11 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
11 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,
11 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,
11 Going through a long line of prophets, God has been addressing our ancestors in different ways for centuries.
11 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,
11 Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Hebrews 1:1
Commentary on Hebrews 1:1-3
(Read Hebrews 1:1-3)
God spake to his ancient people at sundry times, through successive generations, and in divers manners, as he thought proper; sometimes by personal directions, sometimes by dreams, sometimes by visions, sometimes by Divine influences on the minds of the prophets. The gospel revelation is excellent above the former; in that it is a revelation which God has made by his Son. In beholding the power, wisdom, and goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ, we behold the power, wisdom, and goodness of the Father, John 14:7; the fulness of the Godhead dwells, not typically, or in a figure, but really, in him. When, on the fall of man, the world was breaking to pieces under the wrath and curse of God, the Son of God, undertaking the work of redemption, sustained it by his almighty power and goodness. From the glory of the person and office of Christ, we proceed to the glory of his grace. The glory of His person and nature, gave to his sufferings such merit as was a full satisfaction to the honour of God, who suffered an infinite injury and affront by the sins of men. We never can be thankful enough that God has in so many ways, and with such increasing clearness, spoken to us fallen sinners concerning salvation. That he should by himself cleanse us from our sins is a wonder of love beyond our utmost powers of admiration, gratitude, and praise.