Hebrews 1:5

KJV

For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} unto which {G5101} of the angels {G32} said he {G2036} at any time {G4218}, Thou {G4771} art {G1488} my {G3450} Son {G5207}, this day {G4594} have {G1080} I {G1473} begotten {G1080} thee {G4571}? And {G2532} again {G3825}, I {G1473} will be {G2071} to {G1519} him {G846} a Father {G3962}, and {G2532} he {G846} shall be {G2071} to {G1519} me {G3427} a Son {G5207}?

Complete Jewish Bible

For to which of the angels did God ever say,

“You are my Son;
today I have become your Father”?

Also, God never said of any angel,

“I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son.”

Berean Standard Bible

For to which of the angels did God ever say: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father”? Or again: “I will be His Father, and He will be My Son”?

American Standard Version

For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, This day have I begotten thee? and again, I will be to him a Father, And he shall be to me a Son?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 1:5 serves as a foundational pillar in the author's argument for the unparalleled supremacy of Jesus Christ over all angelic beings. Through two powerful Old Testament citations, the verse unequivocally declares Jesus's unique, divine Sonship—a status, relationship, and authority never bestowed upon any angel. This declaration establishes Christ as God's ultimate and final revelation, the rightful heir of all creation, and the sole mediator of the new covenant, far exceeding the role of any created messenger.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 1:5 is positioned immediately after a profound theological prologue (Hebrews 1:1-4) that introduces Jesus as the climactic revelation of God, the heir of all things, the creator and sustainer of the cosmos, and the one who has accomplished purification for sins. Having established Christ's divine nature and redemptive work, the author immediately pivots to demonstrate His superiority over angels, a crucial point for a Jewish audience who highly revered angels as mediators of the Old Covenant. This verse initiates a series of Old Testament quotations (Hebrews 1:5-13) meticulously chosen to prove Christ's preeminence, setting the stage for the argument that the New Covenant, mediated by Christ, is superior to the Old.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews was likely Jewish Christians facing persecution or apostasy, tempted to revert to aspects of Judaism. In Jewish tradition, angels held a significant place, often viewed as powerful intermediaries between God and humanity, and even as agents in the giving of the Law (as suggested in [Acts 7:53](/acts/7-53 "Acts 7:53 - The Law given by angels") and [Galatians 3:19](/galatians/3-19 "Galatians 3:19 - Law ordained by angels")). The author's sustained argument for Christ's superiority over angels directly addresses this cultural reverence, demonstrating that Jesus is not merely another prophet or an exalted angel, but God's unique Son, thereby validating the New Covenant's ultimate authority and the sufficiency of Christ's work.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hebrews. Foremost is the **Unique Sonship of Christ**, emphasizing that Jesus's relationship with God is distinct and inherent, unlike the created status of angels. This Sonship denotes His divine nature, authority, and heirship, as highlighted in the opening verses where Christ is depicted as the "Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ, the Heir of All Things")). Another critical theme is **Christ's Absolute Superiority Over Angels**, which is the explicit purpose of this section of the letter. Angels are portrayed as ministering spirits, whereas Christ is the object of worship and the one to whom angels bow ([Hebrews 1:6](/hebrews/1-6 "Hebrews 1:6 - Angels Worship the Son")). Finally, the strategic use of Old Testament quotations underscores the theme of **Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy**, demonstrating that Christ's unique identity and role were not new inventions but the culmination of God's long-revealed plan found throughout the Hebrew Scriptures.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **begotten (Greek, _gennáō'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to procreate" or "to generate," is used figuratively here to "regenerate" or "bring forth." In the context of the Old Testament quotation (Psalm 2:7), it refers not to a beginning of Christ's existence, but rather to a declaration, inauguration, or establishment of His unique status and authority as the Son. It signifies a relationship of unique origin and divine filiation that sets Him apart from all creation.
* **Son (Greek, _huiós'_):** This term denotes a "son" in a very broad sense, encompassing immediate, remote, or figurative kinship. In this verse, particularly in conjunction with "my" and "begotten," it signifies a unique, inherent, and divine relationship with the Father, conveying Christ's divine nature, authority, and heirship. It is a title of unparalleled honor and ontological distinction, emphasizing Christ's identity as God's unique offspring, not a created being.
* **Father (Greek, _patḗr'_):** This word refers to a "father" literally or figuratively. In the context of the second Old Testament quotation (2 Samuel 7:14), it highlights God's covenantal relationship and promise to David regarding his offspring, which finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. It underscores the intimate and unique paternal relationship God has with His Son, a relationship not shared with angels.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee?":** This rhetorical question immediately establishes the fundamental premise of the author's argument: God has never addressed any angel with the declaration of unique Sonship. The first part of the quotation, "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee," is from [Psalm 2:7](/psalm/2-7 "Psalm 2:7 - The Messiah's Sonship"), a messianic psalm. The phrase "this day have I begotten thee" does not imply a temporal beginning for Christ's existence, but rather a declaration of His eternal divine nature and His anointing or inauguration as King and Messiah, often understood in the New Testament as referring to His resurrection (cf. [Acts 13:33](/acts/13-33 "Acts 13:33 - Resurrection as fulfillment of Psalm 2:7")) or His eternal Sonship.
* **"And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?":** This second rhetorical question reinforces the first, drawing from [2 Samuel 7:14](/2_samuel/7-14 "2 Samuel 7:14 - God's promise to David's heir") (also [1 Chronicles 17:13](/1_chronicles/17-13 "1 Chronicles 17:13 - Promise to Solomon, fulfilled in Christ")). This passage, originally a promise to David concerning his royal offspring (Solomon), is here applied to Christ as its ultimate and perfect fulfillment. It speaks of a unique, reciprocal, and intimate Father-Son relationship that God establishes with the Messiah, solidifying His unparalleled status above any created being, including angels. The "again" signals a second, distinct proof from Scripture.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices to build his argument. The primary device is the **Rhetorical Question**, posed twice, which powerfully underscores the self-evident truth that God has never conferred the title of "Son" upon any angel. This technique engages the reader, forcing them to acknowledge the obvious distinction between Christ and angels. Closely related is the use of **Quotations/Allusion**, as the verse directly quotes [Psalm 2:7](/psalm/2-7 "Psalm 2:7 - The Messiah's Sonship") and alludes to [2 Samuel 7:14](/2_samuel/7-14 "2 Samuel 7:14 - God's covenant with David"). This demonstrates the author's profound theological understanding of the Old Testament and his skill in applying its prophecies to Christ. Furthermore, the verse employs **Contrast**, setting the unique Sonship of Christ in stark opposition to the non-Sonship of angels, thereby highlighting Christ's unparalleled dignity and authority. This contrast is fundamental to the entire argument of Hebrews 1.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 1:5 is a cornerstone for understanding Christology, affirming Jesus's divine identity as the eternally begotten Son of God, not a created being. This unique Sonship is the basis for His unparalleled authority and His role as the ultimate revelation of God. Unlike angels, who are created messengers and servants, Christ possesses an inherent divine nature that qualifies Him to mediate a superior covenant and accomplish perfect salvation. The theological weight of this verse lies in its declaration that the relationship between God the Father and Jesus is unique, intimate, and ontological, distinguishing Christ from all of creation and establishing His absolute supremacy.

