Hebrews 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Study Note
Study Note
'Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?' — the rhetorical question concludes the catena of Old Testament texts (Hebrews 1:5–14) establishing Christ's superiority to angels by contrasting Christ's enthronement with angels' service. The description of angels as 'liturgical spirits' (leitourgika pneumata) and as 'sent to serve' (eis diakonian apostellomena) uses both cultic and ambassadorial language. The function of angelic service 'for the sake of those who inherit salvation' directly links the cosmic angelic order to the redemptive community — angels are deployed in history on behalf of believers. This verse has been foundational for Christian angelology, establishing that angels' dignity is real but derivative and ministerial rather than co-equal with the Son.
Other Translations
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?
are they not all spirits of service--for ministration being sent forth because of those about to inherit salvation?
Are they not all helping spirits, who are sent out as servants to those whose heritage will be salvation?
Cross References
Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he …
And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full …
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now …
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and …
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst …
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, …
And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and …
The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that …
So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from …