King James Version

What Does Hebrews 13:14 Mean?

Hebrews 13:14 in the King James Version says “For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.”

Hebrews 13:14 · KJV

Context

12

Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

13

Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

14

For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

15

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. giving: Gr. confessing to

16

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Read Hebrews 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. This verse grounds the previous exhortation in believers' pilgrim status. 'Here' (hōde, ὧδε) refers to this present world. 'No continuing city' (ou...menousan polin, οὐ...μένουσαν πόλιν, 'no abiding city' or 'no permanent city') indicates earthly cities, nations, and civilizations are temporary. Even Jerusalem, where temple stood, wasn't believers' permanent home. Nothing in this world lasts.

'But we seek one to come' (tēn mellousan epizētoumen, τὴν μέλλουσαν ἐπιζητοῦμεν) contrasts earthly impermanence with heavenly permanence. We actively 'seek' (epizētoumen, present tense—continuous action) the coming city—the heavenly Jerusalem, the city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10, 16). This future city is certain though not yet fully realized, motivating present pilgrimage and sacrifice.

This truth has profound implications. If no earthly city is permanent, we shouldn't invest ultimate allegiance, identity, or hope in any nation, culture, or civilization. We're temporary residents everywhere, citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). This frees us from both despair when earthly kingdoms fail and idolatry when they succeed. Political systems, economic structures, cultural achievements—all temporary. Only God's kingdom abides. This pilgrim mentality characterized Puritans ('We are strangers here; heaven is our home') and should mark all believers.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient world featured impressive cities—Rome, Alexandria, Athens, Jerusalem—centers of power, culture, and religion. Jerusalem held special significance for Jews as God's chosen city, David's capital, temple site. Yet Hebrews declares even Jerusalem isn't permanent (fulfilled dramatically in 70 AD destruction). The 'city to come' references Revelation 21-22's New Jerusalem, descending from heaven, where God dwells with His people eternally. Early Christians' detachment from earthly cities partly explains their resilience under persecution—losing earthly homes didn't devastate them because they sought heavenly homeland. Church fathers like Augustine (City of God) developed this theme, distinguishing between earthly and heavenly cities. This pilgrim theology has sustained believers through countless earthly upheavals.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that no earthly city is permanent affect your political engagement and cultural attachments?
  2. In what ways are you actively seeking the city to come through prayer, hope, and kingdom-focused living?
  3. What earthly securities or identities must you hold more loosely, remembering you're a pilgrim seeking a better country?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
οὐ1 of 10

“no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γὰρ2 of 10

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἔχομεν3 of 10

“have we”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ὧδε4 of 10

“here”

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

μένουσαν5 of 10

“continuing”

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

πόλιν6 of 10

“city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

ἀλλὰ7 of 10

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τὴν8 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μέλλουσαν9 of 10

“to come”

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

ἐπιζητοῦμεν10 of 10

“we seek one”

G1934

to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 13:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 13:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 3:20Colossians 3:1-3Hebrews 12:22Hebrews 11:12-162 Peter 3:13-14Ephesians 2:19

Test Your Knowledge

Hebrews 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHebrews Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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