The greatness of God's Son

1Long ago in many ways and at many times God's prophets spoke his message to our ancestors. 2But now at last, God sent his Son to bring his message to us. God created the universe by his Son, and everything will some day belong to the Son. 3God's Son has all the brightness of God's own glory and is like him in every way. By his own mighty word, he holds the universe together.

After the Son had washed away our sins, he sat down at the right side1.3 right side: The place of honour and power. of the glorious God in heaven. 4He had become much greater than the angels, and the name he was given is far greater than any of theirs.

Jesus is greater than angels

5God has never said1.5: a Ps 2.7; b 2 S 7.14; 1 Ch 17.13.

to any of the angels,

“You are my Son, because today

I have become your Father!”

Neither has God said

to any of them,

“I will be his Father,

and he will be my Son!”

6When God brings his firstborn Son1.6 firstborn Son: The first son born into a family had certain privileges that the other children did not have. In 12.23 “firstborn” refers to God's special people. into the world, he commands all his angels to worship him.1.6: Dt 32.43 (LXX).

7And when God speaks about the angels, he says,1.7: Ps 104.4 (LXX).

“I change my angels into wind

and my servants

into flaming fire.”

8But God says about his Son,1.8,9: Ps 45.6,7.

“You are God,

and you will rule

as King for ever!

Your1.8 Your: Some manuscripts have “His”. royal power

brings about justice.

9You loved justice

and hated evil,

and so I, your God,

have chosen you.

I appointed you

and made you happier

than any of your friends.”

10The Scriptures also say,1.10-12: Ps 102.25-27 (LXX).

“In the beginning, Lord,

you were the one

who laid the foundation

of the earth

and created the heavens.

11They will all disappear

and wear out like clothes,

but you will last for ever.

12You will roll them up

like a robe

and change them

like a garment.

But you are always the same,

and you will live for ever.”

13God never said to any1.13: Ps 110.1.

of the angels,

“Sit at my right side

until I make your enemies

into a footstool for you!”

14Angels are merely spirits sent to serve people who are going to be saved.