Hebrews 1:4
Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Angels featured prominently in Second Temple Jewish theology and apocalyptic literature. Works like 1 Enoch, Jubilees, and the Dead Sea Scrolls elaborate extensively on angelic hierarchies, names, and functions. Angels were viewed as mediators between God and humanity, participants in cosmic worship, executors of divine judgment, and guardians of nations and individuals. The giving of the Law through angelic mediation (Galatians 3:19) heightened their significance in Jewish thought.
Some Jewish Christians may have struggled to understand how Jesus, who lived as a man, suffered, and died, could be superior to the glorious, immortal angels who had served God since creation. Cultural familiarity with angel veneration (see Colossians 2:18) and the impressive angelic role in Israel's history created potential for minimizing Christ's uniqueness. The author systematically dismantles this by showing Christ's superior nature, name, role, and accomplishment.
The emphasis on Christ's name connects to ancient Near Eastern and Jewish concepts of names representing essence and authority. To possess a more excellent name means to occupy a higher position in reality, not merely in title. The name "Son" signifies Christ's unique relationship to the Father, His participation in divine nature, and His authority over all creation—vastly surpassing any angelic designation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's superiority to angels affect your understanding of spiritual warfare and how to resist temptation?
- In what ways might modern believers be tempted to seek supplementary mediators or experiences beyond Christ?
- What practical difference should Christ's "more excellent name" make in your prayer life and worship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. This verse concludes the opening Christological declaration (verses 1-3) and introduces the first major section comparing Christ to angels (1:4-2:18). The phrase "being made" (genomenos, γενόμενος) refers not to Christ's essential deity but to His incarnation and exaltation. Through His redemptive work, Christ has been revealed and declared to be "so much better than the angels" (tosoutō kreitton genomen tōn angelōn, τοσούτῳ κρείττων γενόμενος τῶν ἀγγέλων).
The comparative "better" (kreitton, κρείττων) is a keyword in Hebrews, appearing 13 times to demonstrate Christ's and the new covenant's superiority. Angels held an exalted place in Jewish thought as God's messengers, executors of His will, and participants in giving the Law at Sinai (Acts 7:53, Galatians 3:19). Some first-century groups, including certain Jewish and early Gnostic movements, venerated angels excessively. The author counters any tendency to elevate angels to Christ's level.
Christ has "by inheritance obtained a more excellent name" (keklēronomēken onoma, κεκληρονόμηκεν ὄνομα). The perfect tense indicates a permanent acquisition. The "name" refers to Christ's title and status as "Son" (verse 5), which belongs to Him by eternal relationship with the Father and is publicly vindicated through His resurrection and exaltation (Philippians 2:9-11). Angels are servants; Christ is the Son and heir. This fundamental distinction governs all subsequent comparisons in Hebrews.