Verse-by-Verse Commentary
The Book of Hebrews
Hebrews was written to believers tempted to turn back from Christ to the old covenant, and its answer is one word: better. Jesus is greater than the prophets, the angels, Moses, and the whole priesthood, and His new covenant is final. This commentary walks through it verse by verse.
About This Commentary
No New Testament book exalts Jesus more relentlessly than Hebrews. Writing to Jewish believers who were wavering under pressure, the author piles up proof that everything the old covenant pointed to has arrived in Christ. The prophets spoke in pieces; the Son is God's final word. The angels are servants; the Son is worshipped. Moses was faithful in the house; the Son built it. The priests died and repeated their sacrifices; our High Priest lives forever and offered Himself once for all.
This commentary covers Hebrews verse by verse, with the Greek words that sharpen the meaning, the many Old Testament passages Hebrews quotes and applies to Christ, and an Apostolic reading that keeps the one God revealed in Jesus and the full new-covenant gospel in view. Historical claims are verified, and references are given at the foot of each chapter.
We are building this book one chapter at a time. Chapter 1 is complete; the remaining chapters are on the way.
Author
Unknown. The letter does not name its writer, and the early church itself was undecided.
Written
Likely the AD 60s, while temple sacrifices were still being offered (before AD 70).
Recipients
Hebrew (Jewish) believers tempted to fall back from Christ to the old covenant.
Theme
The supremacy and finality of Jesus Christ and His new covenant.
Translation
King James Version (KJV) throughout.
The Chapters
Hebrews Commentary
All 13 chapters are now complete. The rest are being written and will open here as they are finished and verified.
Hebrews 1:1-14
The Son Greater Than the Angels
God has spoken by His Son, the heir of all things, the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person. Seven Old Testament witnesses show the Son is far above the angels.
Read Chapter 1 →Hebrews 2:1-18
So Great a Salvation
The warning not to drift, and why the Son was made lower than the angels for a little while, to taste death for everyone and become a merciful High Priest.
Read Chapter 2 →Hebrews 3:1-19
Greater Than Moses
Christ as Son over God's house, Moses as a servant in it, and the warning of the wilderness generation who hardened their hearts.
Read Chapter 3 →Hebrews 4:1-16
The Rest of God and Our High Priest
Entering His rest, the living and powerful word of God, and coming boldly to the throne of grace.
Read Chapter 4 →Hebrews 5:1-14
A Priest After the Order of Melchizedek
The qualifications of a high priest, Christ's appointment, and a rebuke of spiritual dullness.
Read Chapter 5 →Hebrews 6:1-20
Warning and the Sure Promise
Going on to maturity, the sober warning, and the unchangeable promise anchored in God's oath.
Read Chapter 6 →Hebrews 7:1-28
Melchizedek and the Better Priesthood
A priesthood greater than Levi's, a change of the law, and a priest who lives forever to save completely.
Read Chapter 7 →Hebrews 8:1-13
A Better Covenant
The heavenly sanctuary and the new covenant that makes the first one obsolete.
Read Chapter 8 →Hebrews 9:1-28
The Blood of Christ
The earthly tabernacle, the once-for-all entrance of Christ, and His own blood that cleanses the conscience.
Read Chapter 9 →Hebrews 10:1-39
One Sacrifice Forever
The law's shadow, the single perfect offering, and the call to hold fast without drawing back.
Read Chapter 10 →Hebrews 11:1-40
By Faith
The great cloud of witnesses who lived and died believing God's promises.
Read Chapter 11 →Hebrews 12:1-29
Run With Endurance
Looking to Jesus, the discipline of a loving Father, and a kingdom that cannot be shaken.
Read Chapter 12 →Hebrews 13:1-25
Concluding Exhortations
Brotherly love, an unchanging Christ, and the God of peace who works in us what is pleasing in His sight.
Read Chapter 13 →