Hebrews 1:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 1:4 serves as a pivotal summary, concluding the opening declaration of Christ's unparalleled supremacy by asserting His inherent qualitative superiority over all angelic beings. This verse establishes that Jesus, the Son of God, has not merely been elevated to a higher status but possesses a more excellent nature and authority, fundamentally distinct from and superior to that of angels, a preeminence secured by divine inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a capstone to the prologue of Hebrews (Hebrews 1:1-3), which meticulously lays out the unique identity and redemptive work of God's Son. Having established Christ as the ultimate revelation of God, the Creator, Sustainer, and Purifier of sins, the author immediately pivots to demonstrate His supremacy over angels. This transition is crucial, as the subsequent verses (Hebrews 1:5-14) will systematically prove Christ's superiority by quoting Old Testament passages that distinguish the Son from angelic beings, setting the stage for the epistle's overarching argument for the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant He inaugurated.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The epistle to the Hebrews was addressed to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and possibly considering a return to the perceived security of Old Covenant Judaism. A significant aspect of this temptation involved the veneration of angels. In Jewish thought, angels played a prominent role, particularly as mediators in the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai, as referenced in passages like [Galatians 3:19](/galatians/3-19 "Galatians 3:19 - The Law Given by Angels") and [Acts 7:53](/acts/7-53 "Acts 7:53 - The Law Received by Angels"). Some Jewish traditions even elevated angels to a status approaching divine mediators. The author of Hebrews directly confronts this potential error by meticulously demonstrating Christ's absolute preeminence, thereby urging his audience to fix their faith solely on Him and not waver back to a system that, while divinely ordained, was inferior to the new and better covenant established through the Son.
* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 1:4 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the epistle. Foremost is the theme of **Christ's Divine Superiority**, asserting that Jesus is not merely greater than angels in rank but in essence and nature. This sets Him apart as the unique Son of God, unlike any created being. Another crucial theme is **Inherited Authority and Name**, highlighting that Christ's exalted position and "more excellent name" are not merely granted but are His by divine right and eternal Sonship, as foreshadowed in [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ as Heir of All Things"). This emphasizes His inherent glory and rightful claim to universal dominion. Finally, the verse reinforces the **Finality and Sufficiency of Christ's Revelation**, implying that since God has spoken definitively through His superior Son, there is no need for further revelation or mediation through lesser beings like angels.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **better (Greek, _kreíttōn'_):** This word, a comparative form, signifies "stronger," "nobler," or "more excellent." In the context of Hebrews 1:4, it denotes not just a difference in degree but a fundamental, qualitative superiority. Christ is intrinsically of a higher order and nature than angels, possessing an inherent excellence that sets Him apart. This term is a leitmotif in Hebrews, consistently used to underscore the superiority of Christ, His priesthood, and the New Covenant.
* **obtained (Greek, _klēronoméō'_):** Derived from the word for "heir," this verb means "to be an heir to" or "to receive by inheritance." It emphasizes that Christ's superior status and "more excellent name" are not merely bestowed upon Him as a reward but are His by divine right and eternal possession as the Son. This points to His pre-existent relationship with the Father and His rightful claim to all things, as He is the appointed heir.
* **name (Greek, _ónoma'_):** In biblical thought, a "name" represents more than just an identifier; it embodies a person's character, authority, reputation, and very essence. The "more excellent name" refers to Christ's divine titles, such as "Son" and "Lord," which signify His supreme authority, unique divine nature, and inherent glory. This name is qualitatively superior to any title or designation held by angels, reflecting His unique identity as God incarnate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Being made so much better than the angels":** This clause declares Christ's profound and inherent superiority over all angelic beings. The term "made" (G1096, _ginomai_) here does not imply that Christ became superior at a certain point in time, but rather that His existence *is* characterized by this superiority. It refers to His manifested state, particularly in His incarnate and exalted form, where His divine nature and redemptive work are fully revealed as supremely excellent. He is not merely a higher angel, but fundamentally distinct and incomparably superior.
* **"as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they":** This clause explains the basis and manifestation of Christ's superiority. His preeminence is not arbitrary but is rooted in His divine identity as the Son, who "by inheritance" possesses a "more excellent name." This "name" signifies His divine authority, unique character, and supreme essence, titles like "Son of God" and "Lord" that angels do not and cannot bear. This inheritance speaks to His eternal Sonship and rightful claim to universal dominion, underscoring that His superior status is inherent and eternally valid, not merely a conferred honor.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several powerful literary devices in this verse. **Comparison and Contrast** are central, as the verse explicitly pits Christ against angels, highlighting His qualitative superiority ("so much better," "more excellent name") in stark opposition to their created status. This device is foundational to the entire first chapter, systematically dismantling any notion of angelic equality or superiority to the Son. The use of **Hyperbole** or intense **Emphasis** is also evident in phrases like "so much better" and "more excellent," which serve to underscore the unparalleled and absolute nature of Christ's preeminence. Furthermore, the term "name" functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the name stands for the entire person, embodying Christ's divine character, authority, and very essence. This allows the author to convey the profound depth of Christ's identity and rightful dominion through a concise and impactful phrase.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 1:4 is a foundational theological statement affirming the absolute deity and unique Sonship of Jesus Christ, distinguishing Him from all created beings, including the highest angels. It underscores that Christ's superiority is not merely functional but ontological; He is not just doing a better job, but He *is* better. This truth has profound implications for understanding God's ultimate revelation, the nature of salvation, and the object of our worship. It asserts that in Christ, God has spoken His final and most complete word, and in His person, all things find their ultimate meaning and purpose. The "more excellent name" points directly to His divine nature and the authority that flows from it, establishing Him as the supreme object of faith and adoration.

