Introduction
In Hebrews 1:6, the author continues to develop the argument about the supremacy of Jesus Christ over all created beings, especially angels. Having established the uniqueness of Christ’s sonship in the previous verses, Hebrews 1:6 moves forward to underscore the significance of Christ’s incarnation and His exaltation. This verse draws attention to a powerful event that occurred during Christ’s earthly life and mission—the moment of His glorification and the worship He received from the heavenly realm.
In the King James Version (KJV), Hebrews 1:6 reads:
“And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.” (Hebrews 1:6, KJV)
This verse is packed with theological significance and highlights the unique role of Jesus in God’s redemptive plan. Through a careful examination of the text, its Old Testament references, and its theological implications, we can better understand why the author of Hebrews calls on the angels to worship Christ.
Contextual Background: The Supremacy of Christ
Before delving into Hebrews 1:6, it’s essential to understand the broader context of the passage. Hebrews 1:1-5 has already established Christ’s supremacy over angels. The author has shown that Jesus is not a mere messenger or created being like the angels, but the eternal Son of God, the radiance of God’s glory, and the exact representation of His being. He is superior to the angels in every respect.
The opening verses of Hebrews set the stage for the argument that angels, despite their greatness, are inferior to Christ. Hebrews 1:6 continues this theme by emphasizing the event in which Christ, as the firstbegotten, enters the world, and the heavenly command is given for the angels to worship Him. This act of worship sets Christ apart from angels, reinforcing His divine nature and His preeminent role in the divine order.
Exploring Hebrews 1:6: A Close Examination
1. “And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world…”
The phrase “when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world” refers to the moment of Christ’s incarnation. The term “firstbegotten” (or “only begotten” in some translations) is a significant term in biblical theology. It refers to Christ’s unique position as the Son of God, begotten of the Father, not created, and distinct from all other beings. It signifies Christ’s preeminent position in relation to all creation.
This phrase also echoes the prophecy of Christ’s birth and the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior into the world. The “world” here refers to the created order, which Christ entered as the incarnate Son of God. His coming into the world was not just a physical birth but also a moment of divine intervention in history. It marked the beginning of God’s redemptive plan to save humanity.
The “firstbegotten” designation is used in various ways throughout Scripture. While in one sense, it could refer to Christ’s priority in creation (as He is the Creator of all things), in the context of Hebrews, it highlights the unique relationship between the Father and the Son. Christ is the firstborn in the sense that He is preeminent over all creation, the first to rise from the dead, and the one who will inherit all things (Hebrews 1:2).
2. “…he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.”
This command from God, “let all the angels of God worship him,” is drawn from Psalm 97:7, a royal psalm that celebrates the sovereignty of God and His reign over the earth. By applying this passage to Christ, the author of Hebrews affirms the divinity of Jesus and His worthiness to receive worship. The angels, who are powerful spiritual beings, are called to give reverence and honor to Christ, the Son of God.
The act of worship is significant because, throughout Scripture, worship is reserved for God alone. In both the Old and New Testaments, it is clear that no created being—whether human or angelic—is worthy of receiving worship, except God Himself. By commanding the angels to worship Christ, God is affirming that Jesus is not just a great teacher, prophet, or angel, but that He is God incarnate, deserving of all divine honor.
This command to worship also reinforces the earlier argument in Hebrews 1 that Christ is far superior to the angels. The angels, despite their magnificence and power, are not to be worshiped. Only Christ, the Son of God, holds this position. His status as the firstbegotten and His unique relationship with the Father necessitate that He be worshiped by all creation, including the angels.
3. The Significance of Worshiping Christ
The command for the angels to worship Christ speaks volumes about His divine identity and mission. Worship in the Bible is a response to the recognition of God’s greatness, power, and holiness. In the case of Christ, the act of worship confirms His role as the eternal Son of God who shares in the glory and majesty of the Father.
This worship is not limited to the angels but extends to all creation. The angels, however, serve as the first example of the universal worship that Christ deserves. This universal worship will one day be fulfilled when “every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:10-11). In this present age, the angels recognize the preeminent authority of Christ and willingly offer Him worship as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Moreover, this worship is a declaration of Christ’s sovereignty. In the Old Testament, worship was often associated with the reign of God. Psalm 97:7, the text quoted in Hebrews 1:6, reflects God’s reign over the earth. By applying this psalm to Christ, the author of Hebrews is declaring that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s royal reign. Christ’s kingship is not only acknowledged by humans but also by the angels, who are compelled to worship Him.
Old Testament Context: Psalm 97:7
The command for angels to worship Christ in Hebrews 1:6 is taken from Psalm 97:7, which reads:
“Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.” (Psalm 97:7, KJV)
In its original context, this psalm declares God’s sovereignty over all creation. The psalmist calls upon all the gods (or spiritual beings, including angels) to worship God. The phrase “worship him, all ye gods” is understood to include angelic beings who serve in God’s heavenly court. In Hebrews 1:6, the author applies this psalm to Jesus, thus affirming that Christ, as the incarnate Son of God, is the recipient of the worship that was once reserved for Yahweh alone.
By invoking this psalm, Hebrews 1:6 not only reaffirms the divine kingship of Christ but also underscores the fact that the angels’ role is not one of supremacy or dominion, but of service and worship toward the Son. The message is clear: Jesus is the rightful object of worship, and this worship spans both the heavenly and earthly realms.
Theological Implications of Hebrews 1:6
Hebrews 1:6 carries profound theological significance:
- Christ’s Divinity
The command to worship Christ highlights His divinity. In the Bible, worship is reserved for God alone, and by commanding the angels to worship Christ, God is proclaiming Jesus’ divine status. This affirms the central Christian doctrine of the Trinity: Jesus, the Son, is fully divine, deserving of the same honor and worship as the Father. - Christ’s Sovereignty
The worship of Christ by the angels is a demonstration of His absolute sovereignty. Jesus is not merely a messenger or servant, as angels are, but the King of all creation. The angels, as powerful and majestic as they are, acknowledge His superiority by worshiping Him. - Christ’s Role in God’s Redemptive Plan
The worship of Christ also affirms His central role in God’s plan of salvation. By becoming incarnate and entering the world as the firstbegotten, Jesus fulfills the divine plan to restore creation to its intended order. The angels, who have long been involved in God’s works, now worship the one who is the fulfillment of God’s redemptive promises. - The Universality of Christ’s Worship
This verse points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan when all creation, including every living being, will bow before Christ in worship. Hebrews 1:6 reminds us that Christ is the rightful ruler of the universe, and His worship will be universal.
Conclusion
Hebrews 1:6 is a powerful declaration of Christ’s divinity, sovereignty, and worthiness to receive worship from all of creation, including the angels. The angels, though mighty and significant in their own right, are commanded to worship Christ, affirming His supremacy and divine status. This worship, drawn from Psalm 97:7, underscores the truth that Christ is the King of all, the eternal Son of God, and the one who is worthy of all honor and glory.
For believers, this verse is a call to recognize the majesty of Christ and to join in the heavenly worship that acknowledges His divine nature. It also serves as a reminder that Christ’s work in creation and redemption places Him at the center of God’s purposes, and all things, including the angels, exist to glorify Him.