Hebrews 1:14
What does Hebrews 1:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 1:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 1:14 means
Angels are “ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation.” Their dignity lies in their commission, not in sovereignty. They serve God’s saving purposes by helping those destined to receive salvation. This not only clarifies their role but also shows the preciousness of believers to God’s plan. Angels attend to the heirs, while the Son, the Heir of all things, reigns and saves. The entire comparison comes into focus: angels are servants in the household; the Son is the exalted Lord and unique Revealer, Creator, Redeemer, and King. Therefore, the message spoken in the Son carries absolute weight.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Are they not all helping spirits, who are sent out as servants to those whose heritage will be salvation?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862are they not all spirits of service--for ministration being sent forth because of those about to inherit salvation?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for them who shall receive the inheritance of salvation?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out for service on account of those who shall inherit salvation?
Context
Verse 14 provides the final definition of angels’ place: they are servants sent by God for the good of those who will inherit salvation. It follows the climactic enthronement statement of verse 13 and closes the chapter’s argument. Having shown from multiple Scriptures that the Son is superior in name, worship, throne, righteousness, creation, and eternity, the author seals the contrast by identifying angels as ministering spirits. This sets the stage for the coming exhortations to heed the Son’s message earnestly.
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?
v.14This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 3:7
Know therefore that they that are of faith, the same are sons of Abraham.
- Romans 8:17
and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.
- Acts 12:7
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell: and he smote Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
- Hebrews 6:12
that ye be not sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
- Acts 13:2
And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
- 1 Peter 1:12
To whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto you, did they minister these things, which now have been announced unto you through them that preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Spirit sent forth from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.
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