What Does Hebrews 1:4 Mean in the King James?
Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The Son’s superiority over the angels is disclosed through the name he inherits, a name that carries identity and standing, not just a label.
THE MEANING
The Son stands above every messenger, and his inherited name makes that distinction visible. Here, “name” carries more than a title; it expresses the identity and authority attached to him.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
The verse undoes the idea that a name is only a label with no bearing on identity or standing: the Son’s inherited name expresses his distinction from the angels.
THE ROOT
ὄνομα
onoma
GROWS FROM
ὀνομ-
onom-
Name, designation, or reputation; the identity and standing represented by a name.
The word opens wider than a label: it can carry the identity and reputation made known through that name. So the “more excellent name” marks a real distinction in standing, the Son’s inherited identity is higher than the angels’.
ALSO GROWS
onomazō: to name, call, or mention
ὀνομάζω
This branch shows a name as something spoken to identify or make someone known.
onomastos: named, renowned
ὀνομαστός
This branch links being named with the recognition or standing attached to the name.
THE PATTERN
In Scripture, a name can disclose identity and standing rather than serve as a bare label.
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.THE THREAD
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:Hebrews says the Son inherits a more excellent name; Philippians says God gives him a name above every name. Both use ὄνομα (onoma, “name”), tying his rank to the identity and standing that name carries.
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