* [Psalm 2:7](/psalm/2-7 "Psalm 2:7 - The Messiah's Sonship and Reign")
* [2 Samuel 7:14](/2_samuel/7-14 "2 Samuel 7:14 - God's Covenant Promise to David")
* [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - The Only Begotten God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding Hebrews 1:5 profoundly impacts our worship and assurance. It calls us to recognize and adore Jesus Christ not merely as a great teacher or prophet, but as the unique, divine Son of God, superior to all creation. This truth provides immense comfort and confidence, knowing that our salvation is secured by one who is truly God, fully capable of mediating a new and better covenant. It challenges us to elevate Christ to His rightful place of preeminence in our lives, trusting in His ultimate authority and the sufficiency of His redemptive work. Our faith is not in a created being or a mere messenger, but in the very Son of God, through whom all things exist and by whom all things are sustained. This should inspire deeper reverence, obedience, and joy in our walk with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus's unique Sonship, as presented in Hebrews 1:5, deepen your appreciation for His divine nature and authority?**
* **In what ways might we, like the original audience, be tempted to elevate other things (traditions, human leaders, even spiritual experiences) above Christ, and how does this verse correct that tendency?**
* **How does the fact that God has never called an angel "Son" reinforce the absolute uniqueness of Jesus's relationship with the Father?**

### FAQ
**What does "this day have I begotten thee" mean in relation to Jesus?**

Answer: The phrase "this day have I begotten thee" (from [Psalm 2:7](/psalm/2-7 "Psalm 2:7 - The Messiah's Enthronement")) does not imply that Jesus had a beginning in time or was "created" on a specific day. The Greek word for "begotten" (gennáō) can refer to a declaration, an inauguration, or an establishment of status. In the New Testament, this verse is often understood in reference to Christ's resurrection from the dead (as seen in [Acts 13:33](/acts/13-33 "Acts 13:33 - Resurrection as fulfillment of Psalm 2:7")), which was the ultimate public declaration of His divine Sonship and His anointing as King and Messiah. It signifies His eternal divine nature and His unique relationship with the Father, setting Him apart from all creation, including angels.

**Why is it important that angels are not called "Son" by God?**

Answer: It is crucial because it highlights the fundamental difference in nature and status between Jesus Christ and angels. Angels are created beings, messengers, and servants of God ([Hebrews 1:14](/hebrews/1-14 "Hebrews 1:14 - Angels as Ministering Spirits")). Jesus, however, is the eternally begotten Son, sharing the very nature of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word was God")). The title "Son" in this context denotes an inherent divine relationship, authority, and heirship that angels do not possess. This distinction is foundational to the author's argument for Christ's supremacy and the superiority of the New Covenant He mediates.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 1:5 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate embodiment of the Old Testament prophecies cited. The declaration "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee" from [Psalm 2:7](/psalm/2-7 "Psalm 2:7 - The Messiah's Enthronement") is not merely a historical quote but a prophetic unveiling of Christ's unique identity. While eternally begotten, this "begetting" is powerfully manifested in His incarnation, His perfect life, and supremely in His resurrection from the dead, which served as the ultimate public declaration of His divine Sonship and His enthronement as King ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). Similarly, the promise "I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son" from [2 Samuel 7:14](/2_samuel/7-14 "2 Samuel 7:14 - God's Covenant with David") finds its ultimate and everlasting fulfillment in Christ, the true heir of David's throne ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus, the Son of David, Reigns Forever")). Unlike angels, who are merely ministering spirits sent to serve ([Hebrews 1:14](/hebrews/1-14 "Hebrews 1:14 - Angels as Ministering Spirits")), Jesus is the one through whom God speaks His final and complete word ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")), the one who has made purification for sins ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Purification for Sins")), and the one seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand")). Thus, Hebrews 1:5 points us directly to Christ as the divine Son, the promised Messiah, and the only one worthy of supreme worship and trust.

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 2:7

¶ I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou [art] my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Acts 13:33

God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

Hebrews 5:5

So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.

2 Samuel 7:14

I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:

1 Chronicles 17:13

I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took [it] from [him] that was before thee:

1 Chronicles 22:10

He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I [will be] his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.

Psalms 89:26

He shall cry unto me, Thou [art] my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.