Hebrews 1:6

KJV

And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} again {G3825}, when {G3752} he bringeth in {G1521} the firstbegotten {G4416} into {G1519} the world {G3625}, he saith {G3004}, And {G2532} let {G4352} all {G3956} the angels {G32} of God {G2316} worship {G4352} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And again, when God brings his Firstborn into the world, he says,

“Let all God’s angels worship him.”

Berean Standard Bible

And again, when God brings His firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all God’s angels worship Him.”

American Standard Version

And when he again bringeth in the firstborn into the world he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 1:6 stands as a profound declaration of Jesus Christ's unparalleled supremacy, asserting His divine right to universal worship. This verse, presented as a divine decree from God the Father, commands all angels to prostrate themselves in adoration before the Son upon His re-introduction into the world, thereby solidifying His unique status as the "firstbegotten" and the ultimate object of heavenly homage, far above any created being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 1:6 is strategically placed within the opening argument of the Epistle to the Hebrews, which systematically establishes the absolute superiority of Jesus Christ. The preceding verses ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - Christ's Preeminence and Role in Creation")) lay the foundational truth of Christ's pre-existence, His role in creation, His being the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature, and His sustaining power. Verses 4-5 then introduce the comparison with angels, asserting Christ's superior name and sonship. Verse 6 serves as a climactic proof-text, quoting Old Testament scripture to explicitly command angelic worship of the Son, thereby providing irrefutable evidence for His divine status and surpassing dignity over all angelic beings. This sets the stage for further contrasts between Christ and angels throughout the remainder of the chapter, culminating in the declaration of angels as ministering spirits in [Hebrews 1:14](/hebrews/1-14 "Hebrews 1:14 - Angels as Ministering Spirits").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of Hebrews was likely a community of Jewish Christians facing persecution or social pressure, possibly contemplating a return to the perceived security and familiarity of Judaism. In Jewish thought, angels held a highly esteemed position. They were seen as powerful heavenly beings, messengers of God, and even mediators of the Law, as indicated in [Acts 7:53](/acts/7-53 "Acts 7:53 - The Law received by the disposition of angels"). The Old Covenant, with its elaborate temple rituals and the Law given through angelic mediation, was deeply ingrained in their heritage. The author of Hebrews, therefore, meticulously dismantles any notion that angels could rival Christ's authority or glory. By demonstrating Christ's supremacy over angels, the author reinforces the superiority of the New Covenant and the New Covenant's High Priest, Jesus, over the Old.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hebrews. Foremost is the **Deity and Supremacy of Christ**, unequivocally declaring Him as worthy of worship reserved only for God. The command for angels to worship Him directly refutes any idea of Christ being merely a created being or an exalted angel. Secondly, it highlights the **Superiority of Christ over Angels**, a central argument in [Hebrews 1](/hebrews/1 "Hebrews 1 - Christ's Superiority Over Angels"), establishing His unique Sonship and kingly authority in contrast to angels who are mere servants. Thirdly, the phrase "when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world" points to the **Incarnation and Christ's Earthly Ministry**, emphasizing that even in His humanity, Christ retains His divine prerogative and universal sovereignty. This underscores that His coming into the world did not diminish His deity but rather revealed it in a new, redemptive way.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Firstbegotten (Greek, _prōtótokos'_):** This term (G4416) signifies not the first *created* being, but rather one who holds preeminence, priority, and supreme authority. In biblical usage, especially in the context of a "firstborn" son, it denotes heirship, status, and a unique position of honor and authority. Applied to Christ, it underscores His unique relationship with the Father and His sovereign position over all creation, including angels, as the rightful heir and ruler, as seen in [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Firstborn of all Creation").
* **World (Greek, _oikouménē'_):** (G3625) While often referring to the inhabited earth or the Roman Empire, in this eschatological context, it points to the cosmic realm into which Christ, as the "firstbegotten," is brought. It signifies the sphere of Christ's universal authority and the stage for His redemptive work, encompassing all of creation that is subject to His rule.
* **Worship (Greek, _proskynéō'_):** (G4352) This verb means "to prostrate oneself in homage," "to do reverence to," or "to adore." It describes an act of profound reverence and submission, typically reserved exclusively for God. The divine command for *all* angels to perform this act toward Jesus unequivocally places Him in a divine category, affirming His inherent deity and right to receive adoration from all creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world,"**: This clause refers to a future or eschatological "bringing in" of Christ, often interpreted as His second coming, or perhaps a broader reference to His introduction into the cosmic order as the reigning King after His resurrection and ascension. The term "firstbegotten" emphasizes His unique status of preeminence and authority, not His temporal origin. The "world" here signifies the entire created order, over which He is sovereign.
* **"he saith,"**: This short phrase indicates a divine utterance, a direct command from God the Father. The "he" refers to God, who is speaking this decree concerning His Son. This highlights the Father's active role in exalting the Son and commanding His worship, thereby endorsing the Son's divine nature.
* **"And let all the angels of God worship him."**: This is the climactic command, drawing from Old Testament allusions (e.g., [Psalm 97:7](/psalm/97-7 "Psalm 97:7 - Worship Him, all ye gods") in the Septuagint). It is a clear and unambiguous directive for every single angel, without exception, to bow down in adoration before Jesus. This command serves as the ultimate proof of Christ's superiority over angels and His inherent deity, as worship is due to God alone.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices in this concise verse. **Allusion** is prominent, as the phrase "let all the angels of God worship him" directly echoes Old Testament passages such as [Psalm 97:7](/psalm/97-7 "Psalm 97:7 - Worship Him, all ye gods") (especially in its Septuagint form) and possibly [Deuteronomy 32:43](/deuteronomy/32-43 "Deuteronomy 32:43 - Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people"), which command divine beings or "gods" to worship the Lord. By applying these commands to Jesus, the author implicitly equates Jesus with Yahweh, demonstrating His deity. The use of **Emphasis** is clear through the universal quantifier "all" ("all the angels of God"), leaving no room for exception and underscoring the totality of Christ's authority and the scope of His rightful worship. There is also an implicit **Contrast** at play, as the author is systematically contrasting Christ's supreme status with the subordinate role of angels throughout [Hebrews 1](/hebrews/1 "Hebrews 1 - Christ's Superiority Over Angels"). This verse serves as a powerful rhetorical climax in that argument, solidifying Christ's position as the object of worship, not merely a messenger.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 1:6 is a cornerstone verse for Christology, affirming the absolute deity of Jesus Christ. The command for angels—heavenly beings of immense power and purity—to worship Him is a direct theological statement that He is not merely a created being, however exalted, but God Himself. Worship is an act reserved for the Creator alone, and the Father's command for His Son to receive such adoration unequivocally places Jesus in the divine category. This truth undergirds the entire Christian faith, establishing Christ's authority over all creation, His efficacy as High Priest, and the sufficiency of His sacrifice. It teaches us that the Incarnation did not diminish His divine nature but rather revealed it in a salvific act, making Him worthy of eternal praise from all creation.

