Hebrews 1:4

Translations

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

…having become so much better than the angels, as much as He has inherited a name more excellent beyond theirs.

Latin

…tanto melior angelis effectus, quanto differentius præ illis nomen hæreditavit.

Original

Greek

English

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

Notes

Hebrews 1:4

The Son's high position shows that the Son is much greater than the angels in status or rank. First-century Jews admired angels and respected them greatly. By comparing him to the angels, the author of Hebrews emphasizes the Son's superiority over them.
as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs: Compare 2 Samuel 7:8–14. Some commentators believe that the title "Son" is the name implied here. Others think the name is Yahweh, the covenant name of God in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14–15; compare Philippians 2:9–11).

Hebrews 1:1–4

Ancient sermons often began with an introduction. This introduction served two purposes:

to capture the listener's attention, and
to present the main topics.

In Hebrews, the first four verses are a single, elegant Greek sentence. The introduction presents the main idea: God has spoken. Most English translations break these verses into smaller sentences to make them easier to read.

Theme notes and profiles

God’s Word The Son of God The Superiority of the Son The Unknown God

Related verses

Ephesians 1:21
…far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
Philippians 2:9–11
Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names,
1 Peter 3:22
…who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him.
Hebrews 2:9
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.
Revelation 5:11–12
Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels encircling the throne, and the living creatures and the elders. And their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands.
2 Thessalonians 1:7
…and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels
Psalm 2:7–8
I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.
Colossians 1:18
And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence.
Colossians 2:10
And you have been made complete in Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
Hebrews 1:9
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You above Your companions with the oil of joy.”

Hebrews 1:4

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