King James Version

What Does Hebrews 13:21 Mean?

Hebrews 13:21 in the King James Version says “Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesu... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 13:21 · KJV


Context

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.

23

Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This prayer petition requests God's sanctifying work. 'Make you perfect' (katartisai hymas, καταρτίσαι ὑμᾶς, 'equip you,' 'complete you,' or 'restore you') describes God fitting believers for service, supplying all necessary grace and ability. 'In every good work' (en panti ergō agathō) indicates comprehensive obedience across all life areas. 'To do his will' (eis to poiēsai to thelēma autou) states the goal: accomplishing God's purposes.

'Working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight' (poiōn en hymin to euareston enōpion autou) emphasizes that God Himself works in believers to accomplish His will. We don't manufacture obedience independently; God enables it. This is Philippians 2:12-13 in prayer form: 'work out your salvation...for it is God who works in you both to will and to do.' 'Through Jesus Christ' specifies the mediator through whom all grace flows. The doxology 'to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen' could refer to Christ or God the Father—both deserve eternal glory.

This demonstrates the Reformed doctrine of sanctification: God works in believers to produce holiness. We cooperate but don't originate the work. Spiritual growth, good works, obedience—all flow from divine grace working through Christ. This produces both humility (we can't boast) and confidence (God who began good work will complete it, Philippians 1:6).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The prayer reflects early Christian understanding that spiritual transformation comes from God's power, not human effort. Paul similarly prays for believers' sanctification (Ephesians 3:14-21; Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:9-12). Ancient pagan religions emphasized human achievement of divine favor through rituals and works. Christianity's radical claim was that God works transformation in believers who trust Christ. The emphasis on God 'working in you' would encourage readers facing persecution—their perseverance wasn't self-generated willpower but divine enablement. This prayer established pattern for Christian prayer: asking God to work what He commands, recognizing dependence on grace for obedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that God works in you to accomplish His will affect your approach to obedience and spiritual growth?
  2. What 'good works' is God equipping you for, and how are you cooperating with His working in your life?
  3. In what ways should recognition that all spiritual progress comes 'through Jesus Christ' produce both humility and confidence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
καταρτίσαι1 of 31

Make

G2675

to complete thoroughly, i.e., repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust

ὑμᾶς2 of 31

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐν3 of 31

in

G1722

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

παντὶ4 of 31

every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἔργῳ5 of 31

work

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἀγαθῷ6 of 31

good

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

εἰς7 of 31

for

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ8 of 31
G3588

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

ποιῶν9 of 31

do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τὸ10 of 31
G3588

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

θέλημα11 of 31

will

G2307

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

αὐτοῦ12 of 31

in his

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

ποιῶν13 of 31

do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἐν14 of 31

in

G1722

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

ὑμῖν15 of 31

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

τὸ16 of 31
G3588

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

εὐάρεστον17 of 31

that which is wellpleasing

G2101

fully agreeable

ἐνώπιον18 of 31

sight

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ19 of 31

in his

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

διὰ20 of 31

through

G1223

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

Ἰησοῦ21 of 31

Jesus

G2424

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

Χριστοῦ22 of 31

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

23 of 31

to whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

24 of 31
G3588

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

δόξα25 of 31

be glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

εἰς26 of 31

for

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοὺς27 of 31
G3588

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

αἰώνων28 of 31

and ever

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

τῶν29 of 31
G3588

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

αἰώνων30 of 31

and ever

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

ἀμήν31 of 31

Amen

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)


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 13:21 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 13:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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