Hebrews 1:3

Authorized King James Version

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;

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὃς

G3739

Who

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ὢν

G5607

being

ἀπαύγασμα

G541

the brightness

an off-flash, i.e., effulgence

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δόξης

G1391

of his glory

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

χαρακτὴρ

G5481

the express image

a graver (the tool or the person), i.e., (by implication) engraving (("character"), the figure stamped, i.e., an exact copy or (figuratively) represen

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑποστάσεως

G5287

person

a setting under (support), i.e., (figuratively) concretely, essence, or abstractly, assurance (objectively or subjectively)

#10

αὐτοῦ

G846

of his

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#11

φέρων

G5342

upholding

to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

#12

τε

G5037

and

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

#13

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

πάντα

G3956

all things

all, any, every, the whole

#15

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

ῥήματι

G4487

by the word

an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat

#17

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

δυνάμεως

G1411

power

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

#19

αὐτοῦ

G846

of his

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#20

δι'

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#21

εαυτοῦ

G1438

himself

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#22

καθαρισμὸν

G2512

a washing off, i.e., (ceremonially) ablution, (morally) expiation

#23

ποιησάμενος

G4160

purged

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#24

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#25

ἁμαρτιῶν

G266

sins

a sin (properly abstract)

#26

ημῶν,

G2257

our

of (or from) us

#27

ἐκάθισεν

G2523

sat down

to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)

#28

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#29

δεξιᾷ

G1188

the right hand

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

#30

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#31

μεγαλωσύνης

G3172

of the Majesty

greatness, i.e., (figuratively) divinity (often god himself)

#32

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#33

ὑψηλοῖς

G5308

high

lofty (in place or character)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Colossians 1:15 Colossians 1:15
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
— Image of the invisible God
² 2 Corinthians 4:4 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.
— Image of God

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing glory contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Hebrews Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Hebrews chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of glory differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding glory in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Faith
Hope