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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Hebrews 1:4 So He became as far superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/1-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/58_Heb_01_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hebrews 1:4 - The Supremacy of the Son" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So He became as far superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/hebrews/1-3.htm" title="Hebrews 1:3">◄</a> Hebrews 1:4 <a href="/hebrews/1-5.htm" title="Hebrews 1:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/hebrews/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/hebrews/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/hebrews/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/hebrews/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So He became as far superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />having become by so much superior to the angels, as much as He has inherited a name more excellent beyond theirs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/hebrews/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/hebrews/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/hebrews/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />having become so much better than the angels, to the extent that He has inherited a more excellent name than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/hebrews/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/hebrews/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/hebrews/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />having become so much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/hebrews/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />having become as much superior to angels, since He has inherited a more excellent <i>and</i> glorious name than they [that is, Son—the name above all names].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/hebrews/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he became superior to the angels, just as the name he inherited is more excellent than theirs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/hebrews/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So He became higher in rank than the angels, just as the name He inherited is superior to theirs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/hebrews/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />having become by so much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/hebrews/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />He had become much greater than the angels, and the name he was given is far greater than any of theirs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/hebrews/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />having become by so much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/hebrews/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The Son has become greater than the angels since he has been given a name that is superior to theirs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/hebrews/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The Son was made greater than the angels, just as the name that God gave him is greater than theirs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/hebrews/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />and became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is better than theirs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/hebrews/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So He became as far superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/hebrews/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Thus he became so far better than the angels as he has inherited a name superior to theirs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/hebrews/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />having become so much better than the angels, as he has inherited a more excellent name than they have.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/hebrews/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />having become as far superior to the angels as the Name He possesses by inheritance is more excellent than theirs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/hebrews/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />having become as much better than the angels as the more excellent name he has inherited is better than theirs. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/hebrews/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />having become so much better than the messengers, as He inherited a more excellent name than them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />having become by so much superior to the angels, as much as He has inherited a name more excellent beyond theirs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/hebrews/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> having become so much better than the messengers, as he did inherit a more excellent name than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/hebrews/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Being so much better than the angels, inasmuch as he has inherited a more distinguished name than they.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/hebrews/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/hebrews/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And having been made so much better than the Angels, he has inherited a name so much greater than theirs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/hebrews/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />as far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he is altogether greater than the angels, just as the name he has inherited is a more excellent name than theirs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And This One is altogether greater than the Angels, according to how much more excellent than theirs is The Name which he possesses.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/hebrews/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />having become so far superior to the angels, as the name which he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/hebrews/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />being so much greater than the angels, that he has inherited a name so much more excellent than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/hebrews/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />made as much superior to the angels, as he hath inherited a more distinguished name than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/hebrews/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />He is so much superiour to the angels, as the authority he possesses is more excellent than theirs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />having become as far superior to the angels as the Name He possesses by inheritance is more excellent than theirs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/hebrews/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />having become by so much superior to the angels, as He hath inherited a more excellent name than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/hebrews/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Being as much superior to the angels, as He inheriteth a name more excellent than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/hebrews/1-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-IAXXp5zcA?start=36" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/1.htm">The Supremacy of the Son</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genomenos (V-APM-NMS) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">So He became</a> <a href="/greek/5118.htm" title="5118: tosoutō (DPro-DNS) -- So great, so large, so long, so many. From tosos and houtos; so vast as this, i.e. Such.">as far</a> <a href="/greek/2909.htm" title="2909: kreittōn (Adj-NMS-C) -- Stronger, more excellent. Comparative of a derivative of kratos; stronger, i.e. better, i.e. Nobler.">superior</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/32.htm" title="32: angelōn (N-GMP) -- From aggello; a messenger; especially an angel; by implication, a pastor.">angels</a> <a href="/greek/3745.htm" title="3745: hosō (RelPro-DNS) -- How much, how great, how many, as great as, as much. By reduplication from hos; as As.">as</a> <a href="/greek/3686.htm" title="3686: onoma (N-ANS) -- Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a name.">the name</a> <a href="/greek/2816.htm" title="2816: keklēronomēken (V-RIA-3S) -- To inherit, obtain (possess) by inheritance, acquire. From kleronomos; to be an heir to.">He has inherited</a> <a href="/greek/1313.htm" title="1313: diaphorōteron (Adj-ANS-C) -- Differing, different; hence: excellent. From diaphero; varying; also surpassing.">is excellent</a> <a href="/greek/3844.htm" title="3844: par’ (Prep) -- Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. ">beyond</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">theirs.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>For to which of the angels did God ever say: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father”? Or again: “I will be His Father, and He will be My Son”?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-9.htm">Philippians 2:9-11</a></span><br />Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, / that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Colossians 1:16-18</a></span><br />For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. / He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. / 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-20.htm">Ephesians 1:20-21</a></span><br />which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, / 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/5-11.htm">Revelation 5:11-12</a></span><br />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. / In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1-3</a></span><br />In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-22.htm">1 Peter 3:22</a></span><br />who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-18.htm">Matthew 28:18</a></span><br />Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-33.htm">Acts 2:33</a></span><br />Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-17.htm">Romans 8:17</a></span><br />And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-27.htm">1 Corinthians 15:27</a></span><br />For “God has put everything under His feet.” Now when it says that everything has been put under Him, this clearly does not include the One who put everything under Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/2-7.htm">Psalm 2:7</a></span><br />I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/110-1.htm">Psalm 110:1</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/7-13.htm">Daniel 7:13-14</a></span><br />In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. / And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6-7</a></span><br />For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. / Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/45-6.htm">Psalm 45:6-7</a></span><br />Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom. / You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Being made so much better than the angels, as he has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.</p><p class="hdg">so.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/1-9.htm">Hebrews 1:9</a></b></br> Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, <i>even</i> thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/2-9.htm">Hebrews 2:9</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/1-21.htm">Ephesians 1:21</a></b></br> 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:</p><p class="hdg">by.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/2-7.htm">Psalm 2:7,8</a></b></br> I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou <i>art</i> my Son; this day have I begotten thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/2-9.htm">Philippians 2:9-11</a></b></br> Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_timothy/5-21.htm">Angels</a> <a href="/philemon/1-16.htm">Better</a> <a href="/titus/3-8.htm">Excellent</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-9.htm">Far</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-2.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/galatians/5-21.htm">Inherit</a> <a href="/colossians/3-24.htm">Inheritance</a> <a href="/zechariah/2-12.htm">Inherited</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-21.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-20.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-16.htm">Obtained</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-16.htm">Possesses</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-10.htm">Superior</a> <a href="/titus/2-10.htm">Theirs</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/1-5.htm">Angels</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-9.htm">Better</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-6.htm">Excellent</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-3.htm">Far</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-14.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-14.htm">Inherit</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm">Inheritance</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-12.htm">Inherited</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-5.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/james/2-7.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-15.htm">Obtained</a> <a href="/numbers/36-8.htm">Possesses</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-7.htm">Superior</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-16.htm">Theirs</a><div class="vheading2">Hebrews 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/1-1.htm">Christ in these last times coming to us from the Father,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/1-4.htm">is preferred above the angels, both in person and office.