Hebrews 1:5
For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The critical point here is that God never referred to any angel with the unique and personal title "Son," nor with the intimate declaration, "I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son." This exclusive language, applied to Christ, immediately sets Him apart from and far above any angelic being.
The author is building a case for the absolute superiority of Jesus over the angels. He's establishing that Jesus isn't just like an angel, but is in a fundamentally different, higher category. To do this, he's citing Old Testament passages that speak of God calling someone "Son," showing that such a declaration was never made to any angelic being.
Did you know that the Bible often uses names and titles to reveal a person's true identity and authority? The author of Hebrews is using this very principle to show us something profound about Jesus.
The Uniqueness of 'Son'
The author of Hebrews wants to prove that Jesus is far superior to angels. One of the key ways he does this is by examining the unique titles given to Jesus in the Old Testament.
The phrase 'this day' in Psalm 2:7, when applied to Jesus, has sparked centuries of discussion. What exactly does it signify?
Unpacking 'This Day'
The phrase "this day I have begotten you" is rich with meaning and has been interpreted in various ways:
Understand the original words
gennaō · Greek Verb
To bring into existence through procreation or, in a divine sense, to reveal or declare the unique relationship of the Son to the Father from eternity.
The author of Hebrews uses Old Testament texts originally applied to Israel's kings, like David and Solomon, to argue for Christ's unique divine sonship. These texts, especially Psalm 2 and 2 Samuel 7, were already understood by many Jewish readers to point towards the Messiah, making them powerful proof for the early church.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Covenant and Promise to Solomon
God promises King David that his descendant will build a temple and that his throne will be established forever, stating, 'I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son.' This promise is specifically applied to Solomon but carries Messianic overtones.
c. 970 BC
Reign of Solomon
Solomon, David's son, becomes king and builds the First Temple in Jerusalem. While fulfilling aspects of the Davidic covenant, his reign and kingdom eventually decline, highlighting the limitations of a human king.
c. 700 BC
Messianic Interpretation of Psalm 2
Psalm 2, likely written by David, speaks of God establishing His King on Zion and declaring, 'You are my Son; today I have begotten you.' Over time, this Psalm becomes understood by many Jews as a prophecy of the Messiah.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar deports Jewish nobility, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile and a period of intense reflection on God's promises and the role of a divine king.
This verse is the direct source of the first quote in Hebrews 1:5, establishing the Father's declaration of the Son's unique relationship and divine appointment.
2 Samuel 7:14This passage provides the second quote used in Hebrews 1:5, showing God's promise of a fatherly relationship to a descendant, which the author of Hebrews applies to Christ's unique sonship.
Psalm 89:26-27This psalm echoes the language of 2 Samuel 7, referring to a king who will be called 'my firstborn, highest over the kings of the earth,' further emphasizing a royal and unique sonship far above earthly rulers.
Isaiah 9:6This prophecy speaks of a child born for us who will be called 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,' highlighting the divine and authoritative nature of the 'Son' far exceeding that of any angel.
Matthew 3:17At Jesus' baptism, God the Father audibly declares, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,' mirroring the 'begetting' and father-son declarations to affirm Christ's unique identity.
pooleHebrews 1:5: "For 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?"
The apostle here proves that Christ hath a more excellent name, and pre-eminency over angels, by Scripture texts owned by these Hebrews. He had the name of Son of God, and so had not angels; for God the Father, who hath absolute power to give and state all excellency, never said to any angel, so as to constitute him h…
barnesHebrews 1:5: "For 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?"
For unto which of the angels ... - The object of this is, to prove that the Son of God, who has spoken to people in these last days, is superior to the angels. As the apostle was writing to those who had been trained in the Jewish religion, and who admitted the authority of the Old Testament, of course he made his app…
The critical point here is that God never referred to any angel with the unique and personal title "Son," nor with the intimate declaration, "I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son." This exclusive language, applied to Christ, immediately sets Him apart from and far above any angelic being.
The author is building a case for the absolute superiority of Jesus over the angels. He's establishing that Jesus isn't just like an angel, but is in a fundamentally different, higher category. To do this, he's citing Old Testament passages that speak of God calling someone "Son," showing that such a declaration was never made to any angelic being.
The author is building a case for the absolute superiority of Jesus over the angels. He's establishing that Jesus isn't just like an angel, but is in a fundamentally different, higher category. To do this, he's citing Old Testament passages that speak of God calling someone "Son," showing that such a declaration was never made to any angelic being.
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c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Jews begin returning from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. The rebuilding of the Temple and the desire for a Davidic king continue, but the nation remains under foreign rule.
c. 40 BC - 30 AD— this verse
First Century AD Judea
Judea is under Roman rule, with a Davidic descendant, Jesus of Nazareth, emerging and claiming to be the Messiah. His followers proclaim His resurrection and ascension, interpreting Old Testament prophecies in light of these events.
"For to which of the angels did God ever say,
“You are my Son,
today I have begotten you”?
Or again,
“I will be to him a father,
and he shall be to me a son”?" — The critical point here is that God *never* referred to any angel with the unique and personal title "Son," nor with the intimate declaration, "I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son.…