Hebrews 1:3

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Hebrews 1:3 (KJV)

Context

The book of Hebrews is a letter written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and struggling with their faith. The author presents Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God and emphasizes His superiority over all creation.

Meaning

“Who being the brightness of his glory” identifies Jesus Christ as the radiance of God’s glory. In the Old Testament, God’s glory often appeared in the form of light, and Jesus is described as the visible manifestation of that glory. He reflects God’s majesty and splendor.

“And the express image of his person” teaches that Jesus is not only the radiance of God’s glory but also the exact representation of His nature. The Greek word used here, “charakter,” conveys the idea of an imprint or an exact copy, like the impression made by a seal. Jesus perfectly represents God’s essence and character, making the invisible God visible.

“Upholding all things by the word of his power” highlights Jesus’ sustaining power over all creation. He upholds and sustains the entire universe by His powerful word. The word of Jesus has creative and sustaining authority, holding all things together.

“When he had by himself purged our sins” points to the finished work of Christ. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus accomplished the cleansing of our sins. He made purification for sins and provided redemption for humanity. Jesus alone was qualified to accomplish this task and acted as the perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.

“Sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” indicates Jesus’ exaltation and His position of authority and honour. In the Old Testament, priests stood while ministering because their work was never finished; Jesus sat down because His work of purification was complete. Sitting at the right hand of God signifies His equality with God and His reign over all things, marking His completed work of redemption and His position as the exalted Lord.

Application

Because Jesus is the exact image of God’s person, believers can trust that in Him they see the Father truly. Because He upholds all things by His powerful word, no circumstance lies outside His sustaining care. Because He has by Himself purged our sins, our forgiveness rests on a finished work, not on our own efforts. And because He is seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high, we live under a King who has already secured redemption and now reigns with all authority.

Reflection

Hebrews 1:3 presents Jesus as the perfect revelation of God’s glory, the exact representation of His nature, and the sustainer of all creation. It also emphasises Jesus’ role in purging our sins and His exalted position at the right hand of God. This verse highlights Jesus’ supremacy and His central role in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.