Hebrews 1:2

Authorized King James Version

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐπ'
in
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#2
ἐσχάτων
last
farthest, final (of place or time)
#3
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἡμερῶν
days
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#5
τούτων
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#6
ἐλάλησεν
Hath
to talk, i.e., utter words
#7
ἡμῖν
unto us
to (or for, with, by) us
#8
ἐν
by
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
υἱῷ
his Son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#10
οὗ
whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#11
ἔθηκεν
he hath appointed
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
#12
κληρονόμον
heir
a sharer by lot, i.e., inheritor (literally or figuratively); by implication, a possessor
#13
πάντων,
of all things
all, any, every, the whole
#14
δι'
by
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#15
οὗ
whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#16
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
αἰῶνας
the worlds
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
#19
ἐποίησεν,
he made
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hebrews, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Hebrews's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Hebrews Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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