* [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ as Heir of All Things")
* [Hebrews 1:14](/hebrews/1-14 "Hebrews 1:14 - Angels as Ministering Spirits")
* [Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exalted Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding the profound truth of Christ's unparalleled superiority over angels, as articulated in Hebrews 1:4, should instill in believers an unwavering confidence in His ultimate authority and the absolute sufficiency of His redemptive work. In a world that often seeks lesser mediators or places undue emphasis on created powers, this verse calls us to fix our gaze solely on Jesus, recognizing that He alone is the perfect revelation of God and the mediator of a [better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant"). Our worship, trust, and hope must be singularly directed toward Him, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. This truth liberates us from the fear of any spiritual power or earthly system, assuring us that in Christ, we possess everything necessary for life and godliness, and that His reign is supreme over all creation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Christ's superiority over angels impact your view of His authority in your daily life?**
* **In what ways might we, consciously or unconsciously, elevate other things (traditions, human leaders, personal experiences) to a place that diminishes Christ's unique preeminence?**
* **How does the "more excellent name" of Jesus strengthen your confidence in the security of your salvation and the power of His intercession?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important for the author of Hebrews to emphasize Christ's superiority over angels?**

Answer: It was crucial because the original audience, Jewish Christians, likely held angels in high esteem, possibly even venerating them as mediators of the Law (as seen in [Galatians 3:19](/galatians/3-19 "Galatians 3:19 - The Law Given by Angels") and [Acts 7:53](/acts/7-53 "Acts 7:53 - The Law Received by Angels")). Some may have been tempted to revert to Old Covenant practices, which included a focus on angelic involvement. By meticulously demonstrating Christ's absolute preeminence over all angelic beings, the author aimed to solidify their faith in Christ as the ultimate and final revelation of God, the sole mediator of the New Covenant, and the only one worthy of supreme worship. This argument countered any inclination to look to lesser beings or systems for salvation or spiritual authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 1:4 finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the Incarnation, Exaltation, and ongoing reign of Jesus Christ. While Christ was eternally superior as the Son of God, His "being made so much better than the angels" is particularly manifested through His redemptive work and subsequent glorification. The Son, who emptied Himself and took on human form ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Self-Emptying")), perfectly fulfilled God's will, offering a single, perfect sacrifice for sins. It was through His obedience, suffering, death, and resurrection that He was "crowned with glory and honor" ([Hebrews 2:9](/hebrews/2-9 "Hebrews 2:9 - Jesus Crowned with Glory and Honor")), securing a "more excellent name" that is indeed "above every name" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Lordship")). This exaltation, where He sits at the right hand of God, signifies His ultimate triumph over sin and death, establishing Him as the supreme High Priest ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ, Our Perfect High Priest")) and the Mediator of a [better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Angels themselves worship Him ([Hebrews 1:6](/hebrews/1-6 "Hebrews 1:6 - Angels Worship the Son")), acknowledging His unique divine identity and authority, revealing Him as the one to whom all creation ultimately bows ([Revelation 5:11-13](/revelation/5-11-13 "Revelation 5:11-13 - Worship of the Lamb")).

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

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.