Hebrews 1:8 kjv

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

Hebrews 1:8 nkjv

But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.

Hebrews 1:8 niv

But about the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

Hebrews 1:8 esv

But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.

Hebrews 1:8 nlt

But to the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever.
You rule with a scepter of justice.

Hebrews 1 verses

Hebrews 1 8 Meaning

Hebrews 1:8, quoting Psalm 45:6, declares the divine nature and eternal reign of the Son, Jesus Christ. It uniquely presents God the Father addressing the Son directly as "God," asserting His absolute deity. The verse emphasizes that the Son's royal throne is everlasting, and His kingship is characterized by perfect righteousness and unwavering justice. This statement serves as a foundational declaration of Christ's unparalleled superiority, establishing His co-equality with God the Father in nature, even while distinguishing Him in role.

Hebrews 1 8 Context

Hebrews chapter 1 begins the author's argument for the supremacy of Jesus Christ. Following a majestic prologue (Heb 1:1-4) that outlines Christ's unique identity as God's ultimate revelation, creator, sustainer, and purifier, the chapter immediately shifts to comparing Him with angels. This comparison is central because angels held a highly revered position in Jewish thought and possibly for some Jewish Christians of the day. The author quotes several Old Testament scriptures (primarily Psalms and Deuteronomy) to demonstrate that the Son is superior to angels in every way. Whereas angels are mere servants, ministering spirits (Heb 1:7), the Son is enthroned by God Himself (Heb 1:8) and possesses eternal dominion and divine attributes. Hebrews 1:8 is a pivotal statement in this argument, as it directly presents the Father addressing the Son as "God," establishing His deity beyond any doubt, a title never accorded to angels. This context emphasizes the Son's absolute authority, royal status, and divine nature, laying the groundwork for understanding His greater priesthood and new covenant in subsequent chapters.

Hebrews 1 8 Word analysis

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• But unto the Son he saith (πρὸς δὲ τὸν Υἱόν, λέγει - pros de ton Huión, legei): This phrase marks a deliberate and profound shift. After describing the role of angels in previous verses (Heb 1:7), the author emphatically distinguishes the Son. "He saith" refers to God the Father. This highlights a divine address, where God Himself acknowledges and elevates the Son, setting Him apart from and above all creation, especially angels. The directness of the Father's speech underscores the unique relationship and co-equality.
• Thy throne (ὁ θρόνος σου - ho thrónos sou): "Throne" is a universal symbol of authority, sovereignty, and kingship. Its possession signifies rule. This immediately establishes the Son's royal status. It is "His" throne, divinely appointed and owned, signifying inherent and supreme power.
• O God (ὁ Θεός - ho Theós): This is the most crucial part of the verse. God the Father addresses the Son as "God." In the Greek (LXX of Ps 45:6), it is a direct vocative. This is a powerful, unequivocal declaration of the Son's full deity, affirming His divine nature and essence. It implies more than a title; it speaks to who He intrinsically is. This direct address distinguishes Him infinitely from any created being.
• is for ever and ever (εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦ αἰῶνος - eis ton aiṓna tou aiṓnos): This emphatic Greek expression signifies eternity, perpetuity, and absolute endlessness. It means literally "unto the age of the age" or "to the ages of the ages," conveying that the Son's rule and kingship are without temporal limit. His reign is not fleeting like human kingdoms but transcends all time, mirroring God's own eternality.
• a sceptre of righteousness (ῥάβδος εὐθύτητος - rhabdos euthytētos): A "sceptre" is an ancient symbol of royal authority, a rod held by a monarch. It represents the power and right to rule. The specific characteristic of this sceptre is "righteousness" (euthytētos), which implies perfect justice, uprightness, rectitude, and moral integrity. This describes the character and ethical basis of the Son's rule—it is utterly pure, fair, and morally perfect.
• is the sceptre of thy kingdom (ἡ ῥάβδος τῆς βασιλείας σου - hē rhabdos tēs basileías sou): This re-emphasizes and confirms that the quality of righteousness defines the very essence of His reign. It highlights that the Son's authority (sceptre) is intrinsically linked to His kingdom, and both are fundamentally characterized by absolute righteousness. His sovereignty is therefore benevolent, just, and perfect. "Kingdom" (basileía) refers to His royal dominion, the sphere over which He reigns, and His kingly office.

Hebrews 1 8 Bonus section

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• Significance of the Septuagint (LXX) Quote: The author of Hebrews directly quotes the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) version of Psalm 45:6. This is crucial because the Masoretic Text (Hebrew) has some debate regarding the specific vocalization, potentially allowing for an alternative reading like "Your throne is God." However, the LXX clearly renders it as "Your throne, O God," indicating a direct vocative address. The author of Hebrews, by using this unambiguous Greek translation, leaves no doubt that the Father directly addresses the Son as "God."
• Trinitarian Implications: While not a comprehensive Trinitarian statement on its own, Hebrews 1:8 contributes significantly to the understanding of the Trinity. It depicts distinct persons within the Godhead—the Father speaking and the Son being addressed as God—while simultaneously asserting the Son's full deity, showing internal relationships and designations within the one God.
• Context within Hebrews' Argument: The quotation is one of seven Old Testament passages marshalled in Hebrews 1 to prove the Son's superiority over angels. Each quotation contributes a specific attribute that distinguishes the Son. Verse 8's unique contribution is the definitive declaration of the Son's divine identity as "God" and His eternal, righteous reign.
• Application for Believers: This verse assures believers of the ultimate, unwavering nature of Christ's kingdom and His perfect, righteous rule. It instills confidence in His eternal authority and His absolute justice as our King, giving hope and stability amidst any earthly turmoil.

Hebrews 1 8 Commentary

Hebrews 1:8 is a cornerstone text for Christian Christology, decisively asserting the full deity and eternal kingship of Jesus Christ. Quoting from Psalm 45:6 (LXX), it reveals God the Father's direct affirmation of the Son's divine identity by calling Him "God." This divine address elevates Christ above all created beings, notably angels, whose subservient role is highlighted just prior in Hebrews 1:7. The declaration "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever" signifies Christ's eternal sovereignty, mirroring the very eternality of God. Furthermore, "a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom" emphasizes the character of His rule—it is perfectly just, upright, and holy. This passage dispels any notion of Christ being merely an exalted creature or lesser divine being, firmly placing Him in the realm of true deity. His kingdom is one of integrity and perfect governance, guaranteeing eternal justice and order under His unwavering authority. The verse stands as a powerful testament to the object of our worship and the nature of the King we serve.