Hebrews 1:4

¶ Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Being made {G1096} so much {G5118} better than {G2909} the angels {G32}, as {G3745} he hath by inheritance obtained {G2816} a more excellent {G1313} name {G3686} than {G3844} they {G846}.

So he has become much better than angels, and the name God has given him is superior to theirs.

So He became as far superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs.

having become by so much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they.

Context

Hebrews 1:4 continues the profound declaration of Christ's unparalleled supremacy, building upon the foundational truths established in the preceding verses (Hebrews 1:1-3). The epistle of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were perhaps wavering in their faith, tempted to revert to Old Covenant practices, possibly holding angels in high esteem as mediators of the Law (Galatians 3:19; Acts 7:53). This verse directly addresses that by asserting Christ's absolute preeminence over all angelic beings, a crucial point for the audience to grasp the sufficiency and finality of God's revelation in His Son.

Key Themes

  • Christ's Divine Superiority: The core message is that Jesus is "so much better" than angels. This isn't just a difference in degree but in kind. He is the eternal Son of God, while angels are created beings, albeit powerful ones. This superiority is a central argument throughout the book of Hebrews, establishing Christ as the ultimate revelation and mediator.
  • Inherited Authority and Name: Christ's "more excellent name" signifies His inherent divine authority, character, and essence, not merely an appointed title. This "inheritance" speaks to His rightful, pre-existent claim as God's Son, emphasizing His unique status as the heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2).
  • The Uniqueness of the Son: Unlike angels who serve as ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14), Christ is the divine heir and the exact representation of God's being, deserving of worship, which angels themselves offer to Him.

Linguistic Insights

  • "better" (Greek: kreittōn - κρείττων): This word is a hallmark of the book of Hebrews, consistently used to highlight the superiority of Christ, His covenant, priesthood, and sacrifice over the Old Testament counterparts. Here, it emphasizes His intrinsic qualitative difference and higher rank than angels.
  • "obtained" (Greek: klēronomeō - κληρονομέω): Meaning "to inherit" or "to receive by inheritance." This term suggests a rightful possession, emphasizing that Christ's superior name and position are not merely granted but are His by divine right as the Son, an eternal truth.
  • "name" (Greek: onoma - ὄνομα): In biblical thought, a name is not just an identifier but represents the person's character, authority, and very essence. The "more excellent name" refers to His divine titles like "Son" and "Lord," signifying His supreme authority and nature, a name that is indeed above every name.

Practical Application

Understanding Christ's supremacy over angels gives believers immense confidence in His authority and the sufficiency of His work. We are not to worship angels or fear their power, but to fix our gaze on Jesus, who is the ultimate revelation of God and the mediator of a better covenant. This verse encourages us to place our full trust in Christ alone for salvation and guidance, recognizing His unparalleled position and power. It reinforces that in Christ, we have everything needed for faith and life, and there is no need to look to lesser beings or systems.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ephesians 1:21

    Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

  • Philippians 2:9

    Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

  • Philippians 2:11

    And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

  • 1 Peter 3:22

    Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

  • Hebrews 2:9

    But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

  • Revelation 5:11

    And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

  • Revelation 5:12

    Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

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