* [Psalm 97:7](/psalm/97-7 "Psalm 97:7 - Worship Him, all ye gods")
* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every knee shall bow")
* [Revelation 5:11-14](/revelation/5-11-14 "Revelation 5:11-14 - Heavenly Worship of the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 1:6 calls us to a profound re-evaluation of our understanding and worship of Jesus Christ. If the unblemished, powerful angels of God are commanded by the Father to prostrate themselves in worship before the Son, how much more should we, who have been redeemed from sin and death by His sacrificial love, offer Him our unreserved adoration and obedience? This verse dismantles any tendency to view Jesus as merely a good teacher, a prophet, or a historical figure; He is the divine Son, the Creator, the Sustainer, and the rightful King of the universe. Our response to this truth should be one of humble submission and joyful worship, recognizing His supreme authority in every area of our lives. It empowers us with confidence, knowing that the One who rules over all heavenly hosts is the same One who intercedes for us and holds our future in His hands. Therefore, let our lives be a continuous act of worship, reflecting the reverence commanded in heaven.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the command for angels to worship Jesus deepen your understanding of His divine nature and authority?**
* **In what practical ways can you align your daily life more fully with the truth that Jesus is worthy of all worship?**
* **Considering Christ's superiority over angels, how does this truth strengthen your confidence in His ability to save and sustain you?**

### FAQ

**Does "firstbegotten" mean Jesus was created?**

Answer: No, in the context of Hebrews 1:6 and other New Testament passages, "firstbegotten" (Greek: _prōtótokos_) does not imply that Jesus was the first created being. Instead, it signifies His preeminence, supreme authority, and unique status as the heir and sovereign over all creation. It speaks to His position of priority and leadership, much like a firstborn son in ancient cultures held a privileged position of inheritance and authority. The preceding verses in [Hebrews 1:2-3](/hebrews/1-2-3 "Hebrews 1:2-3 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer") explicitly state that through Him God made the worlds and that He upholds all things by the word of His power, clearly indicating His uncreated, divine nature.

**Why is it significant that angels are commanded to worship Jesus?**

Answer: The significance lies in the fact that worship is an act reserved exclusively for God. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, only God is to be worshipped ([Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - You shall worship no other god"), [Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Matthew 4:10 - Worship the Lord your God only")). Angels themselves are depicted as worshippers of God, not as recipients of worship ([Revelation 4:8-11](/revelation/4-8-11 "Revelation 4:8-11 - Heavenly Worship of God")). Therefore, the divine command for "all the angels of God" to worship Jesus unequivocally affirms His deity and His co-equality with God the Father. It is a powerful declaration of Christ's supreme status, far above any created being, including the most exalted heavenly hosts.

**What is the "bringing in" of the firstbegotten into the world referring to?**

Answer: This phrase can be understood in several complementary ways. While some interpret it eschatologically as referring to Christ's second coming when He will be fully revealed in glory to rule the world, it also encompasses His incarnation and subsequent exaltation. His initial "bringing in" was His birth as a human, where He entered the world in humility. However, the context of [Hebrews 1](/hebrews/1 "Hebrews 1 - Christ's Superiority Over Angels"), which speaks of His being appointed heir of all things and upholding all things, suggests a broader "bringing in" that includes His resurrection, ascension, and enthronement, where He is fully established as the reigning Lord over all creation. The command for angels to worship Him at this "bringing in" underscores His universal and eternal dominion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 1:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the "firstbegotten" not in the sense of being created, but as the preeminent, sovereign Son of God, through whom all things were made and are sustained ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). His "bringing in" to the world speaks to His Incarnation, where the eternal Son humbled Himself to take on human flesh, yet without relinquishing His divine nature ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). This verse powerfully declares that even in His humanity, and certainly in His post-resurrection and ascended glory, Jesus is the rightful recipient of worship from all creation. The command for "all the angels of God to worship him" foreshadows the universal homage that will be paid to Him, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every knee shall bow")). He is the Lamb who was slain, now enthroned, and worthy to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise from all creatures in heaven and on earth ([Revelation 5:11-14](/revelation/5-11-14 "Revelation 5:11-14 - Heavenly Worship of the Lamb")), thus fulfilling the divine decree of Hebrews 1:6 in its grandest, cosmic scope.

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

Deuteronomy 32:43

Rejoice, O ye nations, [with] his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, [and] to his people.

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.

Psalms 97:7

Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all [ye] gods.

Colossians 1:15

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

1 Peter 3:22

Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

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.

Revelation 5:9

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;