Final Exhortations and Benediction
Hebrews 13:1-25
Heb.13.1 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Η: ART,nom,sg,fem
- φιλαδελφια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- μενετω: VERB,pres,act,imp,3,sg
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 4:9 (verbal): Uses the same Greek term (φιλαδελφία) and similarly treats brotherly love as a basic, self-evident duty that needs no instruction — close verbal and conceptual parallel to Hebrews' command to let brotherly love continue.
- Romans 12:10 (verbal): Exhorts mutual affection and honor among believers (uses related forms of φιλαδελφία/φιλαδελφοῦσθαι); a parallel ethical injunction emphasizing ongoing brotherly love.
- John 13:34 (quotation): Jesus' command 'Love one another' provides the foundational mandate for Christian mutual love; Hebrews' brief injunction echoes this Johannine/Jesuanic command as normative for the community.
- 1 John 3:18 (thematic): Calls for love shown in action rather than merely words, underscoring the practical continuity of brotherly love the Hebrews writer urges — a thematic parallel about lived-out mutual affection.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let brotherly love continue.
- Let brotherly love continue.
Heb.13.2 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- φιλοξενιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- μη: PART
- επιλανθανεσθε: VERB,pres,mid,imp,2,pl
- δια: PREP
- ταυτης: DEM,gen,sg,f
- γαρ: PART
- ελαθον: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- τινες: PRON,nom,pl,m
- ξενισαντες: PART,aor,act,nom,pl,m
- αγγελους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- Genesis 18:1-8 (allusion): Abraham entertains three visitors (angels) who receive his hospitality—an early narrative example of unknowingly hosting divine messengers, which Hebrews echoes.
- Genesis 19:1-3 (allusion): Lot welcomes two angels into his home; the story exemplifies the motif of entertaining heavenly visitors and the moral significance of hospitality.
- Judges 13:15-20 (allusion): Manoah and his wife host the angel of the Lord and offer a sacrifice; another Old Testament instance of human–angel encounter connected to hospitality.
- Matthew 25:35-40 (thematic): Jesus links receiving the needy with receiving him (’inasmuch as you did it to one of the least… you did it to me’), highlighting hospitality’s high moral and Christological significance akin to Hebrews’ exhortation.
- 1 Peter 4:9 (verbal): A direct exhortation to ‘show hospitality to one another without grumbling,’ paralleling Hebrews’ imperative not to neglect hospitality and emphasizing its communal duty.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have entertained angels without knowing it.
- Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Heb.13.3 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- μιμνησκεσθε: VERB,pres,mid,imp,2,pl
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- δεσμιων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- ως: ADV
- συνδεδεμενοι: VERB,perf,pass,part,nom,pl,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- κακουχουμενων: VERB,pres,pass,part,gen,pl,m
- ως: ADV
- και: CONJ
- αυτοι: PRON,nom,pl,3
- οντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- σωματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
Parallels
- Matthew 25:36 (thematic): Jesus identifies visiting or attending to those in prison as care for the needy—parallels the call to remember and stand with prisoners.
- Matthew 25:40 (thematic): Christ's principle that care for 'the least' is care for him undergirds the ethical imperative to remember and accompany sufferers including prisoners.
- Colossians 4:18 (verbal): Paul's closing injunction 'Remember my chains' uses the same verb of remembrance and a focus on imprisonment, echoing the plea to keep prisoners in mind/prayer.
- Acts 12:5 (structural): The early church's persistent prayer for Peter while he was bound illustrates the concrete practice of remembering and supporting those in prison.
- Romans 12:15 (thematic): The general exhortation to 'rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep' supplies the broader ethical principle of empathetic solidarity that underlies remembering and identifying with prisoners and the afflicted.
Alternative generated candidates
- Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; remember those who are mistreated, since you yourselves also are in the body.
- Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; remember those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves are in the body also.
Heb.13.4 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- τιμιος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- γαμος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- πασιν: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- κοιτη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- αμιαντος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- πορνους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- γαρ: PART
- και: CONJ
- μοιχους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- κρινει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Exodus 20:14 (allusion): The Decalogue's prohibition 'You shall not commit adultery' provides the Torah basis for condemning adulterers and fornicators, which Hebrews echoes when asserting God's judgment.
