“They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment.”– Hebrews 1:11 (KJV)
“They will perish, but you remain forever; they will wear out like old clothing.”– Hebrews 1:11 (NLT)
“They’ll wear out like a worn-out coat; you’ll roll them up like a worn-out blanket and then toss them away.”– Hebrews 1:11 (MSG)
What Does Hebrews 1:11 Mean?
This verse from Hebrews makes an important distinction between the transient nature of the created world and the eternal existence of God. When we read, “They shall perish,” it refers to everything that has been made — all physical things, even the universe itself, will ultimately come to an end. This statement reminds us that no matter how beautiful, powerful, or significant something may seem in this life, it is all temporary.
Then, we see the powerful contrast presented in “but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment.” God stands unchanged by the passage of time. Unlike the universe, He is eternal; He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. When we think of this permanence, we can find comfort and security in the fact that God will always be there for us, no matter what happens around us. He remains steadfast in His promises, and we can lean on Him during uncertain times.
Hebrews 1:11 Explanation and Commentary
This verse comes at a time in the book of Hebrews when the author is comparing Jesus to angels. The core message of Hebrews is to highlight the supremacy of Jesus over all things. By presenting Christ’s eternal nature, the author sets Him apart as the Son of God, showing us that He is more than just a great teacher or prophet. He is the embodiment of God’s promise. Angels, while powerful and important, are created beings, unlike Jesus who exists forever.
The author’s choice of words is compelling. The phrase “They shall wax old as doth a garment” evokes imagery that many of us can relate to. We have clothes that eventually fade and wear out no matter how much we liked them at first. In the same way, the universe and everything in it will grow old and vanish.
This commentary cannot ignore the beauty and hope within the implications of this verse. While the physical world is impermanent, God invites us into a lasting relationship through faith in Jesus. This relationship insulated us from the wear and tear of life. Our faith gives us an identity that remains solid, secure, and unchanging even when all else seems uncertain.
God offers us His strength and comfort, assuring us that while the world around us may fade away, our relationship with Him endures for eternity. We see this promise echoed throughout scripture in verses like Isaiah 40:8, where it says, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” This pairing of the temporal and the eternal encourages us to value what truly matters.
Context of Hebrews 1:11
To fully appreciate Hebrews 1:11, we must look at the surrounding verses. The opening chapter sets forth a grand portrait of Jesus and emphasizes His divine nature. The author expresses that God has spoken to us through His Son, underscoring that Jesus is not merely another messenger; He is God-in-human flesh. Throughout chapter one, the text contrasts Jesus’ eternal being with the transitory nature of angels and creation, urging us to recognize Christ’s significance.
This chapter serves both as a declaration of faith and an encouragement for believers. When the writer assures us that Jesus is forever constant, it empowers us to continue our journey in faith despite the challenges we face. Focusing on these truths helps counter the doubts we may feel in our daily lives.
The audience of Hebrews was likely facing persecution or questioning their faith, and these words would have served to bolster their courage. By reminding them of the unchanging nature of God, the author aimed to strengthen their faith and motivate them to stay committed to the path of discipleship.
These themes resonate deeply with us today, reminding us of the need for resilience in our faith. Life can often feel like a whirlwind of uncertainty, but as we draw closer to God through prayer, worship, and studying the scriptures, we anchor ourselves in His timeless truths.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Hebrews 1:11
Let’s break down this powerful verse. It starts with “They shall perish.” This declaration asserts that everything made, from the stars above to the ground beneath our feet, is destined to fade away. It’s easy to get attached to the beauty of creation and the rhythms of life, but this statement serves as a wake-up call to recognize their eventual end.
The following part states “but thou remainest.” Here, with the use of the word “remainest,” the author emphasizes God’s timelessness. While the universe is being worn down by time, God stands firm and unchanging, personifying stability in a world of flux.
The phrase “they all shall wax old as doth a garment” paints a picture of life’s fleeting nature. Just as clothes eventually wear out, we learn to view our joys, struggles, and triumphs through the lens of their impermanence. There is a stark reality behind this — as we get older, we increasingly witness change around us, and this reminder encourages us to embrace the moment while understanding that our hope lies with the eternal God.
God’s promise is not just for the future; it is a reassuring presence in our lives today. It reminds us to find our security in Him, knowing that despite the inevitable challenges of life, we have a solid foundation in God’s love and grace.
Lessons to Learn From Hebrews 1:11
This verse is overflowing with wisdom, and we can learn much from it. First, we grasp the idea that we should not put our ultimate hope in things that are temporary. While it is natural to appreciate the beauty of the world, we should set our hearts on God, who remains steadfast forever. He is our anchor in life’s storms.
Second, we learn about the importance of faith. In our walk as believers, we often go through seasons of doubt or trial. Hebrews 1:11 reminds us that our faith is in a God who does not change and encourages us to hold fast to this truth. When we feel weary or doubtful, we can draw strength from God’s unchanging nature.
Moreover, reflecting on this verse can lead us to gratitude. The comfort that comes from a deep relationship with God enables us to appreciate more fully the beauty of life, even as we recognize its fleeting nature. This leads us to cherish our relationships with family and friends and nurture them with love and grace, knowing that they, like us, are also temporary.
We also learn about resilience. When faced with challenges, we can echo the eternal truth that nothing can separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:38-39 states that nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus. That promise serves as a bold reminder to keep our focus on what lasts, empowering us to rise above life’s difficulties.
Final Thoughts
Hebrews 1:11 serves as a deep reminder of our faith’s foundation in God’s eternal nature. While we navigate the ups and downs of life, this verse encourages us to remember that everything else in our lives may fade away, but God is always there. As we reflect on these truths, let us seek to deepen our relationship with Him, anchoring our hope in the steadfast love and faithfulness of Christ.
May we look towards eternity as we live our day-to-day lives, focusing on that which truly matters and extending His grace to those around us. We find joy and peace, knowing that our God is everlasting and that His promises stand forever.
As we grow in our understanding of God’s Word, let’s explore more topics to enrich our faith journey. Consider checking out 1 Corinthians 13:13 as we reflect on the greatest of these, love, or examine 1 Samuel 20:3 to see the bonds of friendship in action. Together, we can strengthen our understanding and embrace the profound teachings found throughout the Bible.