King James Version

What Does Hebrews 13:3 Mean?

Hebrews 13:3 in the King James Version says “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the bo...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.”

Hebrews 13:3 · KJV

Context

1

Let brotherly love continue.

2

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

3

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

4

Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

5

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Read Hebrews 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. This command requires solidarity with imprisoned and suffering believers. 'Remember' (mimnēskesthe, μιμνήσκεσθε) means more than mental recollection—it demands active care and support. 'As bound with them' (hōs syndesmoi, ὡς σύνδεσμοι, 'as fellow-prisoners') calls for empathetic identification, feeling their suffering as personal experience.

The phrase 'as being yourselves also in the body' can mean (1) being in the same physical body (vulnerable to similar persecution), or (2) being in the same spiritual body (church). Both apply. Believers should remember imprisoned Christians both because we could face same fate and because we're united in Christ's body—when one member suffers, all suffer (1 Corinthians 12:26). This unity transcends geographic separation.

This challenges comfortable Christianity that ignores persecuted global church. Today, millions of Christians worldwide face imprisonment, torture, and death for faith. We're called to remember and support them through prayer, advocacy, and material aid. Organizations like Voice of the Martyrs exist to facilitate this biblical duty. Reformed theology's emphasis on church's visible, universal nature reminds us that believers across the world are our brothers and sisters whose suffering demands our active concern and aid.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The original readers had 'had compassion of me in my bonds' (Hebrews 10:34), showing they supported imprisoned believers. In Roman world, prisoners depended on outside support for food, clothing, and basic necessities since prisons didn't provide these. Visiting prisoners was dangerous—it identified visitors as Christians and sympathizers, risking arrest. Yet early Christians courageously supported imprisoned brothers and sisters despite danger. Church father Tertullian (c. 200 AD) described Christian communities collecting funds for prisoners. Visiting imprisoned believers was considered mark of genuine faith. Polycarp's martyrdom account describes Christian community supporting him before execution. This sacrificial care testified powerfully to pagan observers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How are you actively remembering and supporting persecuted Christians globally through prayer, advocacy, or financial support?
  2. What prevents you from identifying with suffering believers 'as bound with them'—ignorance, comfort, or indifference?
  3. In what practical ways can you demonstrate solidarity with imprisoned and persecuted Christians today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
μιμνῄσκεσθε1 of 13

“Remember”

G3403

to remind, i.e., (middle voice) to recall to mind

τῶν2 of 13
G3588

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

δεσμίων3 of 13

“them that are in bonds”

G1198

a captive (as bound)

ὡς4 of 13

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

συνδεδεμένοι5 of 13

“bound with them”

G4887

to bind with, i.e., (passively) be a fellow-prisoner (figuratively)

τῶν6 of 13
G3588

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

κακουχουμένων7 of 13

“and them which suffer adversity”

G2558

to maltreat

ὡς8 of 13

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

καὶ9 of 13

“also”

G2532

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

αὐτοὶ10 of 13

“yourselves”

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

ὄντες11 of 13

“being”

G5607

being

ἐν12 of 13

“in”

G1722

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

σώματι13 of 13

“the body”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

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 13:3 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 13:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 25:36Hebrews 10:34Romans 12:151 Corinthians 12:26Colossians 4:18Galatians 6:1-2

Test Your Knowledge

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

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