King James Version

What Does Hebrews 13:5 Mean?

Hebrews 13:5 in the King James Version says “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will neve...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Hebrews 13:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. have the rule: or, are the guides

Read Hebrews 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse constitutes one of Scripture's most comprehensive promises regarding God's unfailing presence. The statement 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee' employs double negation in Greek ('ou me se afiso oute me sekataleipo') - a construction that emphasizes absolute, unconditional commitment. The two-fold promise addresses both active abandonment (leaving) and passive dereliction (forsaking), ensuring comprehensive coverage against any perception of divine withdrawal. 'Never' (Greek 'ou me') is the strongest negation available in Greek, indicating something that is literally impossible. The verb 'forsake' (kataleipo) specifically means to leave behind or abandon in a place of trial - a term frequently used of desertion under duress. This promise directly contradicts the experience of spiritual despair where believers often report feeling abandoned. Yet the writer insists this feeling is deceptive - God's presence persists irrespective of subjective emotional experience. The historical antecedent echoes God's promise to Joshua (Joshua 1:5): 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,' establishing a pattern where God reiterates this covenant promise during seasons of significant transition and challenge. The promise applies not to extraordinary circumstances but to ordinary Christian existence, addressing the daily temptation to believe ourselves abandoned when facing ordinary struggles.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians around 64-70 AD (possibly before the destruction of Jerusalem) who faced severe pressure to abandon their faith in Jesus and return to Jewish observance. They endured public reproach, confiscation of property (Hebrews 10:34), and community ostracism. Some may have experienced imprisonment (Hebrews 13:3). In this context of hardship testing their faith, the writer grounds Christian perseverance not in individual strength but in Christ's perpetual intercession and presence. The quotation of Joshua 1:5 activates typological thinking: as Joshua faced the daunting task of conquering Canaan yet received this promise, so these Hebrew Christians faced the demanding pilgrimage of faith amid cultural pressure. The historical Jesus had promised 'lo, I am with you alway' (Matthew 28:20), establishing the risen Christ as the fulfillment of God's covenant presence. The Hebrews audience, facing the collapse of the old covenant system (the temple destruction was imminent), needed reassurance that Christ himself was their sanctuary and presence. Church fathers like Chrysostom interpreted this verse as foundational for Christian courage under persecution - believers need not fear persecution or death if Christ's presence remains. The verse addressed the psychological reality that faith is tested precisely when feelings of abandonment seem most overwhelming.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise of never forsaking us address the common experience of feeling spiritually abandoned during trials?
  2. What is the significance of the double promise (neither leaving nor forsaking) rather than a single statement of presence?
  3. Why is the historical context of Joshua's conquest relevant to Hebrew Christians facing cultural and social pressure?
  4. In what ways does this promise address the fear of gradual spiritual decline or the loss of God's guidance?
  5. How does Christ's continued intercession (Hebrews 7:25) relate to this promise of perpetual presence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
Ἀφιλάργυρος1 of 18

“be without covetousness”

G866

unavaricious

ὁ2 of 18
G3588

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

τρόπος3 of 18

“Let your conversation”

G5158

a turn, i.e., (by implication) mode or style (especially with preposition or relative prefix as adverb, like); figuratively, deportment or character

ἀρκούμενοι4 of 18

“and be content”

G714

properly, to ward off, i.e., (by implication) to avail (figuratively, be satisfactory)

τοῖς5 of 18
G3588

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

παροῦσιν6 of 18

“with such things as ye have”

G3918

to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property

αὐτὸς7 of 18

“he”

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

γὰρ8 of 18

“for”

G1063

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

εἴρηκεν9 of 18

“hath said”

G2046

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

Οὐ10 of 18
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μή11 of 18
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

σε12 of 18

“thee”

G4571

thee

ἀνῶ13 of 18

“leave”

G447

to let up, i.e., (literally) slacken or (figuratively) desert, desist from

οὐδ᾽14 of 18

“nor”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

οὐ15 of 18
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μή16 of 18
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

σε17 of 18

“thee”

G4571

thee

ἐγκαταλίπω18 of 18

“forsake”

G1459

to leave behind in some place, i.e., (in a good sense) let remain over, or (in a bad sense) to desert

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 13:5 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 13:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 31:8Joshua 1:5Deuteronomy 31:61 Samuel 12:22Isaiah 41:17Psalms 37:25

Test Your Knowledge

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

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