- Matthew 5:27-28 (thematic): Jesus broadens the injunction against adultery to include lustful intent, reinforcing the call to sexual purity and the sanctity of the marriage bed.
- Ephesians 5:25-33 (thematic): Portrays marriage as honorable and sacramental—Christ's self-giving love for the church models marital fidelity and the sanctity of the marriage relationship.
- Proverbs 6:32-33 (thematic): Warns that adultery brings disgrace, violence, and loss—echoing Hebrews' theme that sexual unfaithfulness incurs Divine judgment.
- Malachi 2:14-16 (thematic): Condemns treachery and faithlessness toward a spouse and affirms God's hatred of divorce, paralleling Hebrews' emphasis on honoring marriage and God's judgment on unfaithfulness.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.
- Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.
Heb.13.5 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- αφιλαργυρος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- τροπος·αρκουμενοι: NOUN,nom,sg,m + VERB,pres,mid/pass,ptc,nom,pl,m
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- παρουσιν·αυτος: NOUN,f,sg,dat + PRON,nom,sg,m
- γαρ: PART
- ειρηκεν·Ου: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg + PART
- μη: PART
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- ανω: ADV
- ουδ᾽ου: CONJ + PART
- μη: PART
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- εγκαταλιπω·: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 31:6 (quotation): Hebrews 13:5 cites the same promise — 'I will never leave you nor forsake you' — a direct OT assurance of God's abiding presence (Deut. 31:6/8).
- Joshua 1:5 (quotation): Joshua repeats/develops the Deuteronomic promise ('I will not leave you or forsake you'), which Hebrews echoes as a foundational divine pledge of presence and support.
- Matthew 28:20 (thematic): Jesus' closing promise, 'I am with you always, to the end of the age,' parallels Hebrews' appeal to God's abiding presence as the basis for contentment and fearlessness.
- John 14:18 (allusion): Jesus' vow 'I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you' echoes the same assurance of not being abandoned that Hebrews invokes to encourage trust and contentment.
- Isaiah 41:10 (thematic): God's promise 'I will help you... I will uphold you' conveys the same theme of divine presence and assistance that undergirds Hebrews' citation of 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'
Alternative generated candidates
- Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'
- Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Heb.13.6 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ωστε: CONJ
- θαρρουντας: VERB,pres,act,part,acc,pl,m
- ημας: PRON,acc,pl,1
- λεγειν·Κυριος: VERB,pres,act,inf
- εμοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- βοηθος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ου: PART,neg
- φοβηθησομαι·τι: VERB,fut,mid,ind,1,sg
- ποιησει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- ανθρωπος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Psalm 118:6 (117:6 LXX) (quotation): Hebrews 13:6 directly quotes Psalm 118:6 (LXX), echoing its exact language: 'The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'
- Psalm 27:1 (thematic): Both verses present the LORD as the speaker's protector/salvation and pose the rhetorical question 'whom shall I fear?', linking divine help with freedom from fear.
- Isaiah 41:10 (verbal): God's words 'Fear not, for I am with you; I will help you' parallel the themes and some verbal elements of 'the Lord is my helper; I will not fear.'
- Romans 8:31 (thematic): Paul's argument ('If God is for us, who can be against us?') uses the same logical force as Hebrews 13:6: divine help/approval renders human opposition powerless.
Alternative generated candidates
- So we confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'
- So we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"
Heb.13.7 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Μνημονευετε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ηγουμενων: VERB,pres,mid/pass,part,gen,pl,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- οιτινες: PRO,rel,nom,pl,m
- ελαλησαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- αναθεωρουντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- εκβασιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- αναστροφης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- μιμεισθε: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imp,2,pl
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- πιστιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 11:1 (verbal): Uses the same imperative to 'be imitators' of a leader ('Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ'), paralleling Hebrews' call to 'imitate their faith.'
