God Has Spoken by His Son

1Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son,1.2 Or the Son whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. 3He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains1.3 Or bears along all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

The Son Is Superior to Angels

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

‘You are my Son;

today I have begotten you’?

Or again,

‘I will be his Father,

and he will be my Son’?

6And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,

‘Let all God's angels worship him.’

7Of the angels he says,

‘He makes his angels winds,

and his servants flames of fire.’

8But of the Son he says,

‘Your throne, O God, is1.8 Or God is your throne for ever and ever,

and the righteous sceptre is the sceptre of your1.8 Other ancient authorities read his kingdom.

9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;

therefore God, your God, has anointed you

with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.’

10And,

‘In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth,

and the heavens are the work of your hands;

11they will perish, but you remain;

they will all wear out like clothing;

12like a cloak you will roll them up,

and like clothing1.12 Other ancient authorities lack like clothing they will be changed.

But you are the same,

and your years will never end.’

13But to which of the angels has he ever said,

‘Sit at my right hand

until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’?

14Are not all angels1.14 Gk all of them spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?