1God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. 3His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, who, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4having become as much better than the angels as the more excellent name he has inherited is better than theirs. 5For to which of the angels did he say at any time,
“You are my Son.
Today I have become your father?”
and again,
“I will be to him a Father,
and he will be to me a Son?”
6When he again brings in the firstborn into the world he says, “Let all the angels of God worship him.” 7Of the angels he says,
“He makes his angels winds,
and his servants a flame of fire.”
8But of the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom.
9You have loved righteousness and hated iniquity;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.”
10And,
“You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth.
The heavens are the works of your hands.
11They will perish, but you continue.
They all will grow old like a garment does.
12You will roll them up like a mantle,
and they will be changed;
but you are the same.
Your years won’t fail.”
13But which of the angels has he told at any time,
“Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet?”
14Aren’t they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?
This opening verse of Hebrews is unusual among epistles, as the author does not introduce himself or the recipients. Instead, the author immediately affirms the divine origin of past revelations while emphasizing the superior revelation now given through Christ.
“At sundry times”—God’s previous revelations were given in many parts, progressively unfolding throughout history rather than all at once. These came in various forms—historical accounts, prophecies, poetry, proverbs, and direct messages—adapted to the needs of the people.
“In divers manners”—God used various methods to communicate His will: direct speech, dreams, visions, and other supernatural means. In contrast, His final revelation comes directly through His Son.
“In times past”—The period of written divine revelation began with Adam (Genesis 3) and concluded with Malachi, covering 3,331 years. No prophetic writings were recorded from Malachi to the start of Jesus’ ministry, an interval of 460 years.
“Unto the Fathers” refers to the Jewish ancestors to whom these revelations were given.
“By the prophets”—The term prophet here broadly includes all who conveyed God’s messages, not just those who predicted the future (cf. Rom 12:6; 1 Cor 14:1).
The Old Testament revelation was fragmented and delivered in many ways, while the final and complete revelation came in one person—Jesus Christ