“Having become as much better than the angels as the more excellent name he has inherited is better than theirs.” — Hebrews 1:4, World English Bible
Hebrews 1:4 is often cited by trinitarian commentators as evidence that Jesus possesses a divine nature equal to God. The argument typically runs like this: because Jesus inherited a “more excellent name” after his resurrection, and because he is described as the “exact imprint” of God’s nature who sits at God’s right hand, this must mean he is inherently God and not a created being.
But a closer reading of the text—and of the broader biblical context—reveals something very different.
The Meaning of the “More Excellent Name”
The verse states plainly that Jesus inherited this superior name. Inheritance implies reception, not eternal possession. If Jesus inherited this exalted name, then he did not possess it prior to God bestowing it upon him. This alone challenges the idea that Hebrews 1:4 is describing an eternal divine identity.
The passage simply teaches that:
- God exalted Jesus after his resurrection.
- Jesus’ new position is superior to that of the angels.
- This exaltation was granted by God, not something Jesus inherently possessed.
Scriptures that show the above: Acts 2:33; 5:31; Philippians 2:9; Ephesians 1:17-22; Hebrews 1:3; 10:12; 1 Peter 1:21; 3:22.
Nothing in the verse suggests that Jesus is Jehovah, or that Jehovah is more than one person, or that Jesus is a “person” within a triune deity. Those ideas must be imported into the text, not drawn from it.
Exalted Above Angels—But Not Above Jehovah
Since his ascension, Jesus has indeed been exalted far above all angelic dominions and authorities. Scripture repeatedly affirms this (Ephesians 1:20–22; Philippians 2:9–11; 1 Peter 3:22). Yet one exception remains: Jehovah Himself, the only true God, who is the source of all authority and power. - John 10:29; 14:28; 1 Corinthians 15:27.
Jesus’ glory is magnificent, but it is derived, not innate.
What About the “Divine Nature” in Colossians 2:9?
Some point to Colossians 2:9—“in him dwells all the fullness of the divine nature bodily”—as proof that Jesus must be God Himself, possessing what they term "divine nature". But the Greek term behind “divine” corresponds to the Hebrew El and the Greek theos, words that fundamentally denote might, power, or strength.
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When applied to Jehovah, these terms refer to the One who is innately mighty—the Supreme Mighty One.
The words, however, can be used of others who are not Jehovah to denote special power or authority. Jesus, however, is definitely not the "one God" from whom are all. (1 Corinthians 8:6) Thus, when applied to Jesus in Colossians 1:15, this refers to the plenitude of might that God gave him bodily -- in his spiritual body -- after the resurrection.
Jesus certainly has the divine (mighty, strong) nature as God has given to him. The Bible never presents Jesus as the ultimate source of his own power. Instead, it consistently shows him receiving power, authority, and glory from his God, Jehovah. - Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Psalm 2:6-8; 45:7; 110:1,2; Isaiah 9:6,7; 11:2; 42:1; 61:1-3; Jeremiah 23:5; Ezekiel 34:23,24; 37:24; Daniel 7:13,14; Micah 5:4; Matthew 12:28; 28:18; Luke 1:32; 4:14,18; 5:17; John 3:34; 5:19,27,30; 10:18,36-38; Acts 2:22,36; 3:13-26; 10:38; Romans 1:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:27; 2 Corinthians 13:4; Colossians 1:15,16; 2:10; Ephesians 1:3,17-23; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:2,4,6,9; 1 Peter 3:22.
Does Hebrews 1:4 present Jesus as not a part of creation?
Some argue that Hebrews 1:4 proves Jesus cannot be part of creation because the human Jesus “became” superior to angels. But this reasoning overlooks two key points:
1. Jesus is no longer human.
If Jesus were still a man of flesh, he would remain “a little lower than the angels” (Psalm 8:5; Hebrews 2:7, 9). His resurrection transformed him into a glorious spiritual being, no longer bound to human limitations.
2. Exaltation does not negate creation.
The text does not say Jesus was never part of creation. It simply says God exalted him above all created beings. Although many attempt to make the scriptures appear to mean other than what they actually say, scripture elsewhere explicitly identifies Jesus as:
- “the firstborn of all creation” — Colossians 1:15
- “the beginning of the creation of God” — Revelation 3:14
Being exalted above creation does not erase being from creation.
Conclusion
Hebrews 1:4 beautifully highlights Jesus’ exaltation, authority, and glory—but it does not teach that Jesus is Jehovah or that God is a multi‑person being. Instead, it affirms a consistent biblical theme:
- Jehovah is the one God.
- Jesus is His exalted, firstborn Son.
- Jesus’ superior name and glory were granted to him by God, not eternally possessed.
The passage magnifies Jesus’ honor without blurring the distinction between the Son and the God who exalted him.
For links to studies of related scriptures, see:
Is Jesus God?
For links to studies of related scriptures, see:
Is Jesus God?
