Hebrews 1:1–3

Context

This passage opens the Epistle to the Hebrews. Unlike other New Testament epistles, Hebrews has no sender's name or greeting and begins directly with this declaration. In the Greek original, verses 1 through 4 form a single sentence. The author is not named in the text; since early times, Paul, Barnabas, Apollos, and others have been proposed. Many interpreters hold that the recipients were Christians familiar with Jewish tradition. Verses 1–2 contrast the earlier revelation given through the prophets with the "last" revelation given through the Son. Verse 3 summarizes who the Son is and what he has done. In the following verses, 4–14, the author cites the Old Testament to argue that the Son is superior to the angels.

Interpretation

• Christological reading: Many denominations alike read these verses as a Christological text affirming the Son's preexistence (his existence before the world), his participation in creation, and his deity. The terms "brightness" (apaugasma) and "express image" (charaktēr, the impression left by a seal) are understood to mean that the Son, while distinct from God, fully expresses God's very nature. Athanasius is known to have cited this passage as evidence for the eternity of the Son during the fourth-century Arian controversy. The passage is also read in connection with the phrase "Light from Light" in the Nicene Creed. Scholars note its resemblance to the Jewish wisdom tradition, which describes Wisdom as "the brightness of the everlasting light" (Wisdom of Solomon 7:26, regarded by Protestants as apocryphal).
• Revelational reading: On the basis of the phrase "in these last days," this reading holds that God's revelation has been decisively completed in Christ. The Westminster Confession of Faith (1.1) cites this passage as a proof text in confessing that the former ways of revelation have now ceased.
• Priestly reading: The expressions "purged our sins" and "sat down" at the right hand are read as anticipating the epistle's later themes of Christ as high priest and of his once-for-all sacrifice. The "right hand" recalls Psalm 110:1 and refers to Christ's exaltation following the Ascension.

Debates and Issues

• The cessation of revelation and spiritual gifts: Cessationists in the Reformed tradition cite verses 1–2 as one basis for holding that no new revelation is given after the completion of Scripture. Those in Pentecostalism and the charismatic movement respond that the passage means only that the Son is the final revelation, not that gifts of the Spirit such as prophecy have ceased. This debate is treated in more detail in the article Cessationism and Continuationism.
• The term hypostasis: The Greek word hypostasis later became a technical term meaning "person" in Trinitarian theology. Some point out, however, that in Hebrews it carries a sense closer to "substance" or "essence" and should therefore be read as distinct from the later technical usage.
• Manuscript variants: Some manuscripts include an additional phrase corresponding to "by himself" before "purged our sins," a reading reflected in the King James Version and other translations. Modern critical editions generally omit it.

Liturgical Use

The Revised Common Lectionary assigns this passage, together with John 1, as a reading for Christmas. Accordingly, churches that follow the liturgical calendar use it as a sermon text for Christmas.

Related Passages

• John 1:1–3
• Colossians 1:15–17
• Psalm 110:1
• Hebrews 1:4–14
• 2 Corinthians 4:4