Hebrews 1:3

KJV

Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G3739} being {G5607} the brightness {G541} of his glory {G1391}, and {G2532} the express image {G5481} of his {G846} person {G5287}, and {G5037} upholding {G5342} all things {G3956} by the word {G4487} of his {G846} power {G1411}, when he had {G4160}{G2512} by {G1223} himself {G1438} purged {G4160}{G2512} our {G2257} sins {G266}, sat down {G2523} on {G1722} the right hand {G1188} of the Majesty {G3172} on {G1722} high {G5308};

Complete Jewish Bible

This Son is the radiance of the Sh’khinah, the very expression of God’s essence, upholding all that exists by his powerful word; and after he had, through himself, made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of HaG’dulah BaM’romim.

Berean Standard Bible

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

American Standard Version

who being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had made purification of sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 1:3 offers a profound Christological declaration, presenting Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God, superior to all creation and former means of divine communication. This verse encapsulates His divine essence as the radiant effulgence of God's glory and the precise embodiment of His being, His cosmic power in sustaining the universe, His completed redemptive work in purging sins, and His exalted, authoritative position at the right hand of God. It serves as a foundational statement affirming Christ's preeminence and sufficiency, setting the stage for the book's argument for His superiority over angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the majestic opening of Hebrews, which declares that God, who spoke in various ways through prophets in the past, has now definitively spoken through His Son ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "God's Final Word in His Son")). Having established the Son as God's ultimate messenger, verse 3 then elaborates on *who* this Son is, detailing His inherent divine nature, His active role in creation and sustenance, His completed work of atonement, and His subsequent exaltation. This detailed description of the Son's supremacy is crucial for the author's subsequent argument that Christ is superior to angels, a point made explicitly in the verses that follow ([Hebrews 1:4-14](/hebrews/1-4-14 "The Son Superior to Angels")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of Hebrews was likely Jewish Christians facing persecution or social pressure, possibly contemplating a return to Judaism. The author's primary aim is to demonstrate the absolute superiority of Christ and the New Covenant over the Old Covenant, its institutions, and its figures. In a context where angels were highly revered (as mediators of the Law, for instance), asserting Christ's supremacy over them was a vital theological move. The concept of a divine figure "sitting at the right hand" of God would have resonated with Old Testament messianic prophecies, particularly [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Anointed at God's Right Hand"), signifying ultimate authority, completed work, and sovereign rule.
* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 1:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. It underscores **the absolute deity and preeminence of Christ**, establishing Him as more than a prophet or an angel, but as God's very essence revealed. It highlights **Christ's role as Creator and Sustainer**, emphasizing His ongoing cosmic dominion. Crucially, it introduces the theme of **Christ's completed atoning work**, which is central to the New Covenant's superiority, as His single sacrifice purges sins definitively, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Finally, Christ's **exalted priestly and kingly position** at God's right hand signifies His finished work, ultimate authority, and ongoing intercession, a theme developed throughout the book, particularly in [Hebrews 7-10](/hebrews/7 "Christ's Superior Priesthood").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **brightness (Greek, _apaúgasma'_):** (G541) This word, derived from a compound meaning "to flash forth," signifies an "off-flash" or "effulgence." It can be understood as both the radiance emanating from a source (Christ as the direct emanation of God's glory) and the exact reflection or imprint of that source (Christ as the perfect image of God's glory). Both interpretations affirm Christ's essential oneness and inseparable connection with the Father's divine essence and splendor.
* **express image (Greek, _charaktḗr'_):** (G5481) This term originally referred to the mark or impression made by an engraving tool, like the precise stamp on a coin or seal. Here, it denotes an exact, identical representation. Christ is not merely similar to God but is the perfect, precise, and accurate "stamp" or "imprint" of God's very being, making Him the perfect revealer of the Father.
* **person (Greek, _hypóstasis'_):** (G5287) From a compound meaning "a setting under" or "support," this word evolved to mean "essence," "substance," or "subsistence." In this context, it refers to God's essential being or fundamental nature. Thus, Christ is the exact imprint of God's very substance or essence, emphasizing His consubstantiality and co-equality with the Father.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who being the brightness of [his] glory":** This clause declares Christ's inherent divine nature. He is not merely a reflection, but the very radiance that shines forth from God's glory, indicating His co-essentiality and co-eternality with the Father. He is the visible manifestation of God's otherwise unapproachable splendor.
* **"and the express image of his person":** Building on the previous phrase, this emphasizes Christ's perfect and precise representation of God's essential being. He is the exact "stamp" or "imprint" of the Father's nature, meaning that to see Christ is to see the Father, and to know Christ is to know the Father.
* **"and upholding all things by the word of his power":** This asserts Christ's active and ongoing role as the cosmic Sustainer. His powerful word, the same word through which creation came into being, continues to hold the entire universe together, demonstrating His sovereign and omnipotent control over all existence.
* **"when he had by himself purged our sins":** This pivotal clause highlights Christ's unique and completed redemptive work. The purification for sins was accomplished solely "by himself," underscoring the exclusivity and sufficiency of His sacrifice. The past tense "purged" signifies a definitive, once-for-all act, unlike the temporary and repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant.
* **"sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high":** This final clause signifies the triumphant conclusion of Christ's redemptive work and His subsequent exaltation. To "sit down" implies a completed task and a position of rest, authority, and sovereign rule. "The right hand of the Majesty on high" denotes the highest place of honor, power, and divine authority, confirming Christ's co-regency with God the Father.

