King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
Complete Jewish Bible:
For we have no permanent city here; on the contrary, we seek the one to come.
Berean Standard Bible:
For here we do not have a permanent city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.
American Standard Version:
For we have not here an abiding city, but we seek after the city which is to come.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
For{G1063} here{G5602} have we{G2192} no{G3756} continuing{G3306} city{G4172}, but{G235} we seek one{G1934} to come{G3195}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Philippians 3:20
- For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Colossians 3:1
- ¶ If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Colossians 3:3
- For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Hebrews 11:12
- Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, [so many] as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
Hebrews 11:16
- But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Hebrews 12:22
- But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Ephesians 2:19
- Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
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Commentary for Hebrews 13:14
Hebrews 13:14 is a verse found within the New Testament of the Christian Bible, specifically in the Epistle to the Hebrews. This letter is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul, though modern scholarship often questions this authorship. It was written to Jewish Christians, likely in the first century, to encourage them in their faith amidst persecution and to clarify the superiority of Christ and the new covenant over the old covenant of the Law of Moses.
The verse itself, "For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come," encapsulates a key theme in Hebrews: the transient nature of earthly life and the ultimate hope in a heavenly, eternal city. The author is reminding the readers that their true citizenship is not of this world; they are pilgrims and sojourners looking forward to a permanent, heavenly dwelling place. This reflects the early Christian belief in the eschatological hope of a new Jerusalem, a concept rooted in Old Testament prophecies (such as in the Book of Revelation) and the teachings of Jesus.
Historically, this verse would have resonated with the early Christians who often faced displacement and alienation due to their faith. It served as a source of comfort and a call to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the imperishable rather than the temporal. The "city to come" symbolizes the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate destination for believers, where they will find true rest and communion with God. Thus, Hebrews 13:14 exhorts believers to live with a sense of purpose and hope, looking beyond the struggles of the present to the glory that awaits them in the eternal city of God.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: G1063
There are 1016 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: γάρ
Transliteration: gár
Pronunciation: gar
Description: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet. - Strong's Number: G5602
There are 56 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὧδε
Transliteration: hōde
Pronunciation: ho'-deh
Description: from an adverb form of ὅδε; in this same spot, i.e. here or hither:--here, hither, (in) this place, there. - Strong's Number: G2192
There are 628 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἔχω
Transliteration: échō
Pronunciation: skheh'-o
Description: a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition):--be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use. - Strong's Number: G3756
There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: οὐ
Transliteration: ou
Pronunciation: ookh
Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος. - Strong's Number: G3306
There are 105 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: μένω
Transliteration: ménō
Pronunciation: men'-o
Description: a primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):--abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), X thine own. - Strong's Number: G4172
There are 155 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πόλις
Transliteration: pólis
Pronunciation: pol'-is
Description: probably from the same as πόλεμος, or perhaps from πολύς; a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size):--city. - Strong's Number: G235
There are 635 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀλλά
Transliteration: allá
Pronunciation: al-lah'
Description: neuter plural of ἄλλος; properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations):--and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet. - Strong's Number: G1934
There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐπιζητέω
Transliteration: epizētéō
Pronunciation: ep-eed-zay-teh'-o
Description: from ἐπί and ζητέω; to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave:--desire, enquire, seek (after, for). - Strong's Number: G3195
There are 107 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: μέλλω
Transliteration: méllō
Pronunciation: mel'-lo
Description: a strengthened form of μέλω (through the idea of expectation); to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probability, possibility, or hesitation):--about, after that, be (almost), (that which is, things, + which was for) to come, intend, was to (be), mean, mind, be at the point, (be) ready, + return, shall (begin), (which, that) should (after, afterwards, hereafter) tarry, which was for, will, would, be yet.