy over angels, Moses, the Levitical priesthood, and the Old Covenant itself, demonstrating His unique qualifications as the ultimate High Priest and the perfect sacrifice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle to the Hebrews was likely addressed to Jewish Christians, possibly in Rome, who were facing persecution or experiencing spiritual weariness, tempting them to revert to the perceived security and familiarity of Judaism. The author's emphasis on Christ's superiority directly counters any temptation to diminish His unique role or return to the shadows of the Old Covenant. The phrase "in these last days" (ἐπ’ ἐσχάτου τῶν ἡμερῶν τούτων) resonates deeply with Jewish eschatological expectations, signifying the dawning of the Messianic age—the era of ultimate salvation and divine intervention. The concept of "heir of all things" would have been understood within the framework of divine promises to Abraham and David, now supremely fulfilled in Christ. Furthermore, the idea of Christ as the agent of creation ("by whom also he made the worlds") would have challenged any philosophical or theological perspectives that separated God from His creation or diminished the Son's divine agency, affirming His pre-existence and active role in the very fabric of existence.
* **Key Themes:** This foundational verse introduces several pivotal themes that permeate the entire book. Firstly, it underscores **The Supremacy of Christ's Revelation**, asserting that God's final and most complete word is found exclusively in His Son, rendering all prior revelations preparatory and subordinate. This theme is central to the author's argument for the New Covenant's superiority over the Old, as seen in passages like [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A More Excellent Ministry"). Secondly, the declaration that Christ is "appointed heir of all things" introduces the theme of **Christ's Universal Dominion and Sovereignty**. This is not merely a future hope but a present reality, emphasizing His rightful authority over all creation, echoing themes found in [Ephesians 1:22](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22 - Christ as Head over All Things") and [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Lordship"). Finally, the assertion "by whom also he made the worlds" establishes **Christ's Role as Creator and Sustainer**. This theme highlights His pre-existence and divine nature, aligning with other New Testament affirmations of His cosmic agency, 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"). The Greek term for "worlds" (αἰῶνας, *aiōnas*) can encompass not only physical creation but also the ages or epochs of time, implying Christ's sovereignty over both space and time.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **last (Greek, _éschatos'_):** This word, meaning "farthest, final," or "uttermost," emphasizes the culmination of God's redemptive plan. When used in the phrase "these last days," it signifies the decisive, ultimate period of salvation history inaugurated by Christ's coming. It marks the transition from the old covenant era to the new, definitive covenant, implying a finality and completeness to God's revelation and work.
* **heir (Greek, _klēronómos'_):** Derived from a word meaning "sharer by lot" or "getting by apportionment," this term denotes an "inheritor" or "possessor." Applied to Christ, it signifies His rightful and ultimate ownership and dominion over all creation, not merely as a future promise but as a present reality based on His divine nature and redemptive work. This appointment by God underscores His supreme authority and sovereign rule over the entire cosmos.
* **worlds (Greek, _aiṓn'_):** While commonly translated as "worlds," this term more broadly means "an age" or "perpetuity." By implication, it can refer to the "world" as an ordered cosmos or a specific Messianic period. In this context, it suggests that Christ is not only the agent through whom the physical universe was created but also the one who established and governs all epochs of time and the entire cosmic order. It points to His comprehensive role in both material creation and the unfolding of history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son":** This clause highlights the climactic nature of God's revelation. "In these last days" signifies the dawn of the Messianic era, the final and decisive period of salvation history. God, who previously spoke partially through prophets, has now delivered His ultimate, complete, and perfect word through His Son. This implies the Son's unique authority, intimacy with the Father, and unparalleled capacity to reveal God fully. The "us" refers to humanity, specifically those to whom this revelation is given.
* **"whom he hath appointed heir of all things":** This phrase declares the Son's supreme status and universal dominion. The Father has "appointed" or "set" Him as the rightful "heir," meaning He possesses ultimate ownership and authority over everything—all creation, all power, all glory. This appointment is a divine act, confirming the Son's pre-eminence and His destined rule over the cosmos, reflecting His inherent divine nature and His redemptive accomplishment.
* **"by whom also he made the worlds":** This final clause asserts the Son's pre-existence and His active role in creation. It declares that the entire universe, encompassing both physical space and all epochs of time ("the worlds" or "ages"), was brought into being through Him. This attributes divine power and agency to the Son, establishing Him as the co-Creator with the Father. It underscores His eternal nature and His foundational relationship to all existence, further solidifying His unparalleled authority and worthiness of worship.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several powerful literary devices in this foundational verse. There is a clear **Climax** and **Culmination** evident in the phrase "in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son," which positions Christ's revelation as the ultimate and final word in God's progressive communication with humanity. This is immediately followed by a stark **Contrast** with the previous verse, [Hebrews 1:1](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1 - God's Diverse Revelation"), where God spoke "at sundry times and in divers manners" through prophets. The shift to "by his Son" signifies a qualitative leap in divine revelation. The verse also utilizes **Apostolic Assertion**, presenting these truths not as arguments to be proven but as authoritative declarations of Christ's divine identity and cosmic role. Furthermore, the phrases "heir of all things" and "made the worlds" employ a form of **Hyperbole** or **Totalizing Language** to emphasize the absolute and comprehensive scope of Christ's dominion and creative power, leaving no aspect of existence outside His authority. The inherent **Parallelism** between the Son as the agent of God's final speech and the agent of God's original creation subtly reinforces His unique and indispensable role in both revelation and existence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 1:2 is a cornerstone of Christian theology, profoundly shaping our understanding of God, Christ, and salvation history. It asserts the **finality and supremacy of God's revelation in Jesus Christ**, emphasizing that God's ultimate word is not a set of doctrines but a divine Person. This has profound implications for the doctrine of **Christology**, affirming Jesus' pre-existence, divine nature, and co-equality with the Father as the agent of creation. His appointment as "heir of all things" speaks to His **universal sovereignty and eschatological dominion**, portraying Him as the rightful ruler over all creation, both now and in the age to come. This verse also implicitly connects to the **doctrine of the Trinity**, showcasing the distinct yet unified work of the Father (who speaks, appoints, and creates) and the Son (through whom all these actions are accomplished). It establishes the Son's foundational role in the cosmos, making Him the lens through which all reality, including human history and redemption, must be understood.

