The Theological Implications for the Phrase ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ θρόνου τῆς μεγαλωσύνης in Hebrews 8:1-2 Regarding Christ’s Mediatorial Work

Abstract

The thesis of this article asserts that the theological implication for Jesus’ enthronement on the right-hand side of the throne of the Majesty in heaven entails that He sat as Priest-King in the holy place(s) to establish a new covenant. This article evaluates four viewpoints regarding the theological implications of the phrase ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ θρόνου τῆς μεγαλωσύνης in the unit Hebrews 8:1-6 with regards to Jesus Christ’s heavenly work. One school of thought suggests that on the right hand of the throne of the majesty means the beginning of the day of atonement, and Jesus became the High Priest. The other viewpoint argues that on the right hand of the throne, Jesus became Priest-King, like Melchizedek, and established the new covenant. On the other hand, one viewpoint asserts that on the right hand of the throne of the majesty means that Jesus sat down because He finished His work of salvation, while the last view holds that Jesus sat on the right hand as a place of honour, with no reference to space. To arrive at the desired conclusion, this article uses a historical-grammatical method to evaluate existing views. This article follows a framework which analyzes contextual (literary and historical), linguistic, and intratextuality analysis to address the thesis statement.