King James Version

What Does Hebrews 13:4 Mean?

Hebrews 13:4 in the King James Version says “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 13:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Read Hebrews 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. This verse affirms marriage's sanctity and sexual purity while warning against sexual immorality. 'Marriage is honourable in all' (timios ho gamos en pasin, τίμιος ὁ γάμος ἐν πᾶσιν) declares marriage universally honorable—for all people, in all cultures, at all times. 'The bed undefiled' (kai hē koitē amiantos) specifically affirms that sexual intimacy within marriage is pure, holy, and God-honoring.

The contrast with 'whoremongers and adulterers' (pornous kai moichous, πόρνους καὶ μοιχούς) distinguishes legitimate from illegitimate sexuality. Sexual expression belongs exclusively within marriage covenant; all other sexual activity constitutes sin. 'God will judge' (krinei ho theos, κρινεῖ ὁ θεός) promises divine judgment on sexual immorality, whether seemingly unpunished in this life.

This challenges modern culture's sexual libertinism and also historical heresies that denigrated marriage and sexuality (Gnosticism, some monasticism). God designed sexuality for marriage; within that covenant it's pure and good; outside it, it's sin deserving judgment. Reformed theology affirms both celibacy and marriage as honorable callings but rejects sexual activity outside marriage as rebellion against Creator's design. The warning about judgment should motivate both personal purity and church discipline regarding sexual sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman culture featured widespread sexual immorality—prostitution, adultery, homosexuality, and sexual slavery were common. Mystery religions incorporated sexual acts into worship. Greek philosophy sometimes viewed physical realm, including sexuality, as inferior to spiritual. Some early heresies (Gnosticism) taught that either (1) physical acts didn't matter spiritually, permitting licentiousness, or (2) material realm was evil, requiring asceticism including rejecting marriage. Against both errors, Hebrews affirms marriage as honorable and marital sexuality as undefiled while condemning all extramarital sexual activity. Paul similarly defended marriage against false asceticism (1 Timothy 4:3) while condemning sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). Early church needed clear sexual ethics amid pagan culture's promiscuity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge both culture's sexual libertinism and false asceticism that denigrates marital sexuality?
  2. What practical steps are you taking to honor marriage and maintain sexual purity in thought and action?
  3. How should the warning of God's judgment on sexual immorality affect your personal holiness and church discipline?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Τίμιος1 of 16

“is honourable”

G5093

valuable, i.e., (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved

ὁ2 of 16
G3588

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

γάμος3 of 16

“Marriage”

G1062

nuptials

ἐν4 of 16

“in”

G1722

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

πᾶσιν5 of 16

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ6 of 16

“and”

G2532

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

ἡ7 of 16
G3588

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

κοίτη8 of 16

“the bed”

G2845

a couch; by extension, cohabitation; by implication, the male sperm

ἀμίαντος9 of 16

“undefiled”

G283

unsoiled, i.e., (figuratively) pure

πόρνους10 of 16

“whoremongers”

G4205

a (male) prostitute (as venal), i.e., (by analogy) a debauchee (libertine)

δὲ11 of 16

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ12 of 16

“and”

G2532

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

μοιχοὺς13 of 16

“adulterers”

G3432

a (male) paramour; figuratively, apostate

κρινεῖ14 of 16

“will judge”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

ὁ15 of 16
G3588

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

θεός16 of 16

“God”

G2316

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

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 13:4 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 13:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 2:24Proverbs 5:15-231 Corinthians 7:2-16Galatians 5:19Genesis 1:27-281 Corinthians 6:9

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