- Philippians 3:17 (verbal): Paul exhorts believers to 'join in following my example' and to observe others who live according to the pattern he commends—similar exhortation to model life and faith on leaders.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:6 (thematic): Describes converts becoming 'imitators of us and of the Lord' as they received the word with joy—links imitation to receiving the word of God and living faithfully.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (thematic): Commands the community to 'respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord,' echoing Hebrews' charge to remember and honor leaders who proclaimed God's word.
- Acts 20:27 (thematic): Paul's declaration that he did not shrink from declaring 'the whole counsel of God' to the elders parallels Hebrews' reference to leaders who 'spoke the word of God' to the community.
Alternative generated candidates
- Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
- Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
Heb.13.8 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Ιησους: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- Χριστος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εχθες: ADV
- και: CONJ
- σημερον: ADV
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- αυτος: PRON,nom,sg,3,m
- και: CONJ
- εις: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- αιωνας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- Psalm 102:27 (verbal): Psalm 102:27 says, 'But you are the same, and your years have no end,' a directly parallel expression of divine constancy echoed in Hebrews' 'the same yesterday and today and forever.'
- Malachi 3:6 (thematic): God's declaration 'For I the LORD do not change' (Malachi) supplies the Old Testament background of immutability that Hebrews applies to Jesus.
- James 1:17 (thematic): James speaks of the Father 'with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change,' a similar affirmation of God's unchanging character reflected in Heb 13:8 about Christ.
- Revelation 1:8 (thematic): Revelation's 'I am the Alpha and the Omega... who is and who was and who is to come' emphasizes the eternal, unchanging identity of Christ, paralleling Hebrews' claim.
- John 1:1 (thematic): John's affirmation that 'the Word was with God, and the Word was God' (preexistence and deity of Christ) supports the theological basis for saying Jesus is unchanging through all times.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
- Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Heb.13.9 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- διδαχαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- ποικιλαις: ADJ,dat,pl,f
- και: CONJ
- ξεναις: ADJ,dat,pl,f
- μη: PART
- παραφερεσθε·καλον: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imper,2,pl; ADJ,nom,sg,n
- γαρ: PART
- χαριτι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- βεβαιουσθαι: VERB,pres,pass,inf
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- καρδιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ου: PART,neg
- βρωμασιν: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- εν: PREP
- οις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- ωφεληθησαν: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,pl
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- περιπατουντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 4:1-5 (verbal): Paul warns that some will forbid marriage and command abstaining from foods—directly parallels Hebrews' rejection of strange teachings and the claim that foods establish the heart.
- Colossians 2:20-23 (thematic): Paul condemns worldly rules and ascetic regulations that have appearance of wisdom but no value—similar critique of diverse/foreign teachings and reliance on food practices.
- Galatians 1:6-9 (thematic): Paul rebukes turning to a different gospel—parallels the warning against being carried away by various and strange doctrines.
- Romans 14:1-4, 17 (thematic): Paul treats disputes about food as secondary, stressing the kingdom is righteousness, peace, joy in the Spirit—connects with Hebrews' point that grace, not foods, establishes the heart.
- Mark 7:6-8 (cf. Matthew 15:11) (allusion): Jesus contrasts human traditions and external food regulations with what defiles the heart—echoes Hebrews' rejection of food-based religious assurance and emphasis on the heart.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not be carried away by diverse and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods that did not profit those who were occupied with them.
- Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which have not benefited those who were occupied with them.
Heb.13.10 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- εχομεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- θυσιαστηριον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- εξ: PREP
- ου: PART,neg
- φαγειν: VERB,aor,act,inf
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εχουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- εξουσιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- σκηνη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- λατρευοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- Hebrews 9:6-10 (structural): Same discourse about the earthly tent/tabernacle and those who serve in it; provides the immediate theological background for 'those who serve the tent.'
- Numbers 18:8-11 (thematic): Gives the priestly entitlement to portions of the sacrificial offerings (priests' right to eat certain parts), which Hebrews contrasts by saying the tabernacle-servants have no right to eat the altar's food.
- Leviticus 22:10-11 (verbal): Regulates who may and may not eat 'holy' things; contrasts the exclusive eating rights associated with cultic offerings and underscores Hebrews’ claim about who may partake.
