Book of Hebrews — New World Translation Study Guide

Section: Christian Greek Scriptures · Chapters: 13 · Written by: Unknown (possibly Paul, Apollos, or Barnabas) · Approximate date: c. AD 60–70 · Theme: Jesus Christ Our Great High Priest

Summary of the Book of Hebrews

Hebrews presents Jesus Christ as superior to angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood — the Great High Priest whose sacrifice opened the way to Jehovah. Its 'faith chapter' (chapter 11) celebrates the endurance of faithful servants of Jehovah.

Why the Book of Hebrews Matters Today

Hebrews demonstrates Jesus' superiority over every aspect of the Mosaic system — angels, Moses, the Aaronic priesthood, the sacrificial system, and the Mosaic Law itself. For Witnesses today explaining why Christians are not under the Law of Moses, Hebrews is the most comprehensive single source. The 'faith hall of fame' in Hebrews 11 lists the faithful from Abel through the prophets and concludes that they 'all died in faith without having received the promises' — a sustained encouragement for any Witness whose hopes are still future. Hebrews 13:7, 17 on respect for those taking the lead remains foundational for congregational unity.

Key Verses in Hebrews

• Heb 4:12
• Heb 11:1
• Heb 12:1–2

Notable Passages in Hebrews

Study Questions for Hebrews

As you read the book of Hebrews, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

1. How do Hebrews chapters 1–2 establish Jesus' superiority over angels while also emphasizing his complete humanity, and why are both aspects important?
2. What does Hebrews 4:12 — 'the word of God is alive and exerts power' — teach about how to approach personal Bible study and Jehovah's word?
3. How does the 'faith chapter' (chapter 11) use examples from Abel through the prophets to define faith as both belief and action, and which example do you find most motivating?
4. What does Hebrews 12:1–2 — 'let us run with endurance the race set before us, looking intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith' — teach about enduring difficulties?
5. How does Hebrews' demonstration that Jesus' sacrifice fulfilled and surpassed all Levitical arrangements help explain the relationship between the Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian Greek Scriptures?

Frequently Asked Questions About Hebrews

Who wrote the book of Hebrews?

Paul the apostle wrote Hebrews around 61 CE during his first imprisonment in Rome, addressing Jewish Christians who were considering returning to Judaism under persecution.

When was the book of Hebrews written?

Hebrews was written approximately 61 CE in Rome, before the destruction of Jerusalem's Temple in 70 CE — which would have ended the question by ending the sacrificial system.

What is the main theme of Hebrews?

Hebrews demonstrates the superiority of Christ over angels, Moses, the Aaronic priesthood, and the sacrificial system — urging Christians to hold firm in faith rather than returning to the Mosaic Law.

How to Study Hebrews with JW Study

Track your progress through all 13 chapters of Hebrews in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Reading Plans That Include Hebrews

The book of Hebrews is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

• NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
• Christian Greek Scriptures in 90 Days — Read all 27 books of the Christian Greek Scriptures in just 90 days. (90 days, 260 chapters)
• Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
• Acts & the Letters in 60 Days — Follow the early Christian congregation through Acts, then study every letter through Revelation in 60 days. (60 days, 171 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

• Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
• Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
• Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
• Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
• The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
• The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
• What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
• What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
• God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
• Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
• The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

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