Paul is not the author of Hebrews. The author of Hebrews is unknown.

Correctly quoted scriptures in Hebrews

Misquoted scriptures in Hebrews

Hebrews 1:6

And again, when He brings the firstborn into the world, He says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” -- Hebrews 1:6 (ESV)

The ESV bible's footnotes cross-references Deuteronomy 32:43 and Psalm 97:7 which out of context seems like Jesus should be worshipped, however neither scriptures suggested worshipping Jesus and both say the LORD with capital letters indicating Yahweh should be worshipped. So the author of the book of Hebrews could not have been quoting these scriptures.

For I will proclaim the name of the LORD (Yahweh); ascribe greatness to our God! ... For the LORD (Yahweh) will vindicate His people ... “Rejoice with Him, O heavens; bow down to Him, all gods ...

-- Deuteronomy 32:3,36,43 (ESV)

Moses spoke about the LORD Yahweh, not Jesus. There is nothing in Moses song that suggest that Jesus should be worshipped by God's angels.

The mountains melt like wax before the LORD (Yahweh) before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory.

All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship Him, all you gods!

Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O LORD (Yahweh).

Psalm 97:5-8 (ESV)

Even Satan is not allowed to worship Jesus:

The devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.

And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God and Him only shall you serve.’* ”

-- Matthew 4:8-10 (ESV)

So, what did the author of Hebrews quote?

John Owen argues:

“1. Our first inquiry must be whence this testimony is taken. Many of the ancients, as Epiphanius, Theodoret, Euthymius, Procopius, and Anselm, conceived the words to be cited from Deuteronomy 32:43, where they expressly occur in the translation of the LXX., Εὐφράςθητς οὐρανοὶ ἄμα αὐτοῦ καὶ προσκυνησάτωσαν αὐτῷ πάντες ἄγγελοι Θεοῖ ; “Rejoice ye heavens with him, and let all the angels of God worship him.” But there are two considerations that put it beyond all pretensions that the words are not taken from this place of the LXX.:

(1.) Because indeed there are no such words in the original text, nor any thing spoken that might give occasion to the sense expressed in them; but the whole verse is inserted in the Greek version quite beside the scope of the place. Now, though it may perhaps be safely granted that the apostles, in citing the Scripture of the Old Testament, did sometimes use the words of the Greek translation then in use, yea, though not exact according to the original, whilst the sense and meaning of the Holy Ghost was retained in them; yet to cite that from the Scripture as the word and testimony of God which indeed is not therein, nor was ever spoken by God, but by human failure and corruption crept into the Greek version, is not to be imputed unto them. And indeed I no way question but that this addition unto the Greek text in that place was made after the apostle had used this testimony. For it is not unlikely but that some considering of it, and not considering from whence it was taken, because the words occur not absolutely and exactly in the Greek anywhere, inserted it into that place of Moses, amidst other words of an alike sound, and somewhat an alike importance, such as immediately precede and follow the clause inserted. “

Supporting the non-authority of the words are the Targums, Syriac Peshitta and the Latin Vulgate. None of which include the words in Deuteronomy 32:43. -- ljthriepland

Even if the scripture was inspired by God so that it was not a man made modification, then it could also mean that the angels should give honour to "the firstborn". There is not enough information to know for sure if the angels should "worship and serve" Jesus like a god. Unfortunately the original scripture that was quoted would have been lost as this scripture does not match any of the scriptures that are currently known to us.

Hebrews 1:8

But of the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

-- Hebrews 1:8-9 (ESV)

Hebrews 1:8-9 quotes Psalm 45:6-7, but Psalm 45 was written by the sons of Korah, and they did not refer to Jesus.

To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah;

A LOVE SONG

My heart overflows with a pleasing theme;
I address my verses to the king;
my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

You are the most handsome of the sons of men;
gracecharm is poured upon your lips;
therefore God has blessed you forever.

Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one,
in your splendor and majesty!

In your majesty ride out victoriously
for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;
let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!

Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies;
the peoples fall under you.

Your throne, O god, is forever and ever.
The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.
Therefore god, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;

your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.
From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;
daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor;
at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.

Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear:
forget your people and your father's house,
and the king will desire your beauty.
Since he is your lord, bow to him.

The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts,
the richest of the people.

All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold.
In many-colored robes she is led to the king,
with her virgin companions following behind her.

With joy and gladness they are led along
as they enter the palace of the king.

In place of your fathers shall be your sons;
you will make them princes in all the earth.
I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations;
therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.

-- Psalms 45 (ESV)

Human kings are also sometimes referred to as gods. The original Hebrew manuscripts were all written in capital letters. The modern English bible translators added the capital letter "God" based on their understanding of scripture. The psalmists also wrote that this "god" as a "God". It would be a paradox if God Almighty has a bigger God who is even more mighty.

