Hebrews – Chapter 1

New Testament14 Verses

1God, who, at sundry times and in divers manners, spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, last of all,

2In these days, hath spoken to us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the world.

3Who being the brightness of his glory and the figure of his substance and upholding all things by the word of his power, making purgation of sins, sitteth on the right hand of the majesty on high:

4Being made so much better than the angels as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they.

5For to which of the angels hath he said at any time: Thou art my Son, to-day have I begotten thee? And again: I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

6And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith: And let all the angels of God adore him.

7And to the angels indeed he saith: He that maketh his angels spirits and his ministers a flame of fire.

8But to the Son: Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of justice is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

9Thou hast loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

10And: Thou in the beginning, O Lord, didst found the earth: and the works of thy hands are the heavens.

11They shall perish: but thou shalt continue: and they shall all grow old as a garment.

12And as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shalt be changed. But thou art the selfsame: and thy years shall not fail.

13But to which of the angels said he at any time: Sit on my right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool?

14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for them who shall receive the inheritance of salvation?

Reflection for Today

Hebrews Chapter 1 presents Christ as superior to the angels, which Catholic theology understands as affirming His full divinity. The Catechism cites this chapter in teaching about Christ's divine nature and His role in creation (CIC 241, 291). The declaration that the Son is "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" expresses the doctrine of the Trinity.

The quotation of Psalm 110—"Sit at my right hand"—establishes Christ's heavenly reign, which Catholic theology sees as ongoing. The Catechism teaches that Christ, ascended to the Father's right hand, continues to intercede for us and to reign over all creation (CIC 659-664). His priesthood, developed later in Hebrews, is eternal and effective.

The contrast between Christ and angels reminds us that Christian worship is directed to God alone. The Catechism teaches that while we honor angels and saints, we worship only the Trinity (CIC 2096-2097). This chapter establishes the Christological foundation for all that follows in Hebrews, showing that Christ is not merely a messenger but the eternal Son through whom God has spoken definitively.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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