King James Version

What Does Hebrews 13:18 Mean?

Hebrews 13:18 in the King James Version says “Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 13:18 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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

18

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

19

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

20

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, covenant: or, testament

Read Hebrews 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. The author requests prayer, demonstrating humility and interdependence in Christ's body. 'Pray for us' (proseuchesthe peri hēmōn, προσεύχεσθε περὶ ἡμῶν) acknowledges that even mature Christian leaders need others' prayers. No believer is self-sufficient; we all depend on corporate intercession and divine grace. This models appropriate pastoral humility rather than spiritual pride.

The motivation, 'we trust we have a good conscience' (peithometha gar hoti kalēn syneidēsin echomen), indicates the author's confidence in ministerial integrity. A 'good conscience' means clear awareness of right standing before God through faithful conduct. The phrase 'willing to live honestly' (en pasin kalōs thelontes anastrephesthai, 'in all things desiring to conduct ourselves honorably') affirms commitment to ethical living in all areas, not merely religious matters.

This teaches that ministry effectiveness requires both clear conscience and intercessory support. Leaders must maintain integrity before God and people, living honorably in all circumstances. But even with good conscience, they need others' prayers. Reformed theology rejects both pastoral authoritarianism (leaders lording over flock) and individualism (leaders functioning independently). Healthy churches feature mutual interdependence—members supporting leaders through prayer, leaders serving members through teaching and example. Paul similarly requested prayer (Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:25).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The author's request for prayer and assertion of good conscience suggests possible misunderstanding, opposition, or separation from readers. Perhaps the author was imprisoned, traveling, or facing criticism. Early Christian leaders often faced opposition from both external persecutors and internal critics. Maintaining good conscience amid false accusations was crucial. Paul frequently defended his ministry integrity (2 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:10). The emphasis on 'honest' living reflects Christian communities' need to maintain reputation amid pagan society quick to criticize. Leaders' conduct directly affected church testimony. First-century context lacked modern communication, making intercessory prayer vital for distant leaders facing trials. The request for prayer fostered spiritual unity despite physical separation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How faithfully are you praying for Christian leaders, recognizing their dependence on corporate intercession?
  2. What does 'good conscience' mean for your own life and ministry, and how do you maintain integrity in all areas?
  3. In what ways do you balance confidence in your integrity with humble dependence on others' prayer support?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Προσεύχεσθε1 of 14

“Pray”

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

περὶ2 of 14

“for”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ἡμῶν·3 of 14

“us”

G2257

of (or from) us

πεποίθαμεν4 of 14

“we trust”

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

γὰρ5 of 14

“for”

G1063

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

ὅτι6 of 14
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καλὴν7 of 14

“a good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

συνείδησιν8 of 14

“conscience”

G4893

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

ἔχομεν9 of 14

“we have”

G2192

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

ἐν10 of 14

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πᾶσιν11 of 14

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καλῶς12 of 14

“honestly”

G2573

well (usually morally)

θέλοντες13 of 14

“willing”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ἀναστρέφεσθαι14 of 14

“to live”

G390

to overturn; also to return; by implication, to busy oneself, i.e., remain, live

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 13:18 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 13:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 5:252 Thessalonians 3:1Colossians 4:31 Timothy 1:5Romans 15:30Acts 24:16

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