Hebrews 1:4

Christ is Superior

Jesus is the author of redemption. While on earth, He was lower than the angels (2:9). Lightfoot translates Hebrews 1:4; "having become as much superior to angels as the name he has obtained is more excellent than theirs." Jesus was lower than the angels while on earth. He resumed His position as one "better" than them when He sat down on God's right hand. The word "better," or superior, appears thirteen times in Hebrews. Once each in Hebrews 6:9; Hebrews 7:7; Hebrews 7:19; Hebrews 7:22; Hebrews 9:23; Hebrews 10:34; Hebrews 11:16; Hebrews 11:40; Hebrews 12:24. It is used twice in Hebrews 1:4; Hebrews 8:6. The whole point of the book is that Christ and His covenant are superior.

The points concerning Christ made in the previous verses are used as reasons He is better than the angels. His name is better than all. One day, at the sounding of Jesus' name, every knee will bow (Ephesians 1:21; 1 Peter 2:9-10). It should be noted angels were used in giving the law of Moses (Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19). However, the one with the excellent name of the Son of God delivered the new covenant. Christ's excellent name comes from His rank.