- Leviticus 4:11-12 (allusion): Prescribes carrying sin-offerings outside the camp to be burned—echoed in Hebrews 13:11–12 as the basis for Jesus' suffering 'outside the gate' and the Christian altar imagery.
- Hebrews 13:11-12 (structural): Immediate context that explicates the function of the altar and links the statement about the altar to Christ's death outside the camp, interpreting cultic practice christologically.
Alternative generated candidates
- We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat.
- We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat.
Heb.13.11 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- γαρ: PART
- εισφερεται: VERB,pres,pass,ind,3,sg
- ζωων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- αιμα: NOUN,nom,sg,neut
- περι: PREP
- αμαρτιας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- εις: PREP
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- αγια: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- δια: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- αρχιερεως: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- τουτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- σωματα: NOUN,nom,pl,neut
- κατακαιεται: VERB,pres,pass,ind,3,sg
- εξω: ADV
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- παρεμβολης·: NOUN,gen,sg,fem
Parallels
- Leviticus 4:11-12 (verbal): Describes a sin offering whose blood is brought into the holy place and whose carcass is carried outside the camp to be burned—language and ritual action closely mirrored in Heb 13:11.
- Leviticus 16:27 (verbal): On the Day of Atonement the bull and goat used for sin offerings are burned outside the camp—explicitly parallels the disposal of sin-offering bodies mentioned in Hebrews.
- Numbers 19:3 (thematic): The red heifer is taken outside the camp and burned, with its ashes used for purification—a related practice of removal and burning outside the camp for rites of purification/atonement.
- Hebrews 13:12 (structural): Immediate New Testament parallel: the author applies the Levitical practice to Jesus, stating he suffered outside the gate to sanctify the people by his blood, continuing the argument begun in 13:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest as a sin offering are burned outside the camp.
- For the bodies of the animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as a sin offering are burned outside the camp.
Heb.13.12 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- διο: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- Ιησους: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ινα: CONJ
- αγιαση: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,sg
- δια: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ιδιου: ADJ,gen,sg,m
- αιματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λαον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εξω: ADV
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- πυλης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- επαθεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Hebrews 13:11 (structural): Describes the Levitical sin-offerings whose bodies are burned outside the camp—background for the statement that Jesus suffered outside the gate.
- Hebrews 13:13 (structural): Directly follows 13:12 and applies the implication: believers must go out to Jesus 'outside the camp,' sharing in his reproach.
- Leviticus 16:15-16 (thematic): Day-of-Atonement ritual in which blood is used to purify and make atonement for the people—parallels the idea of sanctification through blood.
- Isaiah 53:4-6 (allusion): The Suffering Servant bears the sickness and iniquities of the people, a prophetic precedent for Jesus’ vicarious suffering and atoning death.
- 1 Peter 2:24 (thematic): Affirms that Christ 'bore our sins in his body' and thus secured healing/atonement—echoes the claim that Jesus sanctifies the people through his own sacrifice.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people by his own blood.
- So also Jesus suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people by his own blood.
Heb.13.13 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- τοινυν: CONJ
- εξερχωμεθα: VERB,pres,act,subj,1,pl
- προς: PREP
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- εξω: ADV
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- παρεμβολης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- ονειδισμον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- φεροντες: VERB,pres,act,ptcp,nom,m,pl
Parallels
- Leviticus 16:27 (allusion): Sacrificial animals whose blood was carried into the holy place were burned 'outside the camp' (Lev 16:27); Hebrews draws on this cultic pattern to portray Christ suffering and being disposed of outside the sanctuary/city.
- Isaiah 53:3 (thematic): The Suffering Servant is 'despised and rejected' and bears shame and reproach—language and theme echoed in the call to 'bear his reproach' with Christ.
- John 19:17-18 (structural): John describes Jesus 'going out' bearing his own cross to Golgotha, outside the city, where he was crucified—paralleling Hebrews' imagery of going outside the camp and sharing his reproach.
