---

Hebrews 1:2 — Has the Greek Word Aiōnas Been Misunderstood?

Did Translators Change "Ages" into "Worlds" and "Universe"?

One of the most debated verses concerning the pre-existence of Christ is Hebrews 1:2.

Many modern Bible translations read:

"...through whom He also made the universe."

Others translate it:

"...through whom also He made the worlds."

For many Christians, this verse is taken as proof that Jesus personally participated in the creation described in Genesis.

But is that actually what the Greek text says?

Let's examine the evidence.

---

The Translation Problem

The King James Version reads:

"By whom also He made the worlds."

The New International Version reads:

"...through whom also He made the universe."

The New Living Translation similarly says:

"...through the Son He created the universe."

At first glance, these translations appear to teach that Jesus existed before Genesis and participated in the original creation.

However, when we examine the Greek text itself, we discover something very interesting.

---

What Does the Greek Actually Say?

Hebrews 1:2 ends with the Greek word:

αἰῶνας (aiōnas)

Strong's Concordance defines αἰών (aiōn) as:

• age

• age of time

• time period

• era

• one of a succession of ages

The basic meaning concerns time rather than the physical universe.

Even HELPS Word Studies explains it as:

"An age (era, time-span)."

This immediately raises an important question.

If the Greek word means "ages," why do many English translations read "worlds" or "universe"?

---

Comparing Other Greek Words

The New Testament contains several Greek words translated "world."

For example:

κόσμος (kosmos)

used in John 3:16:

"For God so loved the world..."

Or:

οἰκουμένη (oikoumenē)

used in Luke 4:5:

"all the kingdoms of the world."

Neither of these words appears in Hebrews 1:2.

Instead, the writer uses:

αἰῶνας (aiōnas)

a completely different word.

---

A Translation or an Interpretation?

This is where opinions differ.

Some translators understand "ages" as including the entire created order throughout time, and therefore translate it "worlds" or "universe."

Others believe the writer intended the simpler meaning of "ages."

The Berean Literal Bible, for example, translates:

"...through whom He made the ages."

This follows the Greek wording much more closely.

---

The Context of Hebrews 1

Notice how Hebrews begins:

"God...has in these last days spoken to us by His Son..."

(Hebrews 1:1–2)

The emphasis is on God's revelation through His Son in these last days.

The chapter immediately introduces Jesus as:

• appointed heir of all things

• exalted by God

• seated at God's right hand

The focus is on Christ's appointed role and authority.

---

My Understanding

From my own study, I believe Hebrews 1:2 is speaking about God's purpose being accomplished through His Son in the present age and the ages to come, rather than describing Jesus personally creating the Genesis universe.

In my view, translating αἰῶνας simply as "ages" better reflects the Greek text and avoids importing an interpretation into the translation itself.

Readers may weigh the evidence and decide whether they agree with that conclusion.

---

Conclusion

The Greek word in Hebrews 1:2 is αἰῶνας (aiōnas).

Its primary meaning concerns ages, eras, or periods of time.

Whether it should also be understood to include the created order is a matter of interpretation.

For this reason, I believe readers should examine the Greek evidence for themselves rather than relying solely on English translations.

As the Bereans were commended:

"They received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures every day to see if these things were so."

— Acts 17:11

---

Research by Simon Brown

Read the full article:

www.realdiscoveriesorg-simon.blogspot.com