King James Version

What Does Hebrews 13:17 Mean?

“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”

Context

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

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

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

Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

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Topics in This Verse

Joy

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) The present section of the chapter begins (Hebrews 13:7) and ends (Hebrews 13:17) with a reference to the rulers of the Church: Remember your former leaders, and imitate their faith; obey them that lead you now. **Submit yourselves.**—Better, *yield *(*to them*)*.* Besides fulfilling their injunctions, be ready to comply with their wishes and requests. **For they watch.**—The Greek is emphatic: “For it is they that watch on behalf of your souls as having to give account.” **That they may do it.**—Be obedient and yielding to them, *that they may do this* (may watch for your souls) *with joy and not sighing* (or, *groaning*)*, for this would be unprofitable for you*; if ye so live that they must watch over you with grief, this will both weaken their hands and bring on you the divine displeasure. *No* words could more powerfully present to members of the Church the motives for obedience to their spiritual guides; and to these guides themselves the ideal of their work and life, as men who are keeping watch for souls, either with rejoicing or with mourning (Acts 20:31), ever mindful of the account they must give to God for the flock which He entrusted to their care (Ezekiel 3:18; Ezekiel 33:7; Ezekiel 34:10; 1Peter 5:4).

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 13:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.