Hebrews 1:11
They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοὶ
They
G846
αὐτοὶ
They
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
1 of 10
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
ἀπολοῦνται
shall perish
G622
ἀπολοῦνται
shall perish
Strong's:
G622
Word #:
2 of 10
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
8 of 10
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Cross References
Isaiah 51:6Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.Isaiah 34:4And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.Mark 13:31Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.Revelation 21:1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.Matthew 24:35Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.Luke 21:33Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.Hebrews 12:27And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.Isaiah 65:17For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.Psalms 10:16The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.Psalms 90:2Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
Historical Context
The original psalm addressed Israel's exile, but Hebrews applies it to Christ, demonstrating the apostolic hermeneutic that sees Christ throughout the Old Testament. This typological reading was standard in first-century Jewish exegesis.
Questions for Reflection
- What comfort does Christ's eternality provide in a world of constant change?
- How does the temporary nature of creation inform your view of material possessions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Continuing the Psalm 102 quotation, this verse contrasts the permanence of Christ with the temporality of creation. The present tense 'apollountai' (they shall perish) emphasizes the certain decay of all created things. Reformed theology sees this as affirming God's sovereignty over all creation and Christ's eternality, which undergirds the doctrine of eternal security - if Christ endures forever, so do those united to Him.