Why this king is not Jesus:

Hebrews 1:10-12

“You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth,
And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
They will perish, but You remain;
And they will all grow old like a garment;
Like a cloak You will fold them up,
And they will be changed.
But You are the same,
And Your years will not fail.”

-- Hebrews 1:10-12 (NKJV)

The author of Hebrews seems to quote Psalm 102, but Psalm 102 addresses YHVH and not Jesus.

Hear my prayer, O LORD (YHVH) -- Psalm 102:1 (NKJV)

The passage that the author seems to quote is:

When the peoples are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD (YHVH).

He weakened my strength in the way;
He shortened my days.
I said, “O my God,
Do not take me away in the midst of my days;
Your years are throughout all generations.

Of old You laid the foundation of the earth,
And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
They will perish, but You will endure;
Yes, they will all grow old like a garment;
Like a cloak You will change them,
And they will be changed.
But You are the same,
And Your years will have no end.

-- Psalm 102:22-27 (NKJV)

The author of the Psalm is clearly addressing YHVH and not "the Son" as the author of Hebrews implies, unless the author intentionally did this to imply that the Son is YHVH.

Another problem is that the author of Hebrews contradict the Gospel:

Hebrews 2:5-8

For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. But one testified in a certain place, saying:

“What is man that You are mindful of him,
Or the son of man that You take care of him?
You have made him a little lower than the angels;
You have crowned him with glory and honor,
And set him over the works of Your hands.
You have put all things in subjection under his feet.”

-- Hebrews 2:5-8 (NKJV)

The author of Hebrews correctly quotes Psalm 8, but Psalm 8 was written for all humans in general. Nothing suggests that this was only written for Jesus.

The "son of man" could refer to Jesus, but there is no evidence that it only refers to Jesus.

Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, because of Your enemies, that You may silence the enemy and the avenger. -- Psalm 8:2 (NKJV)

Note the plurals. If this was written for Jesus only, it would have been singular.

You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
All sheep and oxen (even the beasts of the field),
The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas.

-- Psalm 8:6-8 (NKJV)

Many humans have dominion over the animals and the sea. These attributes are not unique to Jesus only.

Hebrews 2:11-12

For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying:

“I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.”

-- Hebrews 2:11-12 (NKJV)

The author implies that "he who sanctifies ... is not ashamed to call believers brethren" based on Psalm 22:22. This might be partially true, but Psalm 22 was written by David and not Jesus.

To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Deer of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David.

My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?
Why are You so far from helping Me,
And from the words of My groaning?
O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear;
And in the night season, and am not silent.

-- Psalm 22:1-2 (NKJV)

Note that the word "season" is missing from the original manuscript.

This cannot be a prophecy of Jesus' words on the cross, because he died before the sun set. (Mark 15:42-45)

Our fathers trusted in You -- Psalm 22:4 (NKJV)

Jesus only had one Father.

But You, O LORD, do not be far from me;
O my Strength, hasten to help me!
Deliver me from the sword,
My precious life from the power of the dog.
Save me from the lion’s mouth
And from the horns of the wild oxen!
You have answered me.

I will declare Your name to my brethren;
In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.

-- Psalm 22:19-22 (NKJV)

The speaker of Psalm request that God should deliver him "from the sword", Jesus' death was not by sword but by crucifixion. He also mentions "the power of the dog", "the lion's mounth", "the horns of the wild oxen". None of these were ever a threat to Jesus.

Then the speaker declare God's name to the speaker's brethren. This is not Jesus declaring his brethren names to God as the author of Hebrews implies.

Hebrews 2:13

He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying ...

And again:

“I will put My trust in Him.”

And again:

“Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.”

-- Hebrews 2:11-13 (NKJV)

The fact that the translators choose to wrote "My" and "Me" with a capital letter implies this must be Jesus' words. The scripture that has been quoted is:

And I will wait on the LORD, Who hides His face from the house of Jacob; And I will hope in Him. Here am I and the children whom the LORD has given me! We are for signs and wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, Who dwells in Mount Zion.

-- Isaiah 8:17-18 (NKJV)

However, the author of the book of Isaiah is Isaiah referring to Israel and not Jesus referring to his disciples as the author of Hebrews implies.

Hebrews 10:5-9

Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:

“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure.
Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me) to do Your will, O God.’ ”

Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second.

-- Hebrews 10:5-9 (NKJV)

This could not have been God's words, because God did not "came into the world", it was the Son of God (Jesus) that "came into the world". This implies that these were Jesus' words when the author quotes Psalm 40:6-8

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

I awaited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry.

...

Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

...

Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require. Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.”

