📖 Biblical Definition
The Epistle to the Hebrews is the anonymous New Testament letter — likely written before AD 70 — addressed to Hebrew-Christian readers wavering under persecution and tempted to retreat into the safety of the synagogue. The author’s sustained argument is the superiority of Christ: better than the angels (chs. 1-2), better than Moses (ch. 3), better than Joshua’s rest (ch. 4), better than the Aaronic priesthood (chs. 5-7), better than the old covenant (chs. 8-10), worthy of a better faith and a better endurance (chs. 11-13). The book climaxes in the great cloud of witnesses and the call to run the race looking unto Jesus. Read it whenever you are tempted to go back.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
NT epistle: Christ superior to all the old covenant.
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The anonymous New Testament epistle written to Hebrew-Christian readers tempted to revert to Judaism under persecution; argues from the Old Testament that Christ is superior to angels, Moses, Aaron, and the entire Levitical sacrificial system; develops the Melchizedek priesthood, the new covenant, and the once-for-all atonement; climaxes in Hebrews 11's roll of faith and Hebrews 12's exhortation to endure.
📖 Key Scripture
Hebrews 1:1-2 — "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son."
Hebrews 12:2 — "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross."
Hebrews 13:8 — "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Read piecemeal for individual verses; the cumulative argument that Christ is greater than all is the book's spine.
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Hebrews makes one sustained argument: Christ is greater. Greater than angels, than Moses, than Aaron, than the old covenant, than the sacrifices. Reading the book in pieces misses the cumulative weight. Read it whole — then you see why the readers must not turn back.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew Ivri — Hebrew, descendant of Eber.
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['Hebrew', 'H5680', 'Ivri', 'Hebrew']
['Greek', 'G1445', 'Hebraios', 'Hebrew']
Usage
"Read Hebrews whole, not piecemeal."
"The argument is Christ-superior."