King James Version

What Does Hebrews 1:6 Mean?

Hebrews 1:6 in the King James Version says “And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. ag...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 1:6 · KJV

Context

4

Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

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?

6

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

7

And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. And of: Gr. And unto

8

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. righteousness: Gr. rightness, or, straightness

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. The third Old Testament quotation demonstrates angels' subordination to Christ by showing they are commanded to worship Him. "When he bringeth in the firstbegotten" (hotan de palin eisagagē ton prōtotokon eis tēn oikoumenēn, ὅταν δὲ πάλιν εἰσαγάγῃ τὸν πρωτότοκον εἰς τὴν οἰκουμένην) may refer to Christ's incarnation, His second coming, or both—the word palin ("again") could modify "bringeth in" (bringing Him again into the world at the second advent) or connect to the previous "again" in verse 5 (introducing another quotation).

The title "firstbegotten" (prōtotokon, πρωτότοκον, "firstborn") doesn't mean Christ was created first but emphasizes His preeminence and supremacy (Colossians 1:15-18). In biblical usage, "firstborn" carried rights of inheritance, authority, and honor—it was a title of rank, not merely chronological order. Christ is the supreme heir, the one possessing all rights and honors.

The quotation "let all the angels of God worship him" comes from Deuteronomy 32:43 (LXX) or possibly Psalm 97:7. The verb "worship" (proskynesatōsan, προσκυνησάτωσαν) indicates the reverence and homage due to deity alone. That all angels are commanded to worship Christ definitively proves His deity and superiority. Created beings worship Him; therefore He is not a created being but God Himself. If angels are to worship Christ, how much more should humans worship and trust Him completely.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The command for angels to worship Christ would have shocked any first-century Jew who viewed worship as belonging exclusively to Yahweh. Jewish monotheism rigorously guarded against worshiping any created being, including angels (Revelation 19:10, 22:8-9). The Dead Sea Scrolls and other Second Temple literature show that while angels were honored and their ministry appreciated, worship was reserved for God alone.

By citing Scripture that commands angels to worship Christ, the author makes an unmistakable claim: Christ is Yahweh, God incarnate. This isn't angel veneration or the worship of a created being; it is the acknowledgment of Christ's full deity. The Old Testament passages quoted were originally about Yahweh; their application to Christ identifies Him as Yahweh manifest in flesh.

Some first-century believers, influenced by Jewish angelology or incipient Gnostic ideas, may have viewed Christ as an exalted angel or intermediary figure—higher than humans but less than God. This verse demolishes such christology. Angels worship Christ; therefore Christ cannot be an angel. He is the object of angelic worship, the Creator they serve, the Lord they obey. This establishes the foundation for Christian orthodoxy's insistence on Christ's full deity as essential to the gospel.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the fact that angels worship Christ affect your own worship and devotion to Him?
  2. Why is Christ's full deity essential to the gospel and to Christian assurance of salvation?
  3. In what ways might believers today be tempted to seek help from spiritual beings or forces rather than trusting Christ's supreme authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ὅταν1 of 16

“when”

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

δὲ2 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

πάλιν3 of 16

“again”

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

εἰσαγάγῃ4 of 16

“he bringeth in”

G1521

to introduce (literally or figuratively)

τὸν5 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρωτότοκον6 of 16

“the firstbegotten”

G4416

first-born (usually as noun, literally or figuratively)

εἰς7 of 16

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν8 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οἰκουμένην9 of 16

“the world”

G3625

land, i.e., the (terrene part of the) globe; specially, the roman empire

λέγει10 of 16

“he saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Καὶ11 of 16

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

προσκυνησάτωσαν12 of 16

“let”

G4352

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

αὐτῷ13 of 16

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πάντες14 of 16

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἄγγελοι15 of 16

“the angels”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

θεοῦ16 of 16

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 1:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 97:7Colossians 1:181 Peter 3:22Deuteronomy 32:43Colossians 1:15John 1:14

Test Your Knowledge

Hebrews 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHebrews Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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