Hebrews 13:1

KJV

¶ Let brotherly love continue.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let {G3306} brotherly love {G5360} continue {G3306}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let brotherly friendship continue;

Berean Standard Bible

Continue in brotherly love.

American Standard Version

Let love of the brethren continue.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 13:1 serves as a foundational exhortation at the culmination of the Epistle to the Hebrews, shifting from deep theological exposition to practical Christian living. This concise yet profound command calls believers to actively and continuously maintain a deep, abiding affection for one another, emphasizing the enduring nature of Christian fellowship and the vital importance of unity within the community of faith as a tangible expression of their shared identity in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 13:1 marks a distinct shift in the epistle, transitioning from the rich theological arguments and severe warnings of chapters 1-12 to a series of practical, ethical exhortations. Following the author's powerful call to perseverance in the faith, exemplified by the "great cloud of witnesses" and the "race set before us" in [Hebrews 12](/hebrews/12 "Hebrews 12 - The Race of Faith"), this verse initiates a concluding section of specific commands for daily Christian conduct. It acts as a foundational principle for the subsequent instructions regarding hospitality, remembering prisoners, honoring marriage, contentment, and obedience to leaders, establishing brotherly love as the essential atmosphere in which all other virtues can flourish within the community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The recipients of the Epistle to the Hebrews were Jewish Christians facing significant persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism, as evidenced by earlier warnings against apostasy (e.g., [Hebrews 6:4-6](/hebrews/6-4-6 "Hebrews 6:4-6 - Warning Against Apostasy") and [Hebrews 10:26-31](/hebrews/10-26-31 "Hebrews 10:26-31 - A Warning Against Deliberate Sin")). In such a challenging environment, internal unity and mutual support were not merely desirable but absolutely critical for survival and spiritual endurance. The emphasis on "brotherly love" would have resonated deeply with a community under pressure, reminding them of their familial bonds in Christ that transcended external threats and internal disagreements, providing a necessary bulwark against isolation and despair.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse of the final chapter powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of the epistle. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Christian Community and Fellowship**, highlighting that faith is not a solitary endeavor but is lived out in interdependent relationships. Secondly, it emphasizes **Perseverance and Endurance**, as the command is not just to have brotherly love, but to "let it continue," implying an ongoing, active commitment despite difficulties, echoing the call to "run with endurance the race that is set before us" found in [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - Running the Race of Faith"). Finally, it introduces the theme of **Practical Discipleship and Ethical Living**, demonstrating that true faith in Christ's superior covenant inevitably leads to tangible expressions of love and service, setting the stage for the specific moral directives that follow in [Hebrews 13](/hebrews/13 "Hebrews 13 - Practical Exhortations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **brotherly love (Greek, _philadelphía'_):** From G5360, this term literally means "love of brethren" or "fraternal affection." It denotes the specific kind of affectionate love that should exist among members of a family, particularly within the Christian community, who are united as spiritual siblings in Christ. While distinct from *agape* (unconditional, divine love), *philadelphía* is the natural and necessary outflow of *agape* when applied to the relationships within the body of Christ. It implies a deep sense of kinship, loyalty, mutual care, and shared identity that characterizes the church.
* **continue (Greek, _ménō'_):** From G3306, this primary verb means "to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)," "abide," "endure," or "remain." In this context, it is an imperative, a command for brotherly love to persist, to not cease or diminish. It suggests that this love is not a fleeting emotion but a constant, unwavering quality that must be actively maintained and cultivated within the community, implying both a present reality and a future expectation of its endurance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let brotherly love":** This opening phrase introduces the primary subject of the exhortation: *philadelphía*, the specific affection shared among believers. The use of "Let" (implied by the imperative mood of the verb "continue") indicates a command, not a suggestion. It is an active call for the community to ensure that this particular kind of love is present and vibrant among them.
* **"continue.":** The verb *ménō*, in its imperative form, emphasizes the ongoing, persistent nature of this love. It's not enough for brotherly love to exist; it must endure, abide, and remain steadfast. This implies a conscious effort to preserve and deepen these bonds, resisting anything that might threaten to diminish or break them, especially in times of external pressure or internal friction.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Imperative Mood** and **Exhortation**. The command "Let brotherly love continue" is a direct, authoritative instruction from the author to the believing community, signaling the shift from theological discourse to practical application. This **Exhortation** is both a reminder of an existing virtue and a call to its active preservation and growth. The concise nature of the command makes it memorable and impactful, serving as a foundational principle for the subsequent practical directives in the chapter. It implies that brotherly love is not optional but essential for the health and endurance of the Christian community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 13:1 underscores the profound theological truth that Christian faith is inherently communal, not individualistic. The command for "brotherly love" to "continue" reflects the very nature of God as a relational Trinity and the church as the body of Christ, called to manifest His love in the world. This love is not merely a sentiment but a practical outworking of the new covenant, demonstrating the reality of their transformation and their shared identity as God's people. It is a vital sign of genuine discipleship and a necessary condition for the church's health, unity, and witness in a hostile world. The enduring nature of this love is a testament to the perseverance of the saints, empowered by God's grace.

