King James Version

What Does Hebrews 13:23 Mean?

Hebrews 13:23 in the King James Version says “Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 13:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

Grace be with you all. Amen. Written to the Hebrews from Italy, by Timothy.

Read Hebrews 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you. This provides update on Timothy's situation. 'Our brother Timothy' (ton adelphon hēmōn Timotheon) warmly identifies Paul's protégé as fellow believer. 'Is set at liberty' (apolelymemon, ἀπολελυμένον, 'has been released') indicates Timothy was imprisoned, probably for the gospel, and has been freed. This confirms early Christians faced real persecution requiring courage to maintain faith.

The author's plan, 'if he come shortly, I will see you' (ean tachion erchetai, opsomai hymas), shows intention to visit with Timothy. The conditional 'if' suggests uncertainty about Timothy's travel plans. This personal detail connects Hebrews to Pauline circle—Timothy was Paul's closest associate, addressed in two canonical letters (1-2 Timothy). Whether Paul wrote Hebrews is debated, but this reference confirms the author's connection to Pauline Christianity.

This illustrates early church's network of relationships spanning geographic regions. Leaders like Timothy traveled extensively, connecting communities, delivering letters, providing updates. Imprisonment for faith was common enough to be mentioned matter-of-factly. Yet the church persevered, maintained fellowship across distances, and rejoiced in believers' releases from imprisonment. This encourages modern church to maintain global connections, support persecuted believers, and rejoice when brothers and sisters are freed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Timothy, from Lystra in Asia Minor, joined Paul's missionary team (Acts 16:1-3) and became trusted associate, sent on important missions to Corinth, Ephesus, and elsewhere. Paul wrote 1-2 Timothy instructing him in pastoral leadership. According to tradition, Timothy led the Ephesian church and was eventually martyred. His imprisonment mentioned here isn't recorded elsewhere in Scripture but fits the pattern of persecution faced by early Christian leaders. The plan for the author and Timothy to visit together suggests ongoing apostolic ministry despite persecution. Early Christians maintained extensive communication networks through traveling ministers carrying letters, bringing news, and strengthening churches.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Timothy's imprisonment and release encourage you about God's providence in persecution?
  2. What does the early church's network of relationships teach about maintaining fellowship and support across distances?
  3. In what ways can you support and celebrate with modern believers who are imprisoned for faith or recently released?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
Γινώσκετε1 of 12

“Know ye”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

τὸν2 of 12
G3588

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

ἀδελφὸν3 of 12

“that our brother”

G80

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

Τιμόθεον4 of 12

“Timothy”

G5095

dear to god; timotheus, a christian

ἀπολελυμένον5 of 12

“is set at liberty”

G630

to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce

μεθ'6 of 12

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

οὗ7 of 12

“whom”

G3739

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

ἐὰν8 of 12

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τάχιον9 of 12

“shortly”

G5032

more swiftly, i.e., (in manner) more rapidly, or (in time) more speedily

ἔρχηται10 of 12

“he come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ὄψομαι11 of 12

“I will see”

G3700

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

ὑμᾶς12 of 12

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

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 13:23 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 13:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philemon 1:11 Thessalonians 3:22 Timothy 1:8Revelation 7:14Philemon 1:22Romans 15:25

Test Your Knowledge

Hebrews 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHebrews Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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