King James Version

What Does Hebrews 13:20 Mean?

Hebrews 13:20 in the King James Version says “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blo...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Hebrews 13:20 · KJV

PeaceEternal Life

Context

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

21

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. working: or, doing

22

And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.

Read Hebrews 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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, This benediction opens with 'the God of peace' (ho theos tēs eirēnēs, ὁ θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης), emphasizing reconciliation achieved through Christ. God establishes peace between Himself and sinners, among believers, and within individual souls. This peace rests on Christ's work, described next: God 'brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus' (anagagōn ek nekrōn ton kyrion hēmōn Iēsoun)—resurrection validates Christ's sacrifice and secures our salvation.

'That great shepherd of the sheep' (ton poimena tōn probatōn ton megan) identifies Jesus as ultimate fulfillment of Ezekiel 34's promised shepherd. He's not merely a shepherd but 'the great shepherd,' superior to all under-shepherds (pastors). 'Through the blood of the everlasting covenant' (en haimati diathēkēs aiōniou) specifies the means: Christ's shed blood ratified the eternal, unbreakable New Covenant, securing all its promises permanently.

This rich theological summary encapsulates the gospel: peace with God through Christ's resurrection, accomplished by His shepherding leadership and covenant blood. The 'everlasting covenant' contrasts with Old Covenant's temporary nature—this covenant endures eternally, never to be superseded. Reformed theology sees here God's eternal decree, Christ's substitutionary atonement, and resurrection power, all working together to secure believers' salvation permanently.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The shepherd metaphor permeates Scripture. God is Israel's shepherd (Psalm 23; 80:1); David, a shepherd king, foreshadowed Christ; Ezekiel 34 condemned false shepherds and promised God would raise up faithful shepherd. Jesus identified Himself as good shepherd who lays down His life for sheep (John 10:11-18). The 'everlasting covenant' references Jeremiah 31:31-34's New Covenant prophecy, fulfilled in Christ. First-century readers, familiar with shepherding culture and Old Testament shepherd imagery, would recognize Christ as promised Davidic shepherd-king. The emphasis on 'everlasting' covenant assured them that unlike Old Covenant which proved breakable, this covenant endures permanently through Christ's unchanging priesthood and completed sacrifice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing Jesus as 'that great shepherd' affect your trust and submission to His leadership?
  2. What does the 'everlasting covenant' guarantee about your salvation's security and God's faithfulness?
  3. In what ways does God's resurrection of Jesus provide you with peace in current circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
Ὁ1 of 23
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 23

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

θεὸς3 of 23

“the God”

G2316

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

τῆς4 of 23
G3588

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

εἰρήνης5 of 23

“of peace”

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

ὁ6 of 23
G3588

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

ἀναγαγὼν7 of 23

“that brought again”

G321

to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away

ἐκ8 of 23

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

νεκρῶν9 of 23

“the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

τὸν10 of 23
G3588

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

ποιμένα11 of 23

“shepherd”

G4166

a shepherd (literally or figuratively)

τῶν12 of 23
G3588

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

προβάτων13 of 23

“of the sheep”

G4263

something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)

τὸν14 of 23
G3588

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

μέγαν15 of 23

“that great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ἐν16 of 23

“through”

G1722

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

αἵματι17 of 23

“the blood”

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

διαθήκης18 of 23

“covenant”

G1242

properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)

αἰωνίου19 of 23

“of the everlasting”

G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

τὸν20 of 23
G3588

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

κύριον21 of 23

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν22 of 23

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦν23 of 23

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

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 13:20 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 13:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 10:11Hebrews 10:22Psalms 23:1Romans 15:33John 10:142 Thessalonians 3:16

Test Your Knowledge

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