Hebrews 1 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

¹ In times past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets in many parts and in various ways,

² [but] during these final days He has spoken to us through His Son [Note: This period refers to the Christian age (See Acts 2:14-36)], whom He appointed to be heir of all things [and] through whom He created the universe. [See John 1:3; Col. 1:16].

³ This Son expresses the radiance of God’s splendor and represents His very Being, and He sustains everything by His powerful word. After He had provided cleansing for [people’s] sins, He sat down at the right side of the Majesty [i.e., God] on high [i.e., in heaven].

⁴ He had become as much superior [in rank] to the angels as the name He inherited [i.e., “Son.” See next verse] was superior to theirs [i.e., the name “angels” means “messengers”].

⁵ For, to which angel did God ever say [Psa. 2:7], “You are my Son, today I have conceived you?” And again [II Sam. 7:14], “I will be His Father, and He will be my Son?”

⁶ And again, when God sent the Firstborn One [i.e., Jesus. See Rom. 8:29; Col. 1:15, 18; Rev. 1:5] into the world, He said [Deut. 32:43 LXX], “And all of God’s angels should worship Him.”

⁷ But God said [this] about the angels [Psa. 104:4 LXX], “He [i.e., God] makes His angels to be [like] winds and His servants [like] flames of fire.” [Note: The idea is probably that angels obediently serve God’s purpose similar to the way wind and lightening do].

⁸ But God says [this] about the Son [Psa. 97:7], “Your throne [i.e. kingdom], O God [Note: “God” is here applied to Jesus], will last forever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter [i.e., the standard for ruling] of your kingdom.

⁹ You have loved what is right and hated what is wrong, therefore God, your God [i.e., the Father], has placed you above your companions when He anointed you [i.e., specially chose you] with the oil of joy [i.e., your selection as king was a joyous occasion].”

¹⁰ And [Psa. 102:25-27 says], “Lord, in the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hand.

¹¹ They will be destroyed, but you will remain. And they [i.e., the heavens and earth] will all wear out like an article of clothing.

¹² And you will fold them up like a robe, and they will be changed like an article of clothing. But you will stay the same and your years will never end.”

¹³ But which one of the angels did God ever say [this] about [Psa. 110:1], “You should sit at my right side until I put your enemies [in full subjection] beneath your feet?”

¹⁴ Are not all angels ministering spirits sent out [by God] to serve those people who will inherit salvation?