-- Psalm 40:1,4,6-8

However, these are David's words, not Jesus' words.

My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; -- Psalm 40:12 (NKJV)

Jesus had no iniquities.

Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; O LORD, make haste to help me! -- Psalm 40:13 (NKJV)

Jesus never requested the LORD to rush his crucifixion.

Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion who seek to destroy my life; Let them be driven backward and brought to dishonor who wish me evil. Let them be confounded because of their shame, who say to me, “Aha, aha!”

-- Psalm 40:13-15 (NKJV)

Jesus never request this from His Father to do to his enemies.

But I am poor and needy; Yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.

-- Psalm 40:17 (NKJV)

Jesus was neither poor nor needy not did he ever require deliverance.

Hebrews 10:36-38

For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

“For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”

-- Hebrews 10:36-38 (NKJV)

But the quoted scripture is actually:

For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. “Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.

-- Habakkuk 2:3-4 (NKJV)

The words "But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him" is missing from Habakkuk.

Contradictions

The author claims that angels worship the Son of God

But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says:

“Let all the angels of God worship Him.”

-- Hebrews 1:6 (NKJV)

... contradicts ...

The devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.

And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God and Him only shall you serve.’* ”

-- Matthew 4:8-10 (ESV), Luke 4:8

The angels are supposed to worship the LORD (YHVH) and not Jesus:

For I will proclaim the name of the LORD (Yahweh); ascribe greatness to our God! ... For the LORD (Yahweh) will vindicate His people ... “Rejoice with Him, O heavens; bow down to Him, all gods ...

-- Deuteronomy 32:3,36,43 (ESV)

The mountains melt like wax before the LORD (YHVH) before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory.

All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship Him, all you gods!

Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O LORD (YHVH).

Psalm 97:5-8 (ESV)

The author claims that the Son is YHVH

The author of Hebrews quote Psalms as if YHVH is Jesus. For example:

• Hebrews 1:6 quoting Psalm 97
• Hebrews 1:10-12 quoting Psalm 102

This contradicts with Luke 4:17 (NKJV):

And he (Jesus) was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written:

Then Jesus quote Isaiah 61:1-2 which are incorrectly quoted in many modern English bibles. A more accurate quote directly from the book of Isaiah 61:1-2 itself reads:

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the LORD (YHVH) has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Then he (Jesus) closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” -- Luke 4:17-21 (NKJV)

Here Jesus himself announced that this prophecy had been fulfilled in their presence which means that Isaiah 61 was talking about Jesus.

If Jesus was the "Lord God" or "YHVH" of the Old Testament, then why would Jesus have to send his own spirit to himself and why would Jesus anoint himself to preach, heal and proclaim?

The author claims that Jesus is not the firstborn

But you have come

• to Mount Zion and
• to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and
• to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and
• to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and
• to God, the judge of all, and
• to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and
• to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and
• to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

-- Hebrews 12:22-24 (ESV)

The author lists Jesus separately from the firstborn, which could imply that the author did not believe Jesus was the firstborn.

In contrast, Paul wrote:

He (God) has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. -- Colossians 1:13-15 (ESV)

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. -- Romans 8:29 (ESV)

And John wrote:

Grace to you and peace from ... and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. -- Revelation 1:4-5 (ESV)

Unique teaching not supported by other scriptures

Jesus created the worlds

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; -- Hebrews 1:1-2 (NKJV)

Jesus is God's personal image

Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, -- Hebrews 1:3 (NKJV)

Jesus incarnated

Having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. -- Hebrews 1:4 (NKJV)

The soul and spirit can be divided

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. -- Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)

Unforgivable sin

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. -- Hebrews 6:4-6 (NKJV)

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins. -- Hebrews 10:26 (ESV)

Cloud of witnesses

By faith Abel... By faith Noah... By faith Abraham... By faith Sarah... These all died in faith... By faith Jacob, when dying... By faith Joseph, at the end of his life... By faith Moses... By faith the people crossed the Red Sea... By faith Rahab... And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets who through faith... Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely -- Hebrews 11:4,7,8,11,13,23,29,31,32, 12:1 (ESV)

The author could have written "since we have so many testimonies", but instead "we are surrounded by so great cloud of witnesses". Although not clear, it seems like the author of Hebrews suggest that believers that had previously died still have consciousness and witness what we are doing. This is also supported by the authors summary:

But you have come

• to Mount Zion and
• to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and
• to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and
• to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and
• to God, the judge of all, and
• to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and
• to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and
• to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

-- Hebrews 12:22-24 (ESV)

Although not clear, it seems like the author implies that the "assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven" is not the same as "the spirits of the righteous made perfect".

Suffering proofs salvation

If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. -- Hebrews 12:7-10 (NKJV)