Hebrews
Hebrews is a book of the New Testament that presents Jesus Christ as greater than angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood, and it emphasizes perseverance, faith, and the new covenant.
Hebrews is a New Testament book that presents Jesus Christ as superior to angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood, and it urges readers to persevere in faith under pressure. Its human author is not named, and it is commonly dated to the latter half of the first century.
What it is
Hebrews is a book of the Christian Bible, often described as a sermon-like letter or 'word of exhortation.' It emphasizes Christ's supremacy, his role as eternal high priest, and the new covenant as superior to the old system. The title 'Hebrews' reflects its traditional association with Jewish Christians.
Key details
The author is unknown; the text does not name one, and modern scholarship generally regards Paul as unlikely. Hebrews is commonly dated to around 65–70 CE. Its 13 chapters include Hebrews 11, a well-known chapter on faith that lists examples of faithful individuals from Israel's history.
Why it matters
Hebrews is widely read in Canadian church teaching, Bible study, and Christian education across Protestant, Catholic, and LDS traditions. Its themes of faith, perseverance, and Old Testament interpretation remain central to discussions about Christian identity and endurance under pressure.
In short
- Author is unknown; not named in the text.
- Jesus is presented as superior to angels, Moses, and the old priesthood.
- Hebrews 11 is a famous chapter on faith with biblical examples.
- Commonly dated to the latter half of the first century, around 65–70 CE.
Canadian Christians and readers of the Bible often encounter Hebrews in church teaching, Bible study, and Christian education. Its themes of faith, perseverance, and the interpretation of the Old Testament are widely discussed across Canadian Protestant, Catholic, and LDS traditions.
Quick questions
Who wrote the book of Hebrews?
What is the book of Hebrews about?
What is Hebrews 11 about faith?
Sources
- Zondervan Academic — https://www.zondervanacademic.com/blog/who-wrote-the-book-of-hebrewsSupports: Hebrews does not name its author; Origen’s statement that only God knows who wrote it; authorship remains uncertain.
- EBSCO — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/literature-and-writing/hebrewsSupports: Hebrews as a New Testament text; later first-century date; authorship debate; themes of Christ as high priest and perseverance.
- Bible Gateway Blog — https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2022/04/who-wrote-the-book-of-hebrews/amp/Supports: Hebrews as an epistle to Jewish Christians; author not specified; familiarity with the Old Testament and Greek style.
- GotQuestions — https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Hebrews.htmlSupports: Summary of themes, audience, approximate date, and discussion of uncertain authorship.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/new-testament-seminary-teacher-manual/introduction-to-the-epistle-of-paul-to-the-hebrews?lang=engSupports: Traditional LDS attribution to Paul; approximate dating around AD 60–62; Hebrews 11 as a faith passage; major themes of Christ’s superiority.
- BibleProject — https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-hebrews/Supports: Unknown author; likely Jewish-Christian audience; rationale for the title 'to the Hebrews'; overview of themes.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Authorship_of_the_Epistle_to_the_HebrewsSupports: Traditional Pauline attribution and modern scholarly consensus that the author is unknown.