Hebrews 1:10
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κατ'
in
G2596
κατ'
in
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
3 of 16
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἀρχάς
the beginning
G746
ἀρχάς
the beginning
Strong's:
G746
Word #:
4 of 16
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
κύριε
Lord
G2962
κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 16
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆν
of the earth
G1093
γῆν
of the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
7 of 16
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
ἐθεμελίωσας
hast laid the foundation
G2311
ἐθεμελίωσας
hast laid the foundation
Strong's:
G2311
Word #:
8 of 16
to lay a basis for, i.e., (literally) erect, or (figuratively) consolidate
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔργα
the works
G2041
ἔργα
the works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
10 of 16
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χειρῶν
hands
G5495
χειρῶν
hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
12 of 16
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
Cross References
Genesis 1:1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.Jeremiah 32:17Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:Isaiah 42:5Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:Isaiah 48:13Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together.Zechariah 12:1The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.Isaiah 64:8But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.Isaiah 51:13And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?Proverbs 8:29When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:Revelation 3:14And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;Psalms 19:1The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
Historical Context
Written to Jewish Christians (c. 60-70 AD) facing persecution, this passage grounds their faith in Christ's supremacy over angels by showing His role as Creator, a title reserved exclusively for YHWH in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's role as Creator strengthen your confidence in His ability to sustain you through trials?
- Why is Christ's full deity essential to the doctrine of salvation by grace alone?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The author quotes Psalm 102:25 to demonstrate Christ's eternal deity and creative power. The Greek 'su kat archēn' emphasizes the beginning of creation, affirming Christ as the pre-existent agent of creation. This refutes Arianism and affirms the Reformed doctrine of Christ's full deity, essential for our redemption since only God can save.