And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:

HEBREWS 1:10KJV
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Hebrews 1:10 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 1:10 mean?

Hebrews 1:10 says that the Lord was the one who, at the very beginning, created the earth and the heavens, laying their foundation with His own hands. This verse highlights the Lord’s role as the Creator, emphasizing His power and authority over all creation.

The writer of Hebrews is quoting from the Old Testament (Psalm 102) to show that Jesus, called “Lord” here, shares the same creative power as God. The verse is part of a larger argument to show that Jesus is greater than angels, speaking to Jewish believers who respected the Old Testament scriptures. By describing Jesus as the one who made everything, the writer is making a strong claim about His divine status.

The Greek behind Hebrews 1:10

  • κύριος (kyrios, “Lord”): This word is used here as a title of authority and divinity, directly addressing Jesus as the one who created all things. It underlines the claim that Jesus is not just a messenger but the Lord Himself.
  • θεμελίωσας (themeliosas, “laid the foundation”): This verb means to establish or found something solidly. The verse credits Jesus with the foundational act of creation, not just involvement but the primary action.
  • γῆ (gē, “earth”) and οὐρανοί (ouranoi, “heavens”): These words refer to everything in the physical universe, showing the total scope of what Jesus created.
  • ἔργα (erga, “works”): This word for “works” means things made or accomplished. It emphasizes that the heavens are not eternal or self-existing but are the result of the Lord’s creative action.

Why Hebrews 1:10 matters

  • Hebrews 1:10 clarifies that the New Testament presents Jesus as the Creator, not just a teacher or prophet, which would have been a bold claim to the original Jewish audience.
  • The verse connects Jesus directly to Old Testament passages about God, showing continuity between the Hebrew Scriptures and the message about Jesus.
  • By highlighting Jesus’ role in creation, Hebrews 1:10 sets up the argument that Jesus is superior to angels and all created things, which is a central theme in the opening chapter of Hebrews.

Where else these words appear

“foundation” Greek G2311 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • Luke 6:48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

“beginning” Greek G746 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
  • John 16:4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
  • Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

“are” Greek G1526 · used in 146 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • John 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
  • Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.