Hebrews 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Original Language Analysis
λειτουργικὰ
ministering
G3010
λειτουργικὰ
ministering
Strong's:
G3010
Word #:
4 of 13
functional publicly ("liturgic"); i.e., beneficient
πνεύματα
spirits
G4151
πνεύματα
spirits
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
5 of 13
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
διακονίαν
minister
G1248
διακονίαν
minister
Strong's:
G1248
Word #:
7 of 13
attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco
ἀποστελλόμενα
sent forth
G649
ἀποστελλόμενα
sent forth
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
8 of 13
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
9 of 13
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μέλλοντας
them who shall be
G3195
μέλλοντας
them who shall be
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
11 of 13
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
Cross References
Psalms 34:7The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.Matthew 18:10Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.Daniel 6:22My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.Acts 27:23For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,Acts 5:19But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,Acts 12:7And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.Luke 1:19And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.Matthew 1:20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.Daniel 3:28Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.Luke 16:22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
Historical Context
Jewish tradition highly venerated angels, sometimes excessively. The author corrects this by subordinating angels to both Christ and redeemed humanity, whom they serve. This would have been countercultural in a context where angels were often invoked as mediators.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding angels as servants rather than objects of worship affect your prayer life?
- What assurance does the certainty of inheriting salvation provide in times of doubt?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Angels are described as 'leitourgika pneumata' (ministering spirits), emphasizing their service role. The phrase 'those who will inherit salvation' uses the present participle 'mellontas,' indicating future certainty. This affirms the Reformed doctrine of preservation of the saints - those being saved will certainly inherit salvation. Angels serve the elect, not vice versa, demolishing any angel worship (cf. Colossians 2:18).