Hebrews 1:14

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 1:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?
Hebrews 1:14 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Are they not all ministering spirits, etc..] Servants to God, to Christ, and to his people, and therefore must be inferior to the Son of God. The phrase is Rabbinical; frequent mention is made in Jewish writings f25 of trçh ykalm, “the angels of ministry”, or “the ministering angels”; this is their common appellation with the Jews; and the apostle writing to such, uses a like phrase, well known to them, and appeals to them, if the angels were not such spirits. Sent forth to minister for them who shall be the heirs of salvation? the persons they minister to, and for, are those, who shall be the heirs of salvation; that is, of eternal glory, which will be possessed by the saints, as an…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“ministering spirits--referring to Heb 1:7, "spirits . . . ministers." They are incorporeal spirits, as God is, but ministering to Him as inferiors. sent forth--present participle: "being sent forth" continually, as their regular service in all ages. to minister--Greek, "unto (that is, 'for') ministry." for them--Greek, "on account of the." Angels are sent forth on ministrations to God and Christ, not primarily to men, though for the good of "those who are about to inherit salvation" (so the Greek): the elect, who believe, or shall believe, for whom all things, angels included, work together for good (Rom 8:28). Angels' ministrations are not properly rendered to men, since the latter have no…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Are they not all - There is not one of them that is elevated to the high rank of the Redeemer. Even the most exalted angel is employed in the comparatively humble office of a ministering spirit appointed to aid the heirs of salvation. “Ministering spirits.” A “ministering” spirit is one that is employed to execute the will of God. The proper meaning of the word here - λειτουργικὰ leitourgika - (whence our word “liturgy”) is, “pertaining to public service,” or “the service of the people” (λαός laos}; and is applied particularly to those who were engaged in the public service of the temple. They were those who rendered aid to others; who were helpers, or servants. Such is the meaning as used…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Are they not all - Though of various orders. Ministering spirits, sent forth - Ministering before God, sent forth to men. To attend on them - In numerous offices of protection, care, and kindness. Who - Having patiently continued in welldoing, shall inherit everlasting salvation. Next: Hebrews Chapter 2”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:14 Therefore, angels are only servants: The author restates his conclusion. God sends out the angels to care for his people, who will inherit salvation at the end of the age (see 9:28).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“ministering: Heb 8:6, Heb 10:11; Psa 103:20, Psa 103:21; Dan 3:28, Dan 7:10; Mat 18:10; Luk 1:19, Luk 1:23, Luk 2:9, Luk 2:13; Act 13:2; Rom 13:6, Rom 15:16, Rom 15:27; Co2 9:12; Phi 2:17, Phi 2:25 \*Gr: Kg1 22:19; Job 1:6; Psa 103:20, Psa 103:21, Psa 104:4; Isa 6:2, Isa 6:3; Dan 7:10; Mat 13:41, Mat 13:49, Mat 13:50; Luk 1:19; Th2 1:7; Jde 1:14 sent: Gen 19:15, Gen 19:16, Gen 32:1, Gen 32:2, Gen 32:24; Act 11:22; Pe1 1:12; Rev 5:6 minister: Psa 34:7, Psa 91:11, Psa 91:12; Dan 6:22, Dan 9:21-23, Dan 10:11, Dan 10:12; Mat 1:20, Mat 2:13, Mat 24:31; Luk 16:22; Act 5:19, Act 10:3, Act 10:4, Act 12:7, Act 12:23, Act 16:26, Act 27:23 heirs: Heb 6:12, Heb 6:17; Mat 25:34; Rom 8:17; Gal 3:7, Gal…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification