having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they. – Hebrews 1:4 NASB

In Hebrews 1:4 the writer finally finishes his second sentence and introduces a new topic all in two simple phrases. I’m not going to start with angels just yet. He has much to say about angels and I think it’s going to be rich as we dig in there. But today, I want to focus on just one word.

Better.

Though this is the first appearance in the book of this little guy, it’s certainly not the last. And it’s not the first comparison either. Below are the betters of Hebrews. I’ve also highlighted a few other comparison words since he changed it up from time to time.

Here we go:

having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they. – Hebrews 1:4

For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house. – Hebrews 3:3

But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. – Hebrews 6:9

For men swear by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath given as confirmation is an end of every dispute. – Hebrews 6:16

But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. – Hebrews 7:7 (Note: Greater, here, is the same Greek word as all these betters.)

(for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. Hebrews 7:19

so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. – Hebrews 7:22

For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever. – Hebrews 7:28

But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises. – Hebrews 8:6

But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; – Hebrews 9:11 (Note: Different word, but it goes with our theme for the day.)

Therefore it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be cleansed with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. – Hebrews 9:23

For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. – Hebrews 10:34

By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. – Hebrews 11:4

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. – Hebrews 11:16

considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. – Hebrews 11:26

Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; – Hebrews 11:35

because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect. – Hebrews 11:40

and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel. – Hebrews 12:24

We’ve got some serious bettering to get into in the coming weeks.

One interesting point. Deep into the betters and more excellents, there is a much worse. The writer comes to the conclusion that since rejecting this New and much better Covenant is worthy of much more severe punishment.

Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? – Hebrews 10:28-29

Wow – OK then.

Sounds like we’ve got lots of ground to cover.

I expect to be back on Monday and we’ll start to talk about angels among other things.

Have a great day!

Walk in the light,

Ben

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