Journal: Tyndale Bulletin
Volume: TYNBUL 36:1 (NA 1985)
Article: The Translation And Significance Of ῾Ο Θεος In Hebrews 1:8-9
Author: Murray J. Harris

TynBul 36:1 (1985) p. 129

The Translation And Significance Of ῾Ο Θεος In Hebrews 1:8-9

Murray J. Harris

The epistle to the Hebrews is a ‘word of exhortation’ (Heb. 13:22) addressed to a group of Hellenistic Jewish Christians, probably in Rome, who were facing a crisis of loyalty during the rising tide of Jewish nationalism before the revolt of A.D. 66. The readers were in danger of losing their confidence and hope (Heb. 3:6, 14; 6:11–12, 19; 10:35), and of suffering from spiritual malnutrition (6:1–2; 13:9) and sclerosis (3:7–8, 13; 5:11), and of relapsing into Judaism, if not drifting into virtual paganism (2:1–3; 3:12; 4:1; 6:4–6; 10:39). The author responds to this pastoral need first by a doctrinal exposition (1:1–10:39) that establishes the superiority and finality of Christ and Christianity1 and then by sustained practical exhortation (11:1–13:25) that issues a clarion call to the pilgrim’s life of faith and endurance.

In the author’s presentation of his argument the OT plays a crucial role.2 Drawing on the proposal of

TynBul 36:1 (1985) p. 130

G. B. Caird,3 R. N. Longenecker points out that the argument of the letter revolves around five OT portions: (1) a chain of verses drawn from five Psalms, 2 Samuel 7 and Deuteronomy 32 (LXX that forms the basis of 1:3–2:4; (2) Psalm 8:4–6 (Heb. 2:5–18) (3) Psalm 95:7–11 (Heb. 3:1–4:13); (4) You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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