Hebrews 1:5

Commentary on Hebrews 1:5 (KJV)

Hebrews 1:5 is a pivotal verse in the author's argument for the absolute supremacy of Jesus Christ over angels. The immediate context of the book of Hebrews is to demonstrate Christ's unparalleled identity as God's final and complete revelation, the heir of all things, and the one through whom the universe was made. This verse uses two Old Testament citations to establish Christ's unique divine Sonship, a status never conferred upon any angelic being.

Context

The Book of Hebrews begins with a profound declaration of Christ's preeminence as God's ultimate Word (Hebrews 1:1-3). Following this grand introduction, the author immediately sets out to prove that Jesus is "so much better than the angels" (Hebrews 1:4). Angels were highly revered in Jewish tradition and were seen as mediators of the Old Covenant Law. By systematically showing Christ's superiority, the author underscores the new covenant's greater glory and the ultimate authority of its mediator, Jesus. Hebrews 1:5 is the first of several Old Testament passages quoted to substantiate this claim.

Key Themes

• The Unique Sonship of Christ: This verse highlights the unparalleled relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ. The title "My Son" is not merely honorific but denotes a unique, inherent divine nature and authority that no created being, including angels, possesses.
• Christ's Superiority Over Angels: The core message is a direct contrast. Angels are servants, messengers, and created beings. Christ is the begotten Son, the heir, and the one through whom God speaks and acts definitively. This distinction is crucial for understanding the new covenant's authority.
• Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy: The author skillfully uses the Hebrew Scriptures to prove Christ's identity. This demonstrates that Jesus's unique status was foretold and is consistent with God's long-term plan revealed in the Old Testament.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "this day have I begotten thee" translates the Greek verb gegenneka (γεγέννηκα), which implies a unique origin or declaration of status. In the context of Psalm 2:7, from which the first part of the verse is quoted, it refers to the Messiah's anointing or inauguration as King, often understood in the New Testament as referring to Christ's resurrection or eternal Sonship. It does not imply a beginning in time for Christ's existence, but rather a declaration of His divine nature and unique relationship with the Father, differentiating Him from all creation.

Related Scriptures

• The first part of the verse, "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee?", is a direct quotation from Psalm 2:7, a foundational messianic psalm.
• The second question, "And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?", alludes to God's covenant promise to David concerning his offspring in 2 Samuel 7:14 (also echoed in 1 Chronicles 17:13), which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
• This unique divine Sonship is further emphasized elsewhere in Scripture, such as in John 1:18, where Jesus is described as the "only begotten Son" who is "in the bosom of the Father."
• In contrast to Christ's unique status, the book of Hebrews later describes angels as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.

Practical Application

Understanding Hebrews 1:5 reinforces the absolute authority and divine nature of Jesus Christ. For believers, this means our faith is placed in one who is truly God, superior to all creation, and capable of fully mediating a new and better covenant. It assures us that God's final and most complete revelation comes through His Son, providing ultimate truth and salvation. This verse invites us to worship Christ with profound reverence, acknowledging His unique position as the beloved and begotten Son of God.