King James Version

What Does Hebrews 13:7 Mean?

Hebrews 13:7 in the King James Version says “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering th...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Hebrews 13:7 · KJV

Faith

Context

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.

9

Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein .

Read Hebrews 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This verse commands respect for spiritual leaders who faithfully taught God's Word. 'Remember' (mnēmoneuete, μνημονεύετε) means actively recalling and honoring them. 'Have the rule over you' (hēgoumenōn, ἡγουμένων, 'leading' or 'guiding') describes pastoral oversight, particularly those who 'spoken unto you the word of God' (elalēsan hymin ton logon tou theou)—faithful Bible teachers and preachers.

'Whose faith follow' (hōn mimēsthe tēn pistin, ὧν μιμεῖσθε τὴν πίστιν, 'imitate their faith') calls for emulating their trust in God and doctrinal faithfulness. The phrase 'considering the end of their conversation' (anatheōrountes tēn ekbasin tēs anastrophēs) means observing the outcome or result of their lifestyle. If their faithful teaching and living resulted in God's blessing (or faithful endurance despite suffering), this validates their example worth following.

This teaches proper regard for godly pastoral leadership—not celebrity worship or unquestioning obedience, but respect for those who faithfully teach Scripture and model Christ-like faith. Reformed theology emphasizes the regulative principle that church leaders' authority derives from faithfulness to God's Word, not ecclesiastical office alone. We honor leaders who teach truth and live consistently with it. Their faith-filled endurance, especially unto death (martyrdom), provides powerful example for succeeding generations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The past tense ('who have spoken') and emphasis on 'the end of their conversation' suggests these leaders had died, possibly as martyrs. Early Christian tradition records numerous first-century martyrdoms—Stephen, James son of Zebedee, James the Lord's brother, Peter, Paul, and many others. The original readers would have known faithful teachers who died for the faith, whose completed lives demonstrated persevering faith worth emulating. Later Christian generations similarly honored martyrs and faithful teachers like Polycarp, Ignatius, and others whose deaths validated their teaching. This verse established pattern of honoring faithful leaders' memory and following their example, particularly their endurance unto death.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are faithful spiritual teachers in your life whose faith you should imitate, and how are you doing so?
  2. What 'end of their conversation'—life outcomes—validates these leaders' faith as worth following?
  3. How should you honor the memory and example of faithful Christians who've gone before, especially martyrs?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Μνημονεύετε1 of 20

“Remember”

G3421

to exercise memory, i.e., recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse

τῶν2 of 20
G3588

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

ἡγουμένων3 of 20

“them which have the rule”

G2233

to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider

ὑμῶν4 of 20

“over you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

οἵτινες5 of 20

“who”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐλάλησαν6 of 20

“have spoken”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ὑμῖν7 of 20

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

τὸν8 of 20
G3588

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

λόγον9 of 20

“the word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῦ10 of 20
G3588

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

θεοῦ11 of 20

“of God”

G2316

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

ὧν12 of 20

“whose”

G3739

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

ἀναθεωροῦντες13 of 20

“considering”

G333

to look again (i.e., attentively) at (literally or figuratively)

τὴν14 of 20
G3588

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

ἔκβασιν15 of 20

“the end”

G1545

an exit (literally or figuratively)

τῆς16 of 20
G3588

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

ἀναστροφῆς17 of 20

“of their conversation”

G391

behavior

μιμεῖσθε18 of 20

“follow”

G3401

to imitate

τὴν19 of 20
G3588

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

πίστιν20 of 20

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

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 13:7 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 13:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13Hebrews 13:17Philippians 3:17Hebrews 6:121 Thessalonians 1:6Matthew 24:45

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