* [Romans 12:10](/romans/12-10 "Romans 12:10 - Brotherly Love")
* [1 Peter 4:8](/1_peter/4-8 "1 Peter 4:8 - Love Covers a Multitude of Sins")
* [John 13:35](/john/13-35 "John 13:35 - Love as a Mark of Discipleship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 13:1 is a timeless call to action for every believer and every Christian community. In a world increasingly marked by division, individualism, and superficial connections, the command to "let brotherly love continue" stands as a radical counter-cultural imperative. It challenges us to move beyond mere tolerance or polite acquaintance to cultivate deep, sacrificial, and enduring affection for our fellow believers. This involves actively seeking the well-being of others, extending grace when offended, offering practical support in times of need, and prioritizing the unity of the Spirit over personal preferences or disagreements. It means committing to the messy, beautiful reality of life together in Christ, understanding that our love for one another is a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel and a vital source of strength for our spiritual journey.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I actively contribute to the continuation and deepening of "brotherly love" within my local church community?**
* **What attitudes or actions in my own life might hinder the continuation of brotherly love, and how can I address them?**
* **How does the command to "let brotherly love continue" challenge my understanding of Christian fellowship in a world that often promotes individualism?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "brotherly love" (philadelphia) and "agape love"?**

Answer: While both *philadelphía* (brotherly love) and *agape* (unconditional, divine love) are essential forms of Christian love, they have distinct nuances. *Agape* is the highest form of love, characterized by self-sacrificial, unconditional benevolence, often seen as God's love for humanity and the love commanded for believers to have for God and for all people, including enemies (as seen in [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")). *Philadelphía*, on the other hand, specifically refers to the affectionate, familial love shared among siblings, particularly within the Christian community. It is the natural and necessary expression of *agape* within the family of God, fostering a deep sense of kinship, loyalty, and mutual care among believers. One could say that *philadelphía* is *agape* in action within the church family.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 13:1, with its command to "let brotherly love continue," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the supreme embodiment of *philadelphía* and *agape*, perfectly demonstrating both the divine, self-sacrificial love for humanity and the intimate, familial love for His disciples. Christ's life was a continuous outpouring of love for His "brethren" (as He calls His followers in [Matthew 12:50](/matthew/12-50 "Matthew 12:50 - Doing the Will of God")), culminating in His ultimate act of love on the cross, where He laid down His life for His friends (as declared in [John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). Furthermore, Jesus gave His disciples a "new commandment" to "love one another, just as I have loved you" (found in [John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - The New Commandment")), establishing His own perfect love as the pattern and power for all brotherly love within the church. Thus, the continuation of brotherly love among believers is not merely an ethical duty but a direct reflection of Christ's indwelling Spirit, a visible sign to the world that they are His disciples, and a participation in the very fellowship of the Triune God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 John 4:20

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

1 John 5:1

¶ Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

1 Peter 3:8

¶ Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous:

1 Peter 1:22

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:

2 Peter 1:7

And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

1 Peter 2:17

Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

2 John 1:5

¶ And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.