For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

HEBREWS 1:5KJV
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Hebrews 1:5 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 1:5 mean?

Hebrews 1:5 points out that God never called any angel His Son or promised to be a Father to them, but He did say this about Jesus. This verse highlights the unique relationship between God and Jesus, showing that Jesus holds a special status above all angels.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing Jewish Christians who respected angels highly. By quoting Old Testament passages, the author shows that God’s words about being a Father and having a Son were never spoken to angels, only to Jesus. This sets up the main point of the chapter: Jesus is greater than any angel because of His unique sonship.

The Greek behind Hebrews 1:5

  • υἱός (huios, G5207): This word means "son." The verse emphasizes that Jesus is called "my Son" by God, a title not given to any angel, underlining Jesus’ unique identity.
  • ἐγώ (egō, G1473) and σύ (su, G4771): These are the Greek words for "I" and "you." The personal language shows the closeness and directness of God’s declaration to Jesus, not to a group or to angels in general.
  • πατήρ (patēr, G3962): This word means "father." God promises to be a Father to Jesus, which is a relationship of intimacy and authority not shared with angels.

Why Hebrews 1:5 matters

  • Hebrews 1:5 clears up any confusion about Jesus’ status compared to angels, showing that He is uniquely God’s Son.
  • The verse sets the foundation for the rest of Hebrews 1, which explains how Jesus is superior to all spiritual beings.
  • By quoting familiar Old Testament passages, the writer connects Jesus’ identity to promises and prophecies the audience already knew, strengthening the argument for Jesus’ divine sonship.

Where else these words appear

“time” Greek G4218 · used in 28 verses

  • Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
  • Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

“day” Greek G4594 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
  • Luke 13:32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
  • Acts 26:2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

“have” Greek G1080 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • Acts 7:20 In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:

“art” Greek G1488 · used in 89 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 4:34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.
  • John 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.