- Galatians 3:13 (allusion): Paul says Christ 'became a curse for us' citing Deut 21:23 (one who is hanged is accursed); Hebrews' motif of being outside the camp resonates with Old Testament law associating exposure outside the camp with curse and disgrace.
Alternative generated candidates
- So let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach.
- Let us then go to him outside the camp, bearing the reproach he endured.
Heb.13.14 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ου: PART,neg
- γαρ: PART
- εχομεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- ωδε: ADV
- μενουσαν: PART,pres,act,acc,sg,f
- πολιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αλλα: CONJ
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- μελλουσαν: VERB,pres,part,act,acc,sg,f
- επιζητουμεν·: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
Parallels
- Hebrews 11:10 (thematic): Speaks of looking for a city with eternal foundations whose builder is God—same theme of faith seeking a future, heavenly city.
- Hebrews 11:16 (verbal): Explicitly describes the patriarchs' desire for a 'better country, that is, a heavenly one,' and that God has prepared a city—very close verbal/thematic parallel within Hebrews.
- Philippians 3:20 (thematic): Affirms believers' citizenship is in heaven and anticipates the Savior from there, echoing the idea that Christians do not have a lasting city on earth.
- Colossians 3:1-2 (thematic): Urges believers to seek the things above and set minds on heavenly realities, paralleling the exhortation to pursue the coming (heavenly) city.
- Revelation 21:2 (allusion): Vision of the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven—eschatological fulfillment of the 'city' believers seek in Hebrews 13:14.
Alternative generated candidates
- For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.
- For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the one that is to come.
Heb.13.15 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- δι᾽αυτου: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,m
- ουν: CONJ
- αναφερωμεν: VERB,pres,act,subj,1,pl
- θυσιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αινεσεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- δια: PREP
- παντος: ADJ,gen,sg,masc
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- τουτ᾽εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- καρπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- χειλεων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
- ομολογουντων: PART,pres,act,gen,pl,n
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- ονοματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Psalm 116:17 (verbal): Explicitly speaks of offering “the sacrifice of thanksgiving” and calling on the LORD’s name—close verbal and thematic parallel to offering a sacrifice of praise and the ‘fruit of lips’ confessing his name.
- Psalm 50:23 (verbal): Affirms that one who offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies God; Hebrews 13:15 echoes this idea of praise conceived as sacrificial offering.
- Romans 12:1 (thematic): Calls believers to present themselves as a living sacrifice and to worship God—similar theological move of framing worship/praise as sacrificial offering.
- 1 Peter 2:5 (thematic): Describes believers as a ‘spiritual house’ offering up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ, paralleling Hebrews’ notion of praise offered through Christ.
- Philippians 4:18 (thematic): Paul describes gifts as a ‘fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice’ to God—uses sacrificial imagery for acts of worship/thanksgiving akin to Hebrews’ sacrifice of praise.
Alternative generated candidates
- Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.
- Through him then let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
Heb.13.16 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- δε: CONJ
- ευποιιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- κοινωνιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- μη: PART
- επιλανθανεσθε: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imp,2,pl
- τοιαυταις: ADJ,dat,pl,f
- γαρ: PART
- θυσιαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- ευαρεστειται: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Hebrews 13:15-16 (structural): Immediate context: v.15 speaks of 'sacrifices of praise' and v.16 links concrete acts of kindness and sharing to offerings that please God, continuing the epistle's sacrificial imagery.
- Matthew 25:35-40 (thematic): Jesus identifies care for the needy (feeding, clothing, visiting) as service to Christ himself, paralleling the idea that practical good deeds are pleasing to God.
- James 1:27 (thematic): Defines true religion as caring for orphans and widows and keeping oneself unstained by the world—an emphasis on compassionate action that resonates with 'do good and share'.
- Romans 12:1 (verbal): Paul urges believers to present their bodies as a 'living sacrifice'—reworking sacrificial language to describe ethical, lived devotion, similar to Hebrews' claim that acts of kindness are acceptable sacrifices to God.
