Hebrews 1:1-2:5

New International Version

God’s Final Word: His Son

1 In the past God spoke^(A) to our ancestors through the prophets^(B) at many times and in various ways,^(C) ²but in these last days^(D) he has spoken to us by his Son,^(E) whom he appointed heir^(F) of all things, and through whom^(G) also he made the universe.^(H) ³The Son is the radiance of God’s glory^(I) and the exact representation of his being,^(J) sustaining all things^(K) by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins,^(L) he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.^(M) ⁴So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.^(N)

The Son Superior to Angels

⁵For to which of the angels did God ever say,

“You are my Son;
today I have become your Father”^[a]?^(O)

Or again,

“I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son”^[b]?^(P)

⁶And again, when God brings his firstborn^(Q) into the world,^(R) he says,

“Let all God’s angels worship him.”^[c]^(S)

⁷In speaking of the angels he says,

“He makes his angels spirits,
and his servants flames of fire.”^[d]^(T)

⁸But about the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;^(U)
    a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
⁹You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
    therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions^(V)
    by anointing you with the oil^(W) of joy.”^[e]^(X)

¹⁰He also says,

“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
    and the heavens are the work of your hands.^(Y)
¹¹They will perish, but you remain;
    they will all wear out like a garment.^(Z)
¹²You will roll them up like a robe;
    like a garment they will be changed.
But you remain the same,^(AA)
    and your years will never end.”^[f]^(AB)

¹³To which of the angels did God ever say,

“Sit at my right hand^(AC)
until I make your enemies
a footstool^(AD) for your feet”^[g]?^(AE)

¹⁴Are not all angels ministering spirits^(AF) sent to serve those who will inherit^(AG) salvation?^(AH)

Warning to Pay Attention

2 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.^(AI) ²For since the message spoken^(AJ) through angels^(AK) was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment,^(AL) ³how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?^(AM) This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord,^(AN) was confirmed to us by those who heard him.^(AO) ⁴God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles,^(AP) and by gifts of the Holy Spirit^(AQ) distributed according to his will.^(AR)