Devine Scripture

Hebrews 1:6

What does Hebrews 1:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 1:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 1:6 means

When God “again bringeth in the firstborn into the world,” He commands, “Let all the angels of God worship him.” “Firstborn” speaks of preeminence and heirship, not origin in time; the Son stands first in rank over all. The response demanded of angels is worship, a service offered only to God. Therefore, the Son receives divine honor from divine beings. This shows His superiority is not only positional but devotional—heaven itself acknowledges His worth. The scene underlines that angels, though mighty, are worshipers, not the object of worship. Thus, their role is subordinate to the Son’s supreme dignity and authority.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And again, when he is sending his only Son into the world, he says, Let all the angels of God give him worship.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and when again He may bring in the first-born to the world, He saith, `And let them bow before him--all messengers of God;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith: And let all the angels of God adore him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and again, when he brings in the firstborn into the habitable world, he says, And let allGod's angels worship him.

Context

Verse 6 adds a second proof: angels are called to worship the firstborn. Following the affirmation of unique Sonship (v. 5), this verse highlights the proper posture of heaven toward the Son—adoration. It further separates Him from angels by showing that the entire angelic host recognizes His supremacy. The flow will now contrast angels’ servant status (v. 7) with the Son’s eternal throne and righteous rule (vv. 8–9), deepening the contrast between creaturely ministers and the divine King.

v.5For 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?

v.6This passage

v.7And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels winds, And his ministers a flame of fire:

Cross references

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

  • Colossians 1:18

    And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

  • Colossians 1:15

    who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation;

  • John 1:14

    And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth.

  • 1 John 4:9

    Herein was the love of God manifested in us, that God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world that we might live through him.

  • Proverbs 8:24

    When there were no depths, I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water.

  • Hebrews 10:5

    Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, But a body didst thou prepare for me;

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