- Isaiah 1:11-17 (allusion): God rejects empty ritual and calls Israel to 'learn to do good; seek justice'—an Old Testament critique that undergirds Hebrews' assertion that moral, communal acts are the sacrifices pleasing to God.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not neglect to do good and to share; for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
- Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Heb.13.17 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Πειθεσθε: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imp,2,pl
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- ηγουμενοις: PART,pres,mid/pass,dat,pl,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- υπεικετε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- αυτοι: PRON,nom,pl,3
- γαρ: PART
- αγρυπνουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- υπερ: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ψυχων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- ως: ADV
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αποδωσοντες: PART,fut,act,nom,pl,m
- ινα: CONJ
- μετα: PREP
- χαρας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- ποιωσιν: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- μη: PART
- στεναζοντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- αλυσιτελες: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- γαρ: PART
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
Parallels
- Acts 20:28-31 (verbal): Paul charges elders to 'pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock' and warns they must 'guard' the church—closely parallels leaders' watchfulness and accountability in Hebrews 13:17.
- 1 Peter 5:2-3 (verbal): Peter exhorts elders to 'shepherd the flock' willingly and not for dishonest gain—echoes the pastoral oversight and the desired spirit (joyful, not begrudging) in Hebrews 13:17.
- James 3:1 (thematic): James warns that not many should become teachers because they will receive stricter judgment—parallels Hebrews' stress that leaders 'will give an account' for souls under their care.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (structural): Paul urges believers to 'respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord,' encouraging submission and esteem for leaders, reflecting Hebrews' call to obey and submit to church authorities.
Alternative generated candidates
- Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
- Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy, and not with groaning—this would be of no advantage to you.
Heb.13.18 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Προσευχεσθε: VERB,pres,mid,imp,2,pl
- περι: PREP
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- πειθομεθα: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,pl
- γαρ: PART
- οτι: CONJ
- καλην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- συνειδησιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εχομεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- εν: PREP
- πασιν: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- καλως: ADV
- θελοντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- αναστρεφεσθαι: VERB,pres,mid,inf
Parallels
- 2 Thessalonians 3:1 (quotation): A direct plea for prayer: Paul again asks brethren to pray for the missionaries, paralleling Hebrews' imperative 'Pray for us.'
- 1 Thessalonians 5:25 (quotation): Another brief apostolic request 'Brothers, pray for us'—a close verbal and functional parallel in communal prayer support.
- Acts 24:16 (verbal): Paul's aim 'to have always a conscience without offence' echoes Hebrews' claim of having a 'good conscience' as grounds for requesting prayer.
- 1 Peter 3:16 (verbal): Speaks of Christians 'having a good conscience' so that slander may be silenced—uses the same phrase and links reputable conduct with conscience.
- 1 Timothy 1:5 (thematic): Connects right teaching and Christian conduct with 'a good conscience' and sincere faith, reflecting Hebrews' coupling of conscience and desire to behave well.
Alternative generated candidates
- Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a clear conscience, desiring to live honorably in every way.
- Pray for us; for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in every way.
Heb.13.19 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- περισσοτερως: ADV,comp
- δε: CONJ
- παρακαλω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- ποιησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- ινα: CONJ
- ταχιον: ADV,comp
- αποκατασταθω: VERB,aor,pass,subj,1,sg
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
Parallels
- Philemon 1:22 (verbal): Paul asks Philemon to prepare a guest room, saying he hopes 'through your prayers' to be granted to them—an explicit request for prayer for his coming, closely parallel in wording and intent.
- Romans 15:30-32 (thematic): Paul appeals for the Roman believers' prayers so that, by God's will, he may come to them and serve with joy—a similar plea for collective prayer to enable a speedy visit.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:10-11 (thematic): Paul prays night and day for the opportunity to see the Thessalonians and asks God to direct his path so he may come to them—expressing the same desire to be restored to the community.
- Philippians 2:24 (structural): Paul states his hope to send Timothy and to come soon himself depending on circumstances—reflecting the authorial concern and plan to return to the recipients in the near future.
