King James Version

What Does Hebrews 13:15 Mean?

Hebrews 13:15 in the King James Version says “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks t...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Hebrews 13:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. have: or, guide

Read Hebrews 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Having established believers' pilgrim status and separation from worldly systems, the author instructs what we should offer God. 'By him' (di' autou, δι' αὐτοῦ) indicates Christ is the mediator through whom we offer acceptable worship. All worship must come through Christ, not through Old Covenant priesthood or ceremonies.

'The sacrifice of praise' (thysian aineseōs, θυσίαν αἰνέσεως) replaces animal sacrifices with verbal thanksgiving. The phrase 'fruit of our lips' (karpon cheileon) quotes Hosea 14:2 (LXX), where God values heartfelt confession over ritual sacrifice. 'Continually' (dia pantos, διὰ παντός, 'through all circumstances') calls for constant thanksgiving, not merely occasional or situational praise. This sacrifice costs something—praising God amid persecution and suffering requires faith and commitment.

This illustrates New Covenant worship's nature: spiritual, not ceremonial; continuous, not occasional; through Christ, not human priests. Reformed theology emphasizes worship as response to grace, not earning favor. We don't sacrifice to obtain God's acceptance (Christ's sacrifice accomplished that) but offer praise in gratitude for received grace. Thanksgiving becomes our 'sacrifice'—costly because offered amid trials, voluntary because motivated by love, acceptable because mediated by Christ. True worship is lifestyle of grateful praise, not ritualistic religious performance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Old Covenant worship centered on physical sacrifices at temple—animals, grain, incense. Priests mediated between God and people. With Christ's final sacrifice, this system became obsolete (Hebrews 10:18). New Covenant worship is spiritual—prayer, praise, obedience, service. The phrase 'fruit of our lips' references prophetic tradition valuing heartfelt worship over empty ritual (Isaiah 1:11-17; Amos 5:21-24; Hosea 6:6). Early Christians, initially lacking buildings or formal liturgy, worshiped through praise, Scripture reading, prayer, and Lord's Supper in homes. The Psalms heavily influenced early Christian worship—book of Psalms being ancient Israel's hymnbook. Praising God 'continually' amid persecution distinguished Christian worship—they praised even in prison, before execution, characterizing authentic faith that transcends circumstances.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you offer 'sacrifice of praise' continually, even amid difficult circumstances that don't inspire thanksgiving?
  2. What does it mean that your praise must be offered 'by him' (through Christ) rather than based on your own merit?
  3. In what practical ways can the 'fruit of your lips' become constant thanksgiving rather than complaining or silence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
δι'1 of 17

“By”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

αὐτοῦ2 of 17

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οὖν3 of 17

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἀναφέρωμεν4 of 17

“let us offer”

G399

to take up (literally or figuratively)

θυσίαν5 of 17

“the sacrifice”

G2378

sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)

αἰνέσεως6 of 17

“of praise”

G133

a praising (the act), i.e., (specially) a thank(-offering)

διαπαντός7 of 17

“continually”

G1275

through all time, i.e., (adverbially) constantly

τῷ8 of 17
G3588

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

θεῷ9 of 17

“to God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τοῦτ'10 of 17
G5124

that thing

ἔστιν11 of 17
G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

καρπὸν12 of 17

“the fruit”

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

χειλέων13 of 17

“of our lips”

G5491

a lip (as a pouring place); figuratively, a margin (of water)

ὁμολογούντων14 of 17

“giving thanks”

G3670

to assent, i.e., covenant, acknowledge

τῷ15 of 17
G3588

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

ὀνόματι16 of 17

“name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

αὐτοῦ17 of 17

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

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 13:15 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 13:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 107:21-22Psalms 50:14Romans 12:1Psalms 145:1-211 Peter 2:5Hosea 14:2

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Hebrews 13 with CommentaryAll Hebrews ChaptersComplete Hebrews QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes