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.

HEBREWS 1:12KJV
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Hebrews 1:12 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 1:12 mean?

Hebrews 1:12 says that, just as a piece of clothing can be folded up and changed, the created world will one day be altered or replaced, but God Himself remains unchanged and eternal. This verse highlights the unchanging nature of God compared to the temporary nature of creation.

The writer of Hebrews is quoting from the Old Testament (Psalm 102) to show that Jesus, addressed as Lord, is greater than creation itself. The audience is early Jewish Christians who are being reminded that, unlike the heavens and the earth, Jesus does not change or grow old—His years never end.

The Greek behind Hebrews 1:12

  • "Vesture" (περίβλημα, periblēma) refers to a garment or piece of clothing, used here as a metaphor for the created world, emphasizing how easily it can be changed or set aside.
  • "Fold" (ἐλίσσω, elissō) means to roll up or fold, suggesting the ease and completeness with which God can bring about change in creation.
  • "Changed" (ἀλλάσσω, allassō) means to make different or alter, pointing to the transformation or replacement of creation, in contrast to God's constancy.
  • "The same" (αὐτός, autos) is used to stress the unchanging identity and character of God, even as everything else changes.

Why Hebrews 1:12 matters

  • Hebrews 1:12 clears up any idea that creation is permanent or unchangeable; it is God alone who is truly eternal and unchanging.
  • The verse emphasizes Jesus’ divine nature by applying Old Testament language about God directly to Him, reinforcing His superiority over all created things.
  • In the context of Hebrews 1, this statement supports the larger argument that Jesus is greater than angels and all creation, giving early Christians confidence in His unchanging authority.

Where else these words appear

“vesture” Greek G4018 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

“shall” Greek G1587 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
  • Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

“changed” Greek G236 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 6:14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
  • Romans 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

“as” Greek G5616 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
  • Luke 9:14 For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.
  • John 19:39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.