Alternative generated candidates
- I urge you more earnestly to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
- I urge you the more earnestly to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Heb.13.20 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- ειρηνης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- αναγαγων: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- εκ: PREP
- νεκρων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- ποιμενα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- προβατων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- μεγαν: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- αιματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- διαθηκης: NOUN,gen,sg,fem
- αιωνιου: ADJ,gen,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- κυριον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- Ιησουν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Psalm 23:1-3 (thematic): Shepherd imagery and care for the flock ('The LORD is my shepherd… he restores my soul') parallels the description of Christ as the great shepherd of the sheep.
- John 10:11,14 (verbal): Jesus' self‑designation as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep echoes the 'shepherd of the sheep' motif and connects shepherding with sacrificial protection.
- 1 Peter 5:4 (verbal): The title 'chief/greater Shepherd' (when the Chief Shepherd appears you will receive the crown) parallels the designation of Christ as the great shepherd of the sheep.
- Mark 14:24 (quotation): Jesus' words at the Last Supper, 'This is my blood of the covenant,' directly correspond to the phrase 'in the blood of the eternal covenant' in Hebrews 13:20.
- Exodus 24:8 (allusion): The OT precedent 'This is the blood of the covenant' (Moses sprinkling the people) is the background for Hebrews' language about covenant‑ratifying blood reinterpreted in Christ's death and resurrection.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus — the great Shepherd of the sheep — by the blood of the eternal covenant,
- Now may the God of peace, who raised from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—by the blood of the eternal covenant,
Heb.13.21 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- καταρτισαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- εν: PREP
- παντι: PRON,dat,sg,m
- αγαθω: ADJ,dat,sg,n
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ποιησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- θελημα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- ποιων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- ημιν: PRON,dat,pl,1
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ευαρεστον: ADJ,acc,sg,neut
- ενωπιον: PREP
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- δια: PREP
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- δοξα: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- εις: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- αιωνας·αμην: NOUN,acc,pl,masc
Parallels
- Philippians 2:13 (verbal): Uses nearly identical idea/wording: God 'works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure,' paralleling 'working in us that which is pleasing' and enabling us to do God's will.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:11 (thematic): Prayer that God 'fulfill every desire for goodness and every work of faith' echoes Hebrews' petition that God equip believers in every good thing to do his will.
- Jude 24-25 (structural): A closing doxology emphasizing God's power to preserve and present believers and giving eternal glory—parallels Hebrews' doxological close ('to whom be glory forever').
- Ephesians 3:20-21 (thematic): Affirms God's ability to accomplish exceedingly abundantly beyond our requests and ends in a doxology, resonating with Hebrews' claim that God equips and is glorified forever.
- Romans 8:28-29 (thematic): God's providential activity 'working for good' and conforming believers to Christ complements Hebrews' depiction of God working in us to effect what is pleasing and to accomplish his will.
Alternative generated candidates
- equip you with every good thing to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
- equip you with every good thing to do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to him be the glory forever. Amen.
Heb.13.22 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Παρακαλω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- ανεχεσθε: VERB,pres,mid,imp,2,pl
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- λογου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- παρακλησεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- γαρ: PART
- δια: PREP
- βραχεων: ADJ,gen,pl,n
- επεστειλα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
Parallels
- 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 (thematic): Both passages conclude with practical admonitions about accepting or responding to exhortation in an epistolary context; 2 Thess. instructs how to treat those who disobey the letter's instructions, echoing the theme of taking the writer's exhortation seriously.
- Galatians 6:11 (structural): A personal comment on the letter's physical form: Galatians notes Paul's distinctive handwriting, while Hebrews 13:22 remarks on the briefness of the written message—both are epistolary closing remarks about the composition of the letter.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14 (thematic): Both texts exhort the community to receive pastoral/authoritative admonition: Hebrews asks believers to bear with the word of exhortation, and 1 Thessalonians urges respect for leaders and mutual exhortation within the church.
- Colossians 4:18 (verbal): Another epistolary closing in which the writer draws attention to the act of writing (’I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand’). Like Hebrews 13:22, it frames the concluding, personal character of the letter.
Alternative generated candidates
- I appeal to you, brothers, bear with this word of exhortation; for I have written to you briefly.
- I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation; for I have written to you briefly.
