And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

HEBREWS 1:6KJV
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Hebrews 1:6 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 1:6 mean?

Hebrews 1:6 says that when God brings his "firstbegotten" (meaning Jesus, his unique Son) into the world, God commands all his angels to worship him. This shows Jesus' special status above all angels, as someone worthy of worship from even the highest spiritual beings.

The writer of Hebrews is explaining to Jewish Christians that Jesus is not just another angel or messenger, but someone far greater. By quoting God's command for the angels to worship Jesus, the author highlights Jesus' divine authority and unique relationship with God. This verse is part of a larger argument in Hebrews 1 showing that Jesus is superior to angels in every way.

The Greek behind Hebrews 1:6

  • "firstbegotten" (πρωτότοκος, prōtotokos): This Greek word means "firstborn" or "first in rank." It emphasizes Jesus' unique position as God's Son, not just in time but in status and authority.
  • "worship" (προσκυνέω, proskuneō): This word means to bow down or show reverence, often used for divine worship. The use of this word shows that Jesus is to be honored in a way that is reserved for God alone.
  • "angels" (ἄγγελοι, angeloi): The Greek word for "messengers," referring here to the spiritual beings who serve God. Their worship of Jesus underlines his superiority over all heavenly beings.

Why Hebrews 1:6 matters

  • This verse clears up any confusion about Jesus being just an angel or a created being by showing that even angels are commanded to worship him.
  • Hebrews 1:6 highlights the theme of the whole chapter: Jesus' unique and exalted status as God's Son, above all other spiritual beings.
  • The verse connects to Old Testament passages about God's promises and shows how the early Christians understood Jesus' role in God's plan.

Where else these words appear

“firstbegotten” Greek G4416 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
  • Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
  • Hebrews 11:28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

“in” Greek G1521 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
  • John 18:16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
  • Acts 21:28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

“world” Greek G3625 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
  • Acts 11:28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
  • Romans 10:18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

“let” Greek G4352 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • Luke 24:52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
  • Revelation 9:20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: