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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - Hebrews 1:4 - 1:4
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The detailed development of the argument is now introduced. The point is to show the superiority of the agent of the new dispensation to the agents of the old - the angels and Moses. Christ's superiority to the angels is first discussed.
Being made so much better than the angels (τοσούτῳ κρείττων γενόμενος τῶν ἀγγέλων)
The informal and abrupt introduction of this topic goes to show that the writer was addressing Jewish Christians, who were familiar with the prominent part ascribed to angels in the O.T. economy, especially in the giving of the law. See on Gal 3:9. For being made, rend. having become; which is to be taken in close connection with sat down, etc., and in contrast with ὢν being, Heb 1:3. It is not denied that the Son was essentially and eternally superior to the angels; but his glorification was conditioned upon his fulfillment of the requirements of his human state, and it is this that is emphasized. After having passed through the experience described in Phi 2:6-8, he sat down on the right hand of the divine majesty as messianic sovereign, and so became or proved to be what in reality he was from eternity, superior to the angels. Τοσούτῳ - ὅσῳ so much - as. Never used by Paul. Κρείττων better, superior, rare in Paul, and always neuter and adverbial. In Hebrews thirteen times. See also 1Pe 3:17; 2Pe 2:21. Often in lxx. It does not indicate here moral excellence, but dignity and power. He became superior to the angels, resuming his preincarnate dignity, as he had been, for a brief period, less or lower than the angels (Heb 2:7). The superiority of Messiah to the angels was affirmed in rabbinical writings.
He hath by inheritance obtained (κεκληρονόμηκεν)
More neatly, as Rev., hath inherited, as a son. See Heb 1:2, and comp. Rom 8:17. For the verb, see on Act 13:19, and see on 1Pe 1:4.
More excellent (διαφορώτερον)
Διάφορος only once outside of Hebrews, Rom 12:6. The comparative only in Hebrews. In the sense of more excellent, only in later writers. Its earlier sense is different. The idea of difference is that which radically distinguishes it from κρείττων better. Here it presents the comparative of a comparative conception. The Son's name differs from that of the angels, and is more different for good.
Than they (παρ' αὐτοὺς)
Lit. beside or in comparison with them. Παρα, indicating comparison, occurs a few times in Luke, as Luk 3:13; Luk 13:2; Luk 18:4. In Hebrews always to mark comparison, except Heb 11:11, Heb 11:12.