The Use of the Old Testament in Hebrews

Abstract

The extensive use of Old Testament quotations in the Epistle to the Hebrews has been used to identify the intended recipients of the letter as either learned Hebrew Christians, or Jewish converts who were in danger of relapsing into their former Jewish beliefs. The character of the OT usage demonstrates the unlikelihood of either position, and the intention of the author must be seen in his desire to defend the retention of the Old Testament against the claims of certain Christians that it should be abandoned for Gentile converts.