* [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "The Word Was God and Creator")
* [Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Christ as Firstborn of All Creation")
* [Ephesians 1:20-23](/ephesians/1-20-23 "Christ's Exaltation and Authority")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 1:2 calls us to a profound reorientation of our lives around the person of Jesus Christ. If God has spoken His final and most complete word through His Son, then our primary posture should be one of attentive listening and obedient submission to Him. This verse challenges any notion that we need further, new revelations of the same magnitude, reminding us that in Christ, we have all that is necessary for life and godliness. Recognizing Jesus as the "heir of all things" means acknowledging His ultimate authority over every aspect of our existence—our finances, relationships, careers, and future. It compels us to surrender our own perceived control and trust in His sovereign reign. Furthermore, knowing that He is the one "by whom also he made the worlds" instills immense confidence in His power and wisdom. The Creator of the cosmos is also our Redeemer, ensuring that His plan for our lives and for history is perfectly executed. This truth should inspire worship, cultivate trust, and motivate us to live lives that reflect the supremacy of the One who holds all things together.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the understanding that God has spoken definitively through His Son impact your approach to seeking truth and guidance?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to more fully acknowledge Jesus as the "heir of all things" and surrender control to His sovereign authority?**
* **How does Christ's role as the Creator of "the worlds" deepen your trust in His power and ability to sustain you through life's challenges?**
* **Considering that we live "in these last days," what urgency or purpose does this bring to your daily walk with Christ and your engagement with the world?**

### FAQ
**What does "in these last days" signify in Hebrews 1:2?**

Answer: "In these last days" (Greek: *ep' eschatou tōn hēmerōn toutōn*) signifies the culmination of God's redemptive history, marking the transition from the Old Covenant era to the New Covenant, inaugurated by the coming of Jesus Christ. It refers to the final, decisive period of salvation, the Messianic age, where God's ultimate plan is unveiled and brought to fruition. It implies that God's revelation in His Son is the definitive, complete, and unsurpassable word, rendering all previous revelations preparatory. This concept is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic expectations of a climactic period of divine intervention and fulfillment.

**How is Jesus "heir of all things" if God owns everything?**

Answer: The phrase "heir of all things" (Greek: *klēronómos pas*) emphasizes Jesus' supreme status and universal dominion, not in opposition to God the Father, but in perfect unity with Him. As the eternal Son, Jesus inherently shares in the Father's divine nature and authority. His appointment as "heir" signifies His rightful possession and sovereign rule over all creation, both by divine right and by virtue of His redemptive work. It speaks to His pre-eminence and ultimate authority over every aspect of existence, a truth affirmed throughout the New Testament, such as in [Ephesians 1:22](/ephesians/1-22 "Christ as Head over All Things") where God "put all things under his feet." This heirship is not merely a future promise but a present reality, reflecting His divine nature and ultimate reign.

**If God made the worlds, how can it also say "by whom also he made the worlds" referring to Jesus?**

Answer: This statement highlights the Trinitarian nature of creation, where the Father is the ultimate source, and the Son (the Word) is the active agent through whom creation occurs. While God the Father is the ultimate Creator, [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ as Creator") asserts that He accomplished creation "by" or "through" His Son. This concept is consistently taught throughout the New Testament, emphasizing the Son's pre-existence and active role in bringing all things into being. For example, [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "All Things Made Through Him") states, "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." Similarly, [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "By Him Were All Things Created") declares, "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible... all things were created by him, and for him." This affirms the Son's divine power and co-equality with the Father in the act of creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 1:2 stands as a magnificent declaration of Christ's centrality in God's redemptive plan and cosmic design. It reveals Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's self-revelation, the very climax of divine communication. Whereas God spoke partially through prophets in the past, He has now spoken definitively and completely through His Son, demonstrating that Christ Himself is the living Word, fully embodying and revealing the Father's character and purposes. This makes Him the quintessential prophet, priest, and king. As the one "appointed heir of all things," Jesus fulfills the ancient promises of a sovereign ruler who would inherit the nations and establish an everlasting kingdom, as foreshadowed in [Psalm 2:8](/psalms/2-8 "Psalm 2:8 - Ask of Me, and I Shall Give Thee"). His heirship is not merely a future inheritance but a present reality, signifying His supreme authority over all creation, a truth affirmed by His resurrection and ascension, where He was given "all power in heaven and in earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Power Given to Jesus")). Furthermore, the declaration that "by whom also he made the worlds" establishes Jesus as the divine co-Creator, the eternal Word through whom all things came into being ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him")). This cosmic role underscores His absolute sufficiency and power to redeem and reconcile all things to Himself ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Thus, Hebrews 1:2 presents Jesus as the pre-existent, sovereign, and all-sufficient Son, through whom God has perfectly revealed Himself and accomplished His eternal purpose for creation and humanity, culminating in His redemptive work on the cross and His ongoing reign.

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

1 Corinthians 8:6

But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by him.

John 1:3

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

Colossians 1:16

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Colossians 1:18

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

1 Peter 1:20

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Matthew 28:18

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.