1:11–12

Hebrews 1:11–12 is a type of poetry in which it is common to repeat the same meaning using different words. These verses contain several pairs of repetition. 1:11a is repeated in 1:11b–12c and in 1:12a–c. For examples of how to translate these two verses with less repetition, see the General Comment on 1:11–12 at the end of 1:12c.

1:11a

They will perish: The clause They will perish indicates that someday the heavens and the earth will be destroyed. Some other ways to translate this are:

Someday they will all be destroyed
-or-
They will come to an end (God’s Word)
-or-
They will disappear (Good News Translation)

They: The pronoun They refers to the earth and the heavens in 1:10. Together the earth and heavens represent the created universe.

but You remain: This clause contrasts with the preceding clause “you will perish.” The created world will end, but the Son will continue to exist (live) forever. Some other ways to translate this are:

but you will live forever (God’s Word)
-or-
but you remain forever (New Living Translation (2004))

You: The pronoun You is singular and refers to Christ, the Son. The Son will continue to live forever.

1:11b–12

In some languages it may be helpful to combine some clauses in 1:11b–12. See the General Comment on 1:11–12 at the end of 1:12c for a way to do this.

1:11b

they will all wear out like a garment: This clause compares the way clothing wears out to the way the heavens and earth will become old and useless. Some ways to translate this comparison are:

The sky and earth will become old like clothes do.
-or-
As for the earth and sky, they grow old like clothes that become old and useless.

wear out: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as wear out means “become old.” It indicates here that as the heavens and earth become old, they will wear out and become of no further use.

like a garment: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as garment refers especially to a cloak or outer garment. However, in this context it is probably used in a general sense to refer to any type of garment. Clothes eventually wear out, and the universe will also wear out. Some other ways to translate the phrase like a garment are:

like any garment
-or-
like clothes (Good News Translation)

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