What does Hebrews 1:3 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 1:3 presents a powerful and complex picture of Jesus Christ. It attributes to him the radiance of God's glory, meaning that Jesus reflects God’s attributes and essence perfectly, as light radiates from a source.

The phrase "express image of his person" speaks of Jesus as the exact representation or imprint of God’s nature and character.

The Greek word for "express image" is "charaktēr," which can mean a stamp or imprint, as on a coin, which exactly represents what it is intended to depict.

This verse also mentions Jesus' sustaining power, suggesting that he maintains the universe's order and coherence by his powerful word. This indicates a continuous action of sustaining all things, emphasizing Jesus' divine power and authority.

Finally, the verse speaks of Jesus’ work in dealing with sin, stating that he "purged our sins by himself." This entails that through his sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus achieved purification or cleansing for humanity's sins.

Subsequently, he is pictured as having taken a place of honor and authority, "sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high," indicating completion and success in his redemptive work and his exalted status in heaven.

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians, likely before the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in A.D. 70.

Its authorship has been debated, with some attributing it to Paul and others suggesting different authors.

The main purpose was to show the superiority of Christ over the old covenant and to encourage these early believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst persecution.

During this time, there was a struggle for many Jewish Christians to reconcile their faith in Jesus with their Jewish heritage.

The Book of Hebrews confronts these challenges by emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the ultimate high priest, making the old Levitical priesthood and sacrificial system obsolete.

Theological Insights

The verse offers several theological insights:

Christology: It speaks to the nature of Christ as both divine and the perfect mediator between God and humanity. 2.

Trinity: While not explicitly mentioning the Trinity, the verse implicitly touches on Trinitarian theology by ascribing divine qualities to Jesus. 3.

Atonement: It refers to the doctrine of atonement, indicating that Jesus’ sacrifice was sufficient to cleanse us from sins. 4.

Eschatology: The seated position of Jesus at God's right hand signifies a state of rule and intercession, hinting at eschatological themes of Christ's ultimate victory.

Different denominations may place varying emphasis on these insights, but the core acknowledgment of Christ's divinity and role in salvation remains central.

Practical Applications

This verse invites believers to:

Trust the sovereignty of Christ, knowing that he upholds all things and is in control. 2.

Find assurance in the complete work of redemption; Christ has fully dealt with our sins. 3.

Embrace their identity as forgiven and purified people because of Christ’s sacrifice. 4.

Recognize the authority of Jesus and submit to his lordship in every area of life.

Cross-References

• John 1:14 - "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
• Colossians 1:15-17 - "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created… And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”
• Philippians 2:9 - "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name."
• Hebrews 8:1 - "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;"

Language Study

• "Brightness" (Greek: apaugasma) conveys radiance or out-raying of divine glory.
• "Express image" (Greek: charaktēr) indicates an exact representation or imprint.
• "Person" (Greek: hypostasis) refers to substance or essence, the underlying reality.
• "Upholding" (Greek: pherō) carries the idea of carrying or maintaining.
• "Purged" (Greek: katharismos) signifies cleansing or purification, often in a sacrificial context.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of ancient religions, rulers and deities were often depicted with radiance or light to denote divinity, such as the halo in religious art. The notion of a god’s word being powerful is also seen in creation myths where the world comes into existence through divine speech.

This verse contrasts with the polytheistic views of the time as it centers on the unique, monotheistic nature of God in Christianity, and Jesus as the singular mediator with an unparalleled role in purification and salvation.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concept of "upholding all things by the word of his power" does not necessarily align with scientific understandings of physical laws that govern the universe.

However, many argue that science and faith address different types of questions: science, the mechanisms of the universe, and faith, the meaning and purpose behind it.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians interpret Hebrews 1:3 as a strong statement of Christ's deity and his role as co-creator and sustainer of the universe:

• John Calvin saw this verse as affirming the eternal power of Christ, ruling the church and the world.
• Matthew Henry commented on the efficiency of Christ's sacrifice, negating the need for further offerings or human mediators.
• F.

F.

Bruce points out the uniqueness of Christ's one-time sacrifice that achieved what the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament could not.

These views collectively underscore the significance of this verse in establishing core Christological doctrines in Christian faith and tradition.