< Hebrews 1 >
1 God, who formerly spoke in many portions and in many ways to the fathers by the prophets,
Long ago God communicated frequently to our ancestors in various ways by what the prophets [said and wrote].
2 spoke to us in these last days by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the ages. (aiōn )
But now when this final age [is beginning], God has communicated to us [just once] by means of what (his Son/the man who was also God) [said and did. God] appointed him in order that he would possess everything [that truly belongs to God. God also appointed] him in order that he would create the universe. (aiōn )
3 Who, being the radiance of his glory, and the exact image of his essence, and upholding all things by the word of his power, having made purification of our sins through himself, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in the heights.
He manifests God’s glory. He exactly represents [what God is like]. He (sustains everything by means of his powerful words. When he had [enabled people to be] freed from the [guilt of] their sins [MET], he sat down in heaven [EUP] [to rule] at the place of greatest honor [MTY] with God [MTY].
4 Having become so much better than the agents, as he has inherited a more excellent name than they.
By doing that, he [showed that he] was very much greater than the angels, to the extent that his relationship [MTY] [to God, as his Son], is more excellent than the relationship the angels [have to God].
5 For to which of the agents did he ever say, Thou are my Son, today I have begotten thee? And again, I will be to him for a Father, and he will be to me for a Son?
[We know that] because [in the Scriptures] no one [RHQ] ever reported that God said to any angel [what he said to his Son], You [(sg)] are my Son! Today I have declared to all that I am your Father [DOU]! And he said in another Scripture passage, I will be his Father, and he will be my Son [DOU].
6 And again when he brings the firstborn into the world he says, And let all the agents of God worship him.
And [we know his Son is greater than the angels because in] another [Scripture passage someone wrote this about God’s esteemed Son], when God was about to send him into the world: All God’s angels must worship him.
7 And indeed toward the agents he says, He who makes his agents spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
[And in the Scriptures it is written that] someone said this about the angels: [God] makes the [angels] who serve him [to be changeable like] [MET] winds and flames of fire.
8 But toward the Son, Thy throne, O God, is into the age of the age. The scepter of thy kingdom is a scepter of straightness. (aiōn )
But on the other hand, [in the Scriptures it is written that God said] this to his Son: You [(sg)] who are [also] God will rule forever [MTY], and you will reign righteously over your kingdom [MTY]. (aiōn )
9 Thou have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness. Because of this, God, thy God, anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy companions.
You have loved [people’s] righteous [deeds] and you have hated [people’s] lawless [deeds]. So I, your God, have caused you to be more joyful [MTY] than anyone else.
10 And thou, Lord, at the beginnings founded the earth, and the heavens are the works of thy hands.
And [we also know that his Son is superior to angels because in the Scriptures the Psalmist wrote that] someone said to God’s Son, Lord, it was you who created the earth in the beginning. You also made [the rest of] the universe (OR, the [things in] the sky) [MTY].
11 They will perish, but thou are permanent. And they will all become old as a garment.
Everything in the universe will disappear, but you will keep on living [forever]. They will wear out as clothing [wears out].
12 And thou will roll them up as a mantle, and they will be changed. But thou are the same, and thy years will not cease.
You will dispose of them as one rolls up an [old] coat [before getting rid of it]. [Then], you will exchange [everything that is in the universe for what is new], as someone puts on a new garment [in exchange for an old garment] [SIM]. But you [are not like what you created]; You stay the same, and you live forever [LIT]!
13 But to which of the agents has he ever said, Sit thou by my right hand until I place thine enemies a footstool of thy feet?
[We also know that his Son is superior to angels because no one ever stated] [RHQ] [in the Scriptures] that God said to any angel [what he said to his Son], Sit [in the place of honor] next to me and rule with me [MTY] while I put all of your enemies completely under your control [MET]!
14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth for service for the sake of those who are going to inherit salvation?
The angels are [only] spirits who serve [God] [RHQ]. [God] sends them [to earth] in order to help those he has saved (OR, those whom he will save).