King James Version

What Does Hebrews 13:22 Mean?

Hebrews 13:22 in the King James Version says “And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 13:22 · KJV

Context

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.

24

Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.

Read Hebrews 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words. The author requests patient reception. 'Suffer the word of exhortation' (anechesthe tou logou tēs paraklēseōs, ἀνέχεσθε τοῦ λόγου τῆς παρακλήσεως, 'bear with the word of encouragement/exhortation') urges readers to receive his teaching graciously. Some might find his strong warnings and challenges difficult; he asks forbearance. The content has been simultaneously encouraging and confronting—they should accept both.

'For I have written a letter unto you in few words' (dia bracheon gar epestila hymin) seems ironic given Hebrews' length, but compared to its profound subject matter (Christ's superiority, Old vs New Covenants, faith's nature, warnings against apostasy), the treatment is remarkably concise. The author has restrained himself, covering vast theology briefly. Imagine how much more could be said about Christ's priesthood, Melchizedek typology, or faith's heroes!

This models pastoral wisdom in teaching: address necessary topics without overwhelming hearers. Balance exhortation with encouragement. Present hard truths with request for patient reception. The author doesn't compromise truth to avoid offense but frames it within relationship, asking brothers to receive difficult teaching graciously. Reformed preaching similarly seeks to declare 'the whole counsel of God' (Acts 20:27) without unnecessarily offending, balancing truth and love.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient letters typically ended with personal greetings and requests. The author's appeal to 'suffer the word' suggests awareness that some content might provoke resistance—particularly arguments that Old Covenant system was obsolete, warnings against apostasy, and calls to bear Christ's reproach. Jewish Christians attached to temple worship and Mosaic traditions would find this challenging. The claim to brevity is relative—Hebrews is substantial, but its theological depth could have been expanded infinitely. Ancient rhetorical training emphasized concision; effective communication required saying enough without exhausting audiences. The personal appeal ('brethren') softens potential offense, framing exhortation within family relationship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How willingly do you 'suffer the word of exhortation' when biblical teaching challenges comfortable beliefs or practices?
  2. What does the author's combination of strong truth and gracious appeal teach about how to give and receive correction?
  3. In what areas might you need to patient ly receive difficult biblical truth rather than dismissing or resenting it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Παρακαλῶ1 of 15

“I beseech”

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

δὲ2 of 15

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμᾶς3 of 15

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀδελφοί4 of 15

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἀνέχεσθε5 of 15

“suffer”

G430

to hold oneself up against, i.e., (figuratively) put up with

τοῦ6 of 15
G3588

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

λόγου7 of 15

“the word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τῆς8 of 15
G3588

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

παρακλήσεως9 of 15

“of exhortation”

G3874

imploration, hortation, solace

καὶ10 of 15
G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γὰρ11 of 15

“for”

G1063

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

διὰ12 of 15

“in”

G1223

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

βραχέων13 of 15

“few words”

G1024

short (of time, place, quantity, or number)

ἐπέστειλα14 of 15

“I have written a letter”

G1989

to enjoin (by writing), i.e., (genitive case) to communicate by letter (for any purpose)

ὑμῖν15 of 15

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

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 13:22 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 13:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 5:122 Corinthians 6:1Hebrews 3:1Galatians 6:112 Corinthians 5:20Hebrews 12:1-2

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