Hebrews 13:13

KJV

Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let us go forth {G1831} therefore {G5106} unto {G4314} him {G846} without {G1854} the camp {G3925}, bearing {G5342} his {G846} reproach {G3680}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, let us go out to him who is outside the camp and share his disgrace.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore let us go to Him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace He bore.

American Standard Version

Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 13:13 is a profound call to radical discipleship, urging believers to follow Christ outside the confines of worldly acceptance and religious convention, embracing the shame and rejection He endured. It serves as an exhortation to identify fully with Jesus, separating from systems and values that oppose Him, and willingly bearing the societal reproach that often accompanies authentic faith in a hostile world, mirroring His own experience of suffering "without