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/hebrews/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So He became as far superior to the angels</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the exaltation of Christ above all angelic beings. In Jewish tradition, angels were highly revered as messengers of God, often associated with delivering divine law and guidance (e.g., the giving of the Law at Sinai, <a href="/acts/7-53.htm">Acts 7:53</a>). However, the author of Hebrews asserts that Jesus, through His resurrection and ascension, has been elevated to a position far superior to that of any angel. This superiority is rooted in His divine nature and His role as the Son of God, which is a central theme in the New Testament (<a href="/philippians/2-9.htm">Philippians 2:9-11</a>). The superiority of Christ over angels is also a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as <a href="/psalms/110.htm">Psalm 110:1</a>, which speaks of the Messiah being seated at the right hand of God.<p><b>as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs</b><br>The "name" referred to here is significant in biblical context, often representing authority, character, and identity. In the ancient world, names held great power and meaning. The name Jesus has inherited is understood to be "Son," which is a title that signifies His unique relationship with the Father, distinct from that of angels who are referred to as "sons of God" in a more general sense (<a href="/job/1-6.htm">Job 1:6</a>). This inheritance is not merely a title but an affirmation of His divine sonship and authority (<a href="/hebrews/1-5.htm">Hebrews 1:5</a>). The excellence of His name is further highlighted in <a href="/philippians/2-9.htm">Philippians 2:9</a>, where it is stated that God has given Him "the name that is above every name." This reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's eternal reign and divine status (<a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6-7</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The central figure of this verse, Jesus is portrayed as superior to the angels, emphasizing His divine nature and authority.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/angels.htm">Angels</a></b><br>Spiritual beings created by God, often seen as messengers or servants of God. In this context, they are used as a point of comparison to highlight Jesus' superiority.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_inheritance.htm">The Inheritance</a></b><br>Refers to the name and position Jesus has received, which is superior to that of the angels. This inheritance is tied to His identity as the Son of God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_supremacy_of_christ.htm">The Supremacy of Christ</a></b><br>Jesus is not merely a superior being among equals; He is uniquely exalted above all, including angels. This calls for our reverence and worship.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_his_name.htm">The Significance of His Name</a></b><br>The name of Jesus carries authority and power. Believers are encouraged to call upon His name in faith and trust.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_angelic_roles.htm">Understanding Angelic Roles</a></b><br>While angels are significant in God's plan, they are not to be worshipped. Our focus should remain on Christ, who is above all.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a></b><br>As believers, our identity is tied to Christ's exalted position. We are co-heirs with Him, which should influence how we live and interact with the world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_assurance_of_salvation.htm">The Assurance of Salvation</a></b><br>Jesus' superiority assures us of the effectiveness and completeness of His work of salvation. We can rest in the security of His finished work.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hebrews_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_angels_perform_tasks_like_christ's.htm">Hebrews 1:4–5 elevates Jesus above angels; why do other biblical passages sometimes present angels performing divine tasks that seem on par with Christ’s? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible_angels'_names.htm">What are the names of angels in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/main_theme_of_hebrews.htm">What is the main theme of the Book of Hebrews?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_holy_angels.htm">What defines holy angels?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hebrews/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">Being made.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">having become.</span> These words must be closely joined with the last clause of <a href="/hebrews/1-3.htm" title="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:">Hebrews 1:3</a>; they speak, not of the glory which was ever His, but of that which <span class= "ital">became</span> His after He had "made purification of sins."<p><span class= "bld">Better.</span>--That is, <span class= "ital">greater.</span> We may discern a twofold reason for the comparison; having become "greater than the angels," our Lord is exalted above the highest of created beings (see <a href="/ephesians/1-21.htm" title="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:">Ephesians 1:21</a>; <a href="/philippians/2-9.htm" title="Why God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:">Philippians 2:9</a>), and above those through whom God had in former time declared His law (<a href="/hebrews/2-2.htm" title="For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;">Hebrews 2:2</a>).<p><span class= "bld">Name.</span>--The verses which follow show that we are to understand by this all the dignity and glory contained in the name SON OF GOD. Not that this name first belonged to Him as <span class= "ital">exalted Mediator;</span> but the glory which "became" His (<a href="/context/hebrews/1-3.htm" title="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:">Hebrews 1:3-4</a>) is proportionate to and consonant with the name which is His by essential right (<a href="/hebrews/1-2.htm" title="Has in these last days spoken to us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;">Hebrews 1:2</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hebrews/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Having become by so much better than the angels as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they</span> (<span class="greek">διαφορωτέρον παρ</span> <span class="greek">αὐτοὺς</span>). (For the same Greek form of comparison, see <a href="/hebrews/1-9.htm">Hebrews 1:9</a>; <a href="/hebrews/3-3.htm">Hebrews 3:3</a>.) "<span class="greek">Παρα</span> ingentem printer caeteros excellentiam denotat" (Bengel). This verse, though, in respect of grammatical construction, it is the conclusion of the exordium, serves as the thesis of the first section of the argument to follow, the drift of which is to show the SON'S superiority to the angels. The mention of the angels comes naturally after the allusion to <a href="/psalms/110.htm">Psalm 110</a>, viewed and quoted as it is afterwards in connection with <a href="/psalms/8.htm">Psalm 8</a>, in which "<span class="accented">a little lower than</span> the angels" is taken to denote the state <span class="accented">previous</span> to the exaltation; and it is preparatory also for the argument that follows. The more distinguished name, expressing the measure of superiority to the angels, is (as the