King James Version

What Does Hebrews 13:6 Mean?

Hebrews 13:6 in the King James Version says “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 13:6 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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

8

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Read Hebrews 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents the believer's confident response to God's promise of unfailing presence (v. 5), quoting Psalm 118:6 to express the practical courage that flows from divine assurance. The construction 'so that we may boldly say' (ὥστε θαρροῦντας ἡμᾶς λέγειν, hōste tharrountas hēmas legein) indicates that God's promise of presence is the sufficient ground for fearless confession. The verb 'tharreō' (θαρρέω, 'boldly') means to be of good courage, confident, or fearless—the opposite of timidity or anxiety. 'The Lord is my helper' (Κύριος ἐμοὶ βοηθός, Kurios emoi boēthos) uses the emphatic pronoun—not merely a helper among many but my personal, covenant helper. The Greek 'boēthos' (βοηθός) means one who runs to the aid of another crying for help, emphasizing active assistance rather than passive sympathy. The rhetorical question 'what shall man do unto me?' (τί ποιήσει μοι ἄνθρωπος, ti poiēsei moi anthrōpos) expects the answer: nothing of eternal consequence. Human opposition, however fierce, cannot separate believers from God's love (Romans 8:31-39) or thwart His purposes. This is not reckless bravado or denial of real danger but faith-grounded confidence that prioritizes God's power over human threats. The verse transforms fear of man—one of the most pervasive human anxieties—into confident trust in God's superior power and faithful presence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 118:6, quoted here, was sung during Passover celebrations and likely was familiar to every Jewish believer. The psalm celebrates God's deliverance from surrounding enemies and was understood messianically—Jesus quoted Psalm 118:22-23 regarding the rejected cornerstone (Matthew 21:42). For Hebrew Christians in the first century, the fear of man was intensely practical. Confessing Christ publicly meant potential: excommunication from synagogue (John 9:22), loss of livelihood and property (Hebrews 10:34), social ostracism from family and community, imprisonment, and execution. Nero's persecution (AD 64-68) had demonstrated Rome's capacity for brutality against Christians. Jewish zealot movements were gaining strength, leading toward the Jewish revolt (AD 66-70) and subsequent destruction of Jerusalem. In this volatile environment, fear of man could easily overwhelm faith. The author grounds courage not in human strength or favorable circumstances but solely in God's covenant promise. Historical martyrs demonstrated this confidence: Stephen (Acts 7:54-60), James (Acts 12:1-2), and countless others throughout church history have embodied this verse, declaring through word and deed that God's help matters infinitely more than man's hostility.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise to never forsake us (v. 5) specifically enable bold confession in the face of human opposition?
  2. In what areas of life are you most tempted to fear what people might think, say, or do?
  3. What is the difference between healthy prudence and the fear of man that this verse addresses?
  4. How should understanding God as your personal helper affect your response to criticism, rejection, or persecution?
  5. What practical steps can cultivate the fearless confidence expressed in this verse rather than people-pleasing anxiety?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ὥστε1 of 14

“So that”

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

θαῤῥοῦντας2 of 14

“may boldly”

G2292

to exercise courage

ἡμᾶς3 of 14

“we”

G2248

us

λέγειν4 of 14

“say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Κύριος5 of 14

“The Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐμοὶ6 of 14

“is my”

G1698

to me

βοηθός7 of 14

“helper”

G998

a succorer

καὶ8 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

οὐ9 of 14

“not”

G3756

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

φοβηθήσομαι10 of 14

“I will”

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

τί11 of 14

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ποιήσει12 of 14

“shall do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

μοι13 of 14

“unto me”

G3427

to me

ἄνθρωπος14 of 14

“man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

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 13:6 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 13:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 118:6-9Isaiah 41:10Romans 8:31Psalms 27:1-3Psalms 124:8Hebrews 4:16

Test Your Knowledge

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

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