Heb 1:3-4 | TNotes | STEP | 1:3 The word translated radiates , found only here in the New Testament, includes an idea of intense brightness. God’s own glory is the glorious manifestation of his presence (Exod 16:7 ; 33:18 ; Isa 40:5 ). The Son’s glory is an expression of God’s glory—the Son of God manifests the person and presence of God (Luke 9:32 ; John 1:14 ; 2:11 ; 17:5 ; Rom 8:17 ). • The term translated expresses , used only here in the New Testament, was used of a distinguishing mark imprinted on an object such as a coin. The Son gives a clear picture of the very character of God (John 1:18 ; Phil 2:6 ; Col 1:15 ). • the mighty power of his command (literally his powerful word ): God’s word is the powerful, dynamic force that created and governs the world (Heb 11:3 ; Ps 33:6-11 ). Elsewhere the Son is called “the Word of God” (Rev 19:13 ; see also John 1:1-18 ). • cleansed us from our sins: See Heb 9:11–10:18 . • he sat down: This clause is an allusion to Ps 110:1 (see also Heb 1:13 ; 8:1 ; 10:12 ; 12:2 ), which foretold the exaltation of Christ after his suffering (see Matt 22:44 ; Acts 2:33 ; 1 Cor 15:25 ). The right hand of God indicates high honor, rank, and position (see 1 Kgs 2:19 ; Pss 16:11 ; 45:4 , 9 ; 80:17 ).

1:3 ^a The word translated radiates, found only here in the New Testament, includes an idea of intense brightness. God’s own glory is the glorious manifestation of his presence (Exod 16:7 ^b; 33:18 ^c; Isa 40:5 ^d). The Son’s glory is an expression of God’s glory—the Son of God manifests the person and presence of God (Luke 9:32 ^e; John 1:14 ^f; 2:11 ^g; 17:5 ^h; Rom 8:17 ⁱ).

• The term translated expresses, used only here in the New Testament, was used of a distinguishing mark imprinted on an object such as a coin. The Son gives a clear picture of the very character of God (John 1:18 ^j; Phil 2:6 ^k; Col 1:15 ^l).

• the mighty power of his command (literally his powerful word): God’s word is the powerful, dynamic force that created and governs the world (Heb 11:3 ^m; Ps 33:6-11 ⁿ). Elsewhere the Son is called “the Word of God” (Rev 19:13 ^o; see also John 1:1-18 ^p).

• cleansed us from our sins: See Heb 9:11–10:18 ^q.

• he sat down: This clause is an allusion to Ps 110:1 ^r (see also Heb 1:13 ^s; 8:1 ^t; 10:12 ^u; 12:2 ^v), which foretold the exaltation of Christ after his suffering (see Matt 22:44 ^w; Acts 2:33 ^x; 1 Cor 15:25 ^y). The right hand of God indicates high honor, rank, and position (see 1 Kgs 2:19 ^z; Pss 16:11 ^aa; 45:4 ^ab, 9 ^ac; 80:17 ^ad).
1:4 ^ae The Son’s exalted position shows that the Son is far greater than the angels in status or rank. First-century Jews were fascinated with angels and held them in high esteem, so the author of Hebrews establishes the Son’s superiority to them.

• just as the name ... is greater: Cp. 2 Sam 7:8-14 ^af. Some commentators believe that the title “Son” is the name implied here. Others think the name is Yahweh, the covenant name of God in the Old Testament (Exod 3:14-15 ^ag; cp. Phil 2:9-11 ^ah).