FocusLove, marriage, and contentment
Connection to the wholeThe final exhortations begin by applying faithfulness to hospitality, prisoners, marriage, and trust in God's presence rather than money.
interpretation Hebrews 13:4
KJVMarriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Read it in context
Everyday fidelity
Start reading at Hebrews 13:1 (Hebrews 13:1 to Hebrews 13:6).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The final exhortations begin by applying faithfulness to hospitality, prisoners, marriage, and trust in God's presence rather than money.
- 13:1 Let brotherly love continue.
- 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
- 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
- 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
- 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
- 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Who
- Who wrote the book? The author is unknown. Paul is a longstanding attribution, while Barnabas and Apollos are among other historical proposals; none can be established with certainty. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Hebrews 12:1–13:25): The writer exhorts the Christian community to endurance, holiness, mutual care, and respect for its leaders, and requests prayer and reception of Timothy. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A community of Christians who had endured suffering and needed perseverance. They are traditionally identified as Jewish Christians, but their precise location and ethnic composition are uncertain. Biblical references: Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 5:12; Hebrews 10:32; Hebrews 13:22. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Everyday fidelity. Read Hebrews 13:1 through Hebrews 13:6 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The final exhortations begin by applying faithfulness to hospitality, prisoners, marriage, and trust in God's presence rather than money. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The writing refers to the readers' earlier suffering and continuing need for endurance. It does not supply a calendar date or identify its author. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The exact destination and place of composition are not explicitly settled. The reference to those of Italy is a greeting and does not by itself establish where the writer is located. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Everyday fidelity (Hebrews 13:1 to Hebrews 13:6). Start reading at Hebrews 13:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus' priesthood, sacrifice, and help for the tempted govern the exposition. The repeated warnings and calls to hold fast belong to that same argument and should not be explained away. See Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:38. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Hold fast, encourage one another, and obey the word heard. Read assurance and access through Christ alongside the warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back. interpretation
Cited: Hebrews 13:1, Hebrews 13:6, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:38
Who wrote it, and how we know
Uncertain; Pauline authorship is held by many
Not known
What Scripture saysThe letter does not name its author.
Early traditionAncient opinion was divided. Some in the East accepted Pauline authorship; Origen concluded that only God knows who wrote it. Tertullian suggested Barnabas.
What is debatedThe author is genuinely unknown. The polished Greek and the manner of citing Scripture differ from Paul's letters. Claiming certainty here overstates the evidence.
Related passages
- Marriage Gen 1:27-28 Gen 2:21,24 Lev 21:13-15 2 Kgs 22:14 Prov 5:15-23 Isa 8:3 1 Cor 7:2-16 1 Cor 9:5
- and the bed Heb 12:16 1 Cor 6:9 Gal 5:19,21 Eph 5:5 Col 3:5-6 Rev 22:15
- God Ps 50:16-22 Mal 3:5 1 Cor 5:13 2 Cor 5:10
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Hebrews 13
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back.
Hebrews 2:1 Hebrews 3:1 Hebrews 10:32 Hebrews 10:39
Confession and shared life
Hebrews 13:7–17FocusJesus, worship, and leadership
Connection to the wholeThe readers are directed toward Jesus, faithful teaching, praise, practical sharing, and responsible relationships with those who watch for them.
interpretation Prayer, blessing, and news
Hebrews 13:18–25FocusEquipping for God's will
Connection to the wholeThe closing requests and blessing seek the readers' completion in God's will and reconnect the written exhortation with personal fellowship.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Hebrews
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back.
Hebrews 2:1 Hebrews 3:1 Hebrews 10:32 Hebrews 10:39
God has spoken in the Son
Hebrews 1:1–2:18FocusRevelation, salvation, and shared humanity
Connection to the wholeThe opening establishes the Son's greatness, warns against neglecting salvation, and explains His participation in flesh and blood and help for the tempted.
interpretation Hear His voice and enter rest
Hebrews 3:1–4:13FocusChrist, the wilderness warning, and faith
Connection to the wholeComparison with Moses leads to the wilderness example and the continuing appeal to hear God rather than harden the heart.
interpretation The great high priest
Hebrews 4:14–7:28FocusAccess, maturity, and an enduring priesthood
Connection to the wholeChrist's priesthood is developed through exhortation, warning, and the scriptural figure of Melchisedec.
interpretation Covenant and sacrifice
Hebrews 8:1–10:18FocusA sufficient offering
Connection to the wholeThe discussion of sanctuary and offerings explains Christ's priestly work and the significance of His once-for-all sacrifice.
interpretation Hold fast and endure
Hebrews 10:19–12:29FocusFaith, discipline, and the unshaken kingdom
Connection to the wholeThe doctrinal argument leads to sustained exhortation, examples of faith, and warnings that preserve the readers' responsibility to continue.
interpretation FocusLove, worship, and obedience
Connection to the wholePractical instructions and final requests apply the preceding exhortation to the readers' conduct together and their continuing confession.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.