Lexical Summary charaktér: Character, exact representation, express image Original Word: χαρακτήρ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance exact representation, exact likenessFrom the same as charax; a graver (the tool or the person), i.e. (by implication) engraving (("character"), the figure stamped, i.e. An exact copy or (figuratively) representation) -- express image. see GREEK charax HELPS Word-studies 5481 xaraktḗr – properly, an engraving; (figuratively) an exact impression (likeness) which also reflects inner character. [5481 /xaraktḗr was originally a tool (used for engraving) and then came to mean "a die" ("mould"). Finally it stood for a stamp or impress used on a coin or seal (see H, 368). In each case, the stamp conveyed the reality behind the image.] The Greek fathers ( NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as charagma Definition a tool for engraving NASB Translation exact representation (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5481: χαρακτήρχαρακτήρ, χαρακτηρος, ὁ (χαράσσω to engrave, cut into), from Aeschylus and Herodotus down; 1. properly, the instrument used in engraving or carving (cf. ζωστήρ, λαμπτήρ, λουτήρ, φυσητήρ; cf. our 'stamp' or 'die'). 2. the mark (figure or letters) stamped upon that instrument or wrought out on it; hence, universally, "a mark or figure burned in (Leviticus 13:28) or stamped on, an impression; the exact expression (the image) of any person or thing, marked likeness, precise reproduction in every respect" (cf. facsimile): χαρακτήρ τῆς ὑποστάσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ, of Christ, accusative to his nature as ὁ θεῖος λόγος, Hebrews 1:3; σφραγῖδι Θεοῦ, ἧς ὁ χαρακτήρ ἐστιν ὁ ἀΐδιος λόγος, Philo de plant. Noë § 5; χαρακτήρ θείας δυνάμεως, of the human mind, Philo, quod det. potiori ins. § 23; God τόν ἄνθρωπον ἔπλασεν τῆς ἑαυτοῦ ἐκονος χαρακτῆρα, Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 33, 4 [ET]; οἱ πιστοί ἐν ἀγάπη χαρακτῆρα Θεοῦ πατρός διά Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (ἔχουσιν), Ignatius ad Magnes. 5, 2 [ET]. the peculiarity, by which things are recognized and distinguished from each other (cf. English characteristic): 2 Macc. 4:10. Strong’s Greek 5481, χαρακτήρ, depicts the imprint stamped by a die or seal and, by extension, the precise expression of the substance that produced it. While the term occurs only once in the New Testament, its single appearance in Hebrews 1:3 becomes a pivotal Christological statement, asserting that the eternal Son perfectly manifests the very being of God. Usage in Scripture Hebrews 1:3: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” The writer of Hebrews intertwines two images—radiance and exact representation—to illustrate the relationship between the Father and the Son. Radiance emphasizes inseparable glory; χαρακτήρ stresses accuracy and identity: what the die is to the coin, the Father is to the Son. Thus, Jesus Christ does not merely resemble God; He shares the very essence (hypostasis) of God. Historical Background In the Greco-Roman world, χαρακτήρ commonly described: These familiar analogies heightened the force of Hebrews 1:3 for first-century readers: just as a seal guarantees genuineness, so the Son guarantees that God is truly known. Christological Significance 1. Full Deity of Christ: The term safeguards against any notion that the Son is a lesser or created being (compare John 1:1-18; Colossians 1:15-19). Applications in Theology and Ministry • Preaching: Hebrews 1:3 provides a concise confession of Christ’s deity, humanity, redemptive work and exaltation—an ideal foundation for gospel proclamation. Related Themes and Cross References Image and likeness: Genesis 1:26-27; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:15. Glory and radiance: Exodus 34:29; John 17:5; 2 Corinthians 3:18. Seal and guarantee: John 6:27; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14. Son’s sustaining word: Psalm 33:6, 9; Colossians 1:17. Exaltation: Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:33-36; Philippians 2:9-11. Summary χαρακτήρ (Strong’s 5481) concentrates the entire testimony of Scripture regarding the Person of Christ into one decisive declaration: Jesus Christ is the flawless imprint of the Father’s own essence, eternally sharing His nature, authority and glory, effecting redemption, and ruling the cosmos. In Him the believer beholds God without distortion and finds both the pattern and the power for transformed living. |
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