If Genesis 6 Refers to Angels, What About Hebrews 1:5?

If Genesis 6 Refers to Angels, What About Hebrews 1:5?

by
William Arnold III
WmArnold@gmail.com

(original article: Who Were the Sons of God in Genesis 6?)

Question:

Have you considered Heb. 1:5, 7... "For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee?"

Response:

In scripture, there are three different ways in which God is referred to as "Father" - by creation (Job 38:28; Mal 2:10), by adoption (Rom 8:15; Gal 4:5; Eph 1:5) and by begetting an actual son (Matt. 1:18; Luke 1:35; John 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18; 1 John 4:9, etc.). Jesus is unique in that he is the only "begotten" son of God. As Christians, we are also called the "sons of God" as well (Rom. 8:14, 19; Gal. 3:26). But we are "adopted" sons whereas Jesus is begotten. The angels are sons of God by creation. We must take this entire statement as a whole in this passage. God never said to an angel, "You are my son, today I have begotten you." That is what this passage means. However, in addition to Genesis 6, angels are unquestionably called "sons of God" in Job 1:6; 2:1 and 38:7.

See also: More on the "Sons of God" in Genesis 6