#### Literary Devices
The verse masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey profound theological truths. **Metaphor** is prominent in "brightness of his glory," where Christ is likened to the radiant light emanating from God, emphasizing His divine essence and inseparable connection to the Father. Similarly, "express image of his person" uses a **metaphor** of an exact imprint or stamp, powerfully conveying Christ's perfect representation and consubstantiality with God. The phrase "upholding all things by the word of his power" utilizes **personification** of Christ's "word" as an active agent of cosmic sustenance, while also employing **hyperbole** to convey the immensity of His power over "all things." Finally, the act of "sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high" is a potent **symbolism** for Christ's completed redemptive work, His divine authority, and His exalted status as co-ruler with God, drawing on Old Testament imagery of kingly enthronement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 1:3 is a profound Christological statement, encapsulating the deity, cosmic authority, redemptive work, and exalted status of Jesus Christ. It asserts His unique identity as the perfect revelation of God's glory and essence, not merely a messenger but the very substance of the message. This verse forms the theological bedrock for the entire book of Hebrews, establishing Christ's absolute superiority over all previous revelations and institutions, thereby providing a compelling argument for the New Covenant's finality and sufficiency. The "purging of sins" by Christ "by himself" highlights the singular, all-sufficient nature of His atoning sacrifice, rendering all other sacrifices obsolete. His subsequent enthronement at the right hand of God signifies the completion of His redemptive work and His ongoing reign as King and High Priest, interceding for His people.

* [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God and Creator")
* [Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ as Image of God and Creator/Sustainer")
* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Lordship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 1:3 offers a magnificent and reassuring portrait of Jesus Christ, inviting believers to place their full confidence in Him. To grasp that Jesus is the very radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His being means that in Christ, we truly encounter God Himself. This truth should deepen our worship and reverence, knowing that the One we serve is fully divine, possessing all the attributes of God. His active role in "upholding all things by the word of his power" reminds us that our lives, and indeed the entire cosmos, are sustained by His continuous, powerful word, providing immense comfort and security in a chaotic world. Furthermore, the declaration that He "by himself purged our sins" offers profound assurance of salvation. Our purification is not dependent on our efforts or rituals, but on His singular, finished work on the cross. His subsequent enthronement at God's right hand signifies His ultimate authority and ongoing intercession for us, assuring us that our High Priest reigns supreme. This verse calls us to live lives of unwavering faith, knowing that our salvation is secure in the hands of such a magnificent and powerful Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus as the "brightness of God's glory" and the "express image of His person" deepen your appreciation for His deity and His role as the ultimate revealer of God?**
* **In what ways does Christ's active "upholding all things by the word of his power" bring comfort or challenge to your daily life?**
* **What is the significance of Christ having "by himself purged our sins," and how does this truth impact your assurance of salvation?**
* **How does Jesus's seated position "on the right hand of the Majesty on high" inform your understanding of His current authority and ongoing work?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that Jesus is the "brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person"?**

Answer: This powerful phrase emphasizes Jesus's absolute deity and His perfect representation of God the Father. "Brightness of his glory" (Greek: _apaúgasma_) suggests that Jesus is the radiant emanation or effulgence of God's splendor, meaning He is not merely a reflection, but the very light and glory of God shining forth. He is co-essential and co-eternal with the Father. "Express image of his person" (Greek: _charaktḗr_ for "express image" and _hypóstasis_ for "person") means Jesus is the exact, precise imprint or stamp of God's essential being or substance. Just as a coin bears the exact image of the die that struck it, Jesus perfectly embodies and reveals the Father's nature. To see Jesus is to see God ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "Jesus: To See Me Is To See The Father")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 1:3 stands as a cornerstone of Christ-centered theology, powerfully articulating the person and work of Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The declaration that Jesus is the "brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person" reveals Him as the very embodiment of God, perfectly unveiling the Father's nature in a way that no prophet, angel, or Old Testament institution ever could. This truth resonates deeply with the New Testament's consistent portrayal of Jesus as God incarnate, the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). His cosmic power, "upholding all things by the word of his power," points to His pre-existence and active role in creation and sustenance, echoing passages like [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Christ, Creator and Sustainer of All Things"). Most significantly, the phrase "when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high" encapsulates the Gospel's core message. Christ's singular, self-sufficient act on the cross definitively accomplished the purification for sin, rendering the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant obsolete ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Christ Entered Once for All")). His subsequent enthronement at God's right hand signifies the completion of His atoning work and His ascension to a position of supreme authority and intercession, where He now reigns as our High Priest and King ([Hebrews 10:12](/hebrews/10-12 "Christ Sat Down After His Sacrifice") and [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ Intercedes for Us")). Thus, Hebrews 1:3 beautifully portrays Jesus as the divine, sovereign, and all-sufficient Savior, in whom all of God's promises find their ultimate "Yes" and "Amen" ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 1:15

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

Colossians 1:17

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Revelation 4:11

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

John 14:9

Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then], Shew us the Father?

John 14:10

Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.