sequel shows) the name of SON, assigned (as aforesaid) to the Messiah in prophecy, and so, with all that it implies, "inherited" by him in time according to the Divine purpose. Observe the perfect, "hath inherited," instead of the aorist as hitherto, denotes, with the usual force of the Greek tense, the continuance of the inheritance obtained. If we have entered into the view all along taken by the writer, we shall see no difficulty in the SON being said to have <span class="accented">become</span> better than the angels at the time of his exaltation, as though he had been below them before. So he had in respect of his assumed humanity, and it is to the SON denoted in prophecy to be humanly manifested in time that the whole sentence in its main purport refers. As such, having been, with us, lower than the angels, he <span class="accented">became</span> greater, the interposed references to his eternal personality retaining their full force notwithstanding. But why should the name of SON in itself imply superiority to the angels? Angels themselves are, in the Old Testament, called "sons of God." It has been suggested that the writer of the Epistle was not aware of the angels being so designated, since the LXX., from which he invariably quotes, renders <span class="hebrew">פְנִי אֶלִים</span> by <span class="greek">ἀγγέλοι</span>. But this is not so invariably. In <a href="/genesis/6-1.htm">Genesis 6:1</a>; <a href="/psalms/29-1.htm">Psalm 29:1</a>; and Psalms 89:7, we find <span class="greek">υἱοί Θεοῦ</span>. And, whatever be the application of the words in each of these passages, they at any rate occur in the LXX. as denoting others than the Messiah. Nor, in any case, would it be easily supposable that one so versed in biblical lore as the writer must have been had been thus misled in so important a point of his argument. The fact is that his argument, properly understood, is quite consistent with a full knowledge of the fact that others as well as the Messiah are so designated. For it is not merely the term "Son" as applied to the Messiah in prophecy, but the unique manner in which it is so applied, that is insisted on in what follows. The form of his commencement shows this. He does not say, "Whom, except the Messiah, did he ever call Son?" but, "To which of the angels did he ever speak as follows, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee?" In language generally the meaning of a word may depend very materially on the context in which it occurs and other determining circumstances. Indeed, the mere use of the title in the singular, "my Son," carries with it a different idea from its use in the plural of a class of beings. But this is not all. A series of passages from the Old Testament is adduced by way of expressly showing that the sonship assigned to the Messiah carries with it the idea of a relation to God altogether beyond any ever assigned to angels. Such is the position of the writer. We shall see in the sequel how He makes it good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/hebrews/1-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">[So] He became</span><br /><span class="grk">γενόμενος</span> <span class="translit">(genomenos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as far</span><br /><span class="grk">τοσούτῳ</span> <span class="translit">(tosoutō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5118.htm">Strong's 5118: </a> </span><span class="str2">So great, so large, so long, so many. From tosos and houtos; so vast as this, i.e. Such.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">superior</span><br /><span class="grk">κρείττων</span> <span class="translit">(kreittōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2909.htm">Strong's 2909: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stronger, more excellent. Comparative of a derivative of kratos; stronger, i.e. better, i.e. Nobler.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῶν</span> <span class="translit">(tōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">angels</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγγέλων</span> <span class="translit">(angelōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_32.htm">Strong's 32: </a> </span><span class="str2">From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅσῳ</span> <span class="translit">(hosō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3745.htm">Strong's 3745: </a> </span><span class="str2">How much, how great, how many, as great as, as much. By reduplication from hos; as As.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] name</span><br /><span class="grk">ὄνομα</span> <span class="translit">(onoma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3686.htm">Strong's 3686: </a> </span><span class="str2">Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He has inherited</span><br /><span class="grk">κεκληρονόμηκεν</span> <span class="translit">(keklēronomēken)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2816.htm">Strong's 2816: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inherit, obtain (possess) by inheritance, acquire. From kleronomos; to be an heir to.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is] excellent</span><br /><span class="grk">διαφορώτερον</span> <span class="translit">(diaphorōteron)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular - Comparative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1313.htm">Strong's 1313: </a> </span><span class="str2">Differing, different; hence: excellent. From diaphero; varying; also surpassing.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">beyond</span><br /><span class="grk">παρ’</span> <span class="translit">(par’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3844.htm">Strong's 3844: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">theirs.</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοὺς</span> <span class="translit">(autous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/1-4.htm">Hebrews 1:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/hebrews/1-4.htm">Hebrews 1:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/hebrews/1-4.htm">Hebrews 1:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/hebrews/1-4.htm">Hebrews 1:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/hebrews/1-4.htm">Hebrews 1:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/1-4.htm">Hebrews 1:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/1-4.htm">Hebrews 1:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/1-4.htm">Hebrews 1:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/1-4.htm">Hebrews 1:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/hebrews/1-4.htm">Hebrews 1:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/hebrews/1-4.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 1:4 Having become so much better than (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/1-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 1:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 1:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/1-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 1:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 1:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>