Hebrews 1,54-14 : a new look

Abstract

The present writer during the past few years has attempted to present in Melita Theologica a new structure for the Epistle to the Hebrews. The present article will concentrate on a relatively small segment of the structure, Heb 1,5-14, and will attempt to show not only how the verses are coherently organized into a meaningful unit, but also how this organization fits into the structure of Heb 1, 1-3,6 which was previously proposed. A key factor in the interpretation of Heb 1, 5-14 being presented here is the use of Jewish hermeneutical techniques. They are adduced to help discern the structure. "Structure" is probably the most disputed aspect of the study of the Epistle to the Hebrews at the present time. But it is crucial for the understanding of Hebrews as a whole: macroexegesis is essential if both it and microexegesis are to be understood as the original author intended.