Heb.13.23 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- γινωσκετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- αδελφον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- Τιμοθεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- απολελυμενον: VERB,perf,pass,part,acc,sg,m
- μεθ᾽ου: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,m
- εαν: CONJ
- ταχιον: ADV,comp
- ερχηται: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,sg
- οψομαι: VERB,fut,mid,ind,1,sg
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
Parallels
- Philippians 2:19-24 (thematic): Paul plans to send Timothy shortly to the Philippians so that he may comfort Paul by reporting their condition—parallel expectation of Timothy's imminent travel and the purpose of his visit.
- 1 Corinthians 16:10-11 (verbal): Uses the same conditional construction about Timothy's coming ('if he comes'), with instructions for how the congregation should receive him—close verbal/structural parallel to Hebrews' 'if he shall come shortly.'
- 1 Thessalonians 3:2 (cf. 3:6) (thematic): Paul sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians and later received Timothy's report about their faith—parallels Timothy's role as envoy and bearer of news about believers.
- 2 Timothy 4:9 (structural): Paul's personal plea to Timothy to come to him soon ('Do your best to come to me soon') mirrors the concern with Timothy's timely arrival and travel between communities in the Pauline circle.
Alternative generated candidates
- Know that our brother Timothy has been set free; with him, if he comes shortly, I will see you.
- Know that our brother Timothy has been set free; with whom, if he comes shortly, I shall see you.
Heb.13.24 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ασπασασθε: VERB,aor,mid,imp,2,pl
- παντας: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- ηγουμενους: PART,pres,mid,acc,pl,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- παντας: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- αγιους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- ασπαζονται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,pl
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- απο: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- Ιταλιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 16:20 (verbal): Uses the same greeting formula—brothers/sisters send greetings and an instruction to greet one another (cf. 'greet all the saints/leaders').
- Romans 16:16 (structural): Concluding salutations that command mutual greeting and list individual/send greetings to many believers—parallels the epistolary closing greeting here.
- Philippians 4:21 (verbal): Explicitly: 'Greet every saint in Christ Jesus'—a near verbal parallel to Hebrews' 'greet all the saints.'
- Colossians 4:15–18 (thematic): Contains house-church greetings and closing salutations tying specific local groups to the author's greetings, similar to Hebrews' greeting to leaders/saints and mention of greetings from a locality.
- 1 Peter 5:13 (allusion): Mentions greetings transmitted from a specific place/people associated with the author ('she who is at Babylon... sends you greetings'), parallel to Hebrews' note that 'those from Italy greet you.'
Alternative generated candidates
- Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.
- Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy send you greetings.
Heb.13.25 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- χαρις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- μετα: PREP
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 16:23 (verbal): Uses the same benediction formula invoking the grace of the Lord Jesus with the recipients ('The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you').
- Galatians 6:18 (verbal): Closing benediction: 'The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit,' closely matching the grace-with-you formula in wording and function.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:18 (verbal): Final blessing: 'The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all,' nearly identical in wording and communal address ('with you all').
- Ephesians 6:24 (verbal): Benediction uses the phrase 'ἡ χάρις μετὰ πάντων' (the grace be with all), a close verbal and structural parallel to Hebrews 13:25's wording.
- 2 Corinthians 13:14 (thematic): A closing benediction invoking grace (with love and fellowship), thematically parallel as an apostolic farewell invoking divine blessing on the community.
Alternative generated candidates
- Grace be with you all. Amen.
- Grace be with you all. Amen.
Let brotherly love continue.
Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; and those who are mistreated, since you yourselves also are in the body.
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.
Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings. For it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which have not benefited those who observed them.
We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat.
For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as a sin offering are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people by his own blood.
Let us therefore go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach.
For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account; let them do this with joy and not with groaning—this would be of no advantage to you.
Pray for us; for we are persuaded that we have a clear conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. But I urge you the more earnestly to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. Now may the God of peace, who raised from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant,
equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Brothers, bear with this word of exhortation; for I have written to you briefly.
Know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you.
Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy send you greetings.
Grace be with you all. Amen.