Hebrews 1:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end."

NIV: You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end."

NASB: AND LIKE A ROBE YOU WILL ROLL THEM UP; LIKE A GARMENT THEY WILL ALSO BE CHANGED. BUT YOU ARE THE SAME, AND YOUR YEARS WILL NOT COME TO AN END.'

CSB: you will roll them up like a cloak, and they will be changed like clothing. But you are the same, and your years will never end.

NLT: You will fold them up like a cloak and discard them like old clothing. But you are always the same; you will live forever.'

KJV: And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

NKJV: Like a cloak You will fold them up, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not fail.”

The first two chapters of Hebrews are mostly dedicated to proving, from the Old Testament, that Jesus is an authority far greater than any angel. This is shown by collecting various quotations from Jewish Scriptures, comparing their depiction of angels to their depiction of the Messiah.

Verses 10 through 12 are a quotation from Psalm 102:25–27. In that Psalm, God is praised for being unchanging, faithful, and eternal. This gives the psalmist confidence even when enemies seem to be winning. In Hebrews 1:7, it was pointed out that angels are shifting, changing beings. This means that the Promised One, Jesus Christ the Messiah, cannot be an angel.

Another point made in these verses is that Jesus is a figure of authority and power. Angels, on the other hand, are depicted as servants. The writer of Hebrews wants his readers to understand that the promises, messages, and decrees made in the Old Testament to the Promised One are not the same as the words given to angels. This is part of the writer's intent of proving that God, who once spoke through prophets, is now speaking through Jesus.

Hebrews 1:5–14 uses a collection of Old Testament quotations. These are used to support the claims made in verses 1 through 4. In particular, the writer is explaining that Jesus Christ is not merely some angelic being or a created spiritual power. He is the exact nature of God and above all other authorities. Since this letter is written to a Jewish audience, this use of Old Testament material is crucial and would have been especially effective. This explanation continues through the entire second chapter of Hebrews.

Chapter 1 starts off with an immediate appeal to God's communication with mankind. It also establishes the divinity of Jesus Christ. Hebrews describes Jesus as superior to all other beings and all other claims. The first area where Jesus is elevated is with respect to angels. Using direct quotations from the Old Testament, this chapter clearly demonstrates that Jesus is above, beyond, and far more than every angel. This theme will continue through chapter 2.

The first chapter of Hebrews establishes two primary ideas used to support the rest of the book. First, that God has spoken to mankind, most recently through Jesus, so we ought to be listening to Him. Secondly, chapter 1 introduces the fact that Jesus is superior to other spiritual beings, such as angels. These concepts are used to support the superiority of faith in Christ, over the Old Testament Law, expressed in the book's later chapters.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.