Hebrews 1: Does Paul claim the Psalm says that Jesus is Jehovah?

info All commentaries are written by volunteers, readers, or supporters of our Bible translation project. These are not official views of our project; we are not a religious denomination and we do not establish doctrine. These commentaries reflect a variety of views and some disagree with each other.

At Hebrews 1:10-12, Paul quotes (or slightly paraphrases) Psalm 102:25-27 and applies them to the Lord, that is, Jesus.

His quote says:

‘In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth, and [you] made the heavens with your hands.
But they’ll pass away while you still remain;
For, like clothes, they will grow old.
Then, as [you would do to] a robe, you will wrap them up and repair them.
Yes, you’re the one and your years will never expire.’

At first, it may seem like the reference to the Lord is speaking of The God (Jehovah/Yahweh). Indeed, if you look up the words being quoted, you’ll see the previous verse (verse 24) in the Hebrew Masoretic text actually says ‘my God’ (Hebrew: ’eli).

However, Hebrews chapter 1 is discussing Jesus and his special position before God! Paul quoted Psalm 102:24-27 to make the point that Jesus made the heavens and the earth, that he will remain through the ages, and that he will eventually rebuild (repair) them after they grow old.

So is Paul claiming that Jesus and Jehovah are the same person?

Well, the answer must be no, because other verses in Hebrews 1 say:

· Hebrews 1:3:

‘He sat down at the right hand of the Great One in the highest places.’

· Hebrews 1:4:

‘He has become so much greater than the [other] messengers [of God] and so different, that he has inherited a [special] name among them.’

· Hebrews 1:5:

‘For example; to which of His [other] messengers did He ever say,
You’re my son. Today I’ve become your Father.

Or,

I will become his Father and he will become My son.’

· Hebrews 1:9:

‘You loved righteousness and hated wickedness.
That’s why God (your God) anointed you with the oil of great joy among those that are your partners.’

· Hebrews 1:13:

‘And to which one of His messengers did He ever say,
Sit here on My right until I set your enemies as a stool for your feet?’

So it seems that the Apostle was not trying to argue that Jesus is the same person as God Almighty. He may be applying Psalm 102:25-27 to Jesus simply because he is God’s master worker, and all actions of God are performed through Jesus.