1:3

He is the reflection of God’s glory: One of several expressions that Paul uses here to describe the unique relationship between the resurrected Jesus Christ and his heavenly Father. The Greek word rendered “reflection,” which literally means “beaming forth,” occurs only here in the Christian Greek Scriptures. The word can be understood in an active sense (as in radiating light from a source) or in a passive sense (as in reflecting light from another source). Jesus is not the source of his Father’s glory. Rather, he is “the image of the invisible God.” (Col 1:15; compare Joh 5:19.) Therefore, the rendering “reflection” agrees with Bible teachings as a whole and is parallel with the expression rendered “the exact representation” in this verse.

the exact representation of his very being: The Greek word rendered “the exact representation” (kha·ra·kterʹ) literally refers to “a mark or impression placed on an object.” In non-Biblical Greek writings, the term refers to engravings in wood or in metal, brands on animal skins, impressions in clay, or images stamped on coins. Here it describes how the resurrected Jesus perfectly represents his heavenly Father’s very being. Even when on earth as a perfect man, Jesus reflected his Father’s qualities and personality to the fullest extent possible for a human. (See study note on Joh 14:9.) But after Jehovah resurrected Jesus and gave him “a superior position,” Jesus became like his Father more than ever before. (Php 2:9; Heb 2:9) He possesses immortality and has “life in himself.” (Joh 5:26 and study note; Ro 6:9; Re 1:18) So he is now “the exact representation of [God’s] very being.”​—Heb 1:2-4.

he sustains all things: As proof of Christ Jesus’ vast authority, Paul shows that God gave his Son power to sustain “all things” in the universe. (Compare Col 1:16, 17.) The Greek word for “sustains” can mean “bears up; holds up.” Here it conveys the idea of keeping something in existence or maintaining it. Jesus also plays a major role in moving Jehovah’s purposes toward fulfillment.

by the word of his power: Paul likely refers to Jehovah’s power. While Jehovah is the ultimate Source of power, he supplies it to others according to his will. (Isa 40:26, 29-31; Lu 5:17; Php 2:13; 4:13) This Greek phrase could also properly be rendered “by his powerful word.”

he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty: Jesus “made a purification” for the sins of mankind by offering “one sacrifice for sins for all time.” (Heb 10:12, 13) Jehovah rewarded him by resurrecting him to spirit life and by giving him “all authority . . . in heaven and on the earth,” a position superior to the one he had before coming to earth. (Mt 28:18; Php 2:9-11; Heb 2:9; 1Pe 3:18) The expression “at the right hand of the Majesty,” Jehovah God, seems to allude to Ps 110:1. (Heb 1:13 and study note; 8:1; 12:2) Sitting “at the right hand” indicates a position of power, authority, and honor. It is a position second only to that of Jehovah himself.​—Ro 8:34; 1Co 15:27, 28; Eph 1:20; see study note on Ac 7:55.