Devine Scripture

Hebrews 1:12

What does Hebrews 1:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 1:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 1:12 means

“And as a mantle shalt thou roll them up, As a garment, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, And thy years shall not fail.” The imagery pictures the Son folding up the universe like worn clothing, effortlessly bringing about cosmic change. Creation is mutable; He is immutable. His identity and life do not diminish or alter with time. This statement seals the argument that the Son is eternal and unchanging in His divine being. Such constancy qualifies Him uniquely to be the stable center of faith and the reliable Lord of history, in contrast to everything transient in the world He made and rules.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And as a mantle shalt thou roll them up, As a garment, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, And thy years shall not fail.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And as a mantle shalt thou roll them up, As a garment, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, And thy years shall not fail.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

They will be rolled up like a cloth, even like a robe, and they will be changed: but you are the same and your years will have no end.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and as a mantle Thou shall roll them together, and they shall be changed, and Thou art the same, and Thy years shall not fail.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shalt be changed. But thou art the selfsame: and thy years shall not fail.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and as a covering shalt thou roll them up, and they shall be changed; but thou art the Same, and thy years shall not fail.

Context

Verse 12 concludes the creation contrast of verses 10–12 by highlighting the Son’s immutability and endless years. Having shown He is Creator and eternal, the author will return in verse 13 to the theme of enthronement, again asking whether any angel has been invited to share God’s right hand. The flow thus circles back to royal status to close the argument, showing from multiple angles—revelation, kingship, creation, and eternity—that the Son surpasses angels.

v.11They shall perish; but thou continuest: And they all shall wax old as doth a garment;

v.12This passage

v.13But of which of the angels hath he said at any time, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 90:4

    For a thousand years in thy sight Are but as yesterday when it is past, And as a watch in the night.

  • Psalms 102:26

    They shall perish, but thou shalt endure; Yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; As a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:

  • Exodus 3:14

    And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

  • Hebrews 13:8

    Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and to-day, yea and for ever.

  • John 8:58

    Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was born, I am.

  • James 1:17

    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.

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