χαρακτήρ (charaktēr)
charaktēr
reproduction
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun charaktēr refers to a precise impression or exact reproduction, originally describing the tool used for engraving or the mark stamped onto a surface like a coin or seal. In ancient contexts, it denoted the distinctive image that identified a ruler’s authority on currency. The word carries the sense of an indelible likeness, capturing the essence of the original with perfect fidelity.
In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in Hebrews 1:3, where it describes the Son as the "exact imprint" of God’s nature. Here, it moves beyond a physical stamp to express theological depth: Jesus is not merely similar to the Father but is the perfect representation of His being. This usage highlights the unique relationship between Christ and God, emphasizing that Jesus reveals the invisible God with complete accuracy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word charaktēr describes a precise impression or exact reproduction, originally referring to the tool used for engraving or the mark stamped onto a surface like a coin or seal. In ancient contexts, it denoted the distinctive image that identified a ruler’s authority on currency. This term carries the sense of an indelible likeness, capturing the essence of the original with perfect fidelity.
In Hebrews 1:3, this concept moves beyond a physical stamp to express theological depth. Jesus is described as the exact imprint of God’s nature, meaning He is not merely similar to the Father but is the perfect representation of His being. This highlights the unique relationship between Christ and God, emphasizing that Jesus reveals the invisible God with complete accuracy.
For your faith, this means you can trust in the fullness of God revealed in Jesus. When you look to Christ, you see the true character of God clearly and without distortion. This assurance offers stability, knowing that the One who upholds all things is the very image of the Divine.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] exact expression1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χαρακτὴρ1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 1:3
His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, who, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high,
This verse uses charaktēr to define Jesus as the exact imprint of God's substance, establishing His perfect representation of the Father's being rather than just a likeness.