Introduction
Hebrews 1:9 is another powerful verse in the opening chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews, contributing to the overall theme of the supremacy of Jesus Christ over all creation, especially the angels. Following the assertion of Christ’s eternal kingship in Hebrews 1:8, the author now focuses on the character and nature of the Son, highlighting His love for righteousness and hatred of wickedness. This verse further elevates the Son above all other beings, including angels, by affirming His moral excellence and the exaltation He receives from the Father. As the perfect King, Christ is not only the eternal ruler but also the embodiment of righteousness and justice.
Hebrews 1:9, as translated in the King James Version (KJV), reads:
“Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” (Hebrews 1:9, KJV)
In this verse, the author of Hebrews continues his argument about the superiority of Christ over angels, stating that Christ is anointed by God due to His righteous character. Christ’s reign is marked by His love for righteousness and His disdain for sin. In contrast to the angels, who are messengers and servants of God, Christ is the anointed King, the one who embodies perfect righteousness and is elevated above all others, even the heavenly beings.
Contextual Background: The Superiority of Christ
In the first chapter of Hebrews, the author is laying out a powerful argument for the supremacy of Christ. He has already established that Christ is the radiance of God’s glory, the exact representation of God’s nature, and that He is superior to the angels. Now, in Hebrews 1:9, the author brings attention to Christ’s character—specifically His moral integrity and divine appointment. This verse highlights Christ’s love for righteousness and His rejection of iniquity as essential qualities that set Him apart from all others.
By quoting Psalm 45:7, the author shows that the Messiah, who is identified as Christ, would be marked by a unique moral excellence that is pleasing to God. Christ’s perfect righteousness is not only the foundation of His reign but also the reason for His exaltation by the Father.
Exploring Hebrews 1:9: A Close Examination
1. “Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity…”
The opening statement of this verse is a declaration of Christ’s perfect character. It says that Christ “loved righteousness” and “hated iniquity” (or sin). Righteousness, in biblical terms, refers to that which is in alignment with God’s will, His moral law, and His holiness. To “love righteousness” means that Christ not only adheres to God’s righteous standard but has a deep affection for it. Righteousness is not something distant or abstract for Christ; it is His very nature, and He delights in it.
Conversely, Christ “hates iniquity” (or sin), which is anything that opposes or violates God’s righteous standard. In Scripture, sin is often depicted as a rebellion against God’s holiness and His moral order. The Son’s aversion to iniquity shows that He is in complete alignment with the Father’s will, as God is holy and cannot tolerate sin.
This love for righteousness and hatred of sin is significant because it underscores the moral perfection of Christ. Unlike human rulers or angels, who may fall short in their moral conduct, Christ is the perfect embodiment of righteousness. His character is spotless, and He rules in a manner that is perfectly aligned with the will of God.
Theologically, this reveals that Christ’s reign is not only one of eternal sovereignty but also one of moral excellence. He is the righteous King who delights in justice, holiness, and truth, and who despises evil. This quality sets Him apart from all created beings, including angels, who serve as messengers but are not described in such moral terms.
2. “…therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”
The second part of Hebrews 1:9 affirms the exaltation of Christ as a result of His perfect righteousness. “Therefore” indicates that Christ’s love for righteousness and hatred for iniquity is the reason for His divine anointing. The Father anoints the Son with the “oil of gladness” because of His moral excellence. This anointing is a symbolic act of blessing, joy, and empowerment, signifying that Christ is appointed as the eternal King and High Priest.
The “oil of gladness” is an expression found in the Old Testament, often associated with anointing kings or priests. In this context, the anointing represents the divine favor and approval given to Christ. It signifies the special position He holds as the chosen and anointed King who is set apart from others. The phrase “oil of gladness” conveys that Christ’s reign brings joy, peace, and fulfillment, as opposed to the sorrow or pain that often accompanies the rule of human kings.
The latter part of the verse, “above thy fellows,” contrasts Christ with others—specifically, the angels or possibly other created beings. “Thy fellows” refers to those who share in the creation or service of God, such as angels or other divine beings. The verse makes it clear that Christ is exalted above all others, even the heavenly hosts, due to His moral purity and righteousness. Christ’s elevation above all others, including the angels, is not just a matter of His divine nature but also His righteous character. While angels serve God as ministers, Christ is the anointed King who reigns with supreme authority, righteousness, and joy.
Old Testament Context: Psalm 45:7
Hebrews 1:9 is a direct quotation from Psalm 45:7, a messianic psalm that speaks of the righteous reign of the Messiah. Psalm 45 is a royal psalm celebrating the king’s wedding, but it also points beyond an earthly king to the Messiah, who is the true King of Israel. Psalm 45:7 says:
“Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” (Psalm 45:7, KJV)
This psalm speaks of the anointing of the king, who is marked by a love for righteousness and a hatred of wickedness. The author of Hebrews applies this psalm to Christ, affirming that Jesus is the fulfillment of this royal prophecy. The Messiah is not only a king in a political or earthly sense but is the righteous King who will rule forever with perfect justice and holiness.
By quoting this psalm, the author reinforces that Christ is the true King who has been exalted by God due to His righteousness. The anointing with the “oil of gladness” is a sign of divine favor, indicating that Christ is the one who reigns eternally over all creation, bringing joy and righteousness to His kingdom.
Theological Implications of Hebrews 1:9
Hebrews 1:9 provides several significant theological insights that deepen our understanding of Christ’s nature and role:
1. Christ’s Moral Perfection
This verse emphasizes the moral perfection of Christ. Unlike any other ruler, human or angelic, Christ is perfectly righteous. He loves righteousness and hates iniquity. His moral character is flawless, and His reign is characterized by justice, holiness, and truth. This perfect righteousness is the basis for His divine exaltation and anointing.
2. The Righteousness of Christ as the Foundation of His Kingdom
Christ’s kingdom is one of righteousness. His reign is not only eternal but also perfectly just. The “sceptre of righteousness” mentioned earlier in Hebrews 1:8 is now shown to be founded on Christ’s love for righteousness and His hatred of wickedness. This moral foundation makes Christ’s rule distinct from any earthly ruler or angelic being.
3. The Exaltation of Christ Above All
Christ is exalted “above thy fellows,” meaning He is superior to all others—whether they be angels, other divine beings, or earthly rulers. His moral excellence and righteousness set Him apart. He is the anointed King, uniquely appointed by God to reign over all creation. His elevation is not only due to His divine nature but also because of His perfect moral character.
4. The Anointing of Christ
The “oil of gladness” is symbolic of the divine favor and blessing bestowed upon Christ. It signifies His appointment as the eternal King, anointed by God to rule with righteousness. This anointing is an important aspect of Christ’s messianic identity, marking Him as the chosen one, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
Conclusion
Hebrews 1:9 serves as a profound declaration of Christ’s moral perfection, divine exaltation, and eternal reign. This verse highlights that Christ is not only superior to angels but also embodies the perfect righteousness that makes Him worthy of eternal kingship. His love for righteousness and hatred of sin reflect His perfect alignment with God’s will, and His anointing with the “oil of gladness” signifies the joy and divine favor that accompany His rule.
As believers, we are called to recognize Christ as the righteous King who reigns eternally over all creation. His reign is not marked by injustice or sin but by perfect righteousness, and His kingdom will bring about peace and justice for all who are part of it. Hebrews 1:9 reminds us that Christ is not just the divine Son but the perfect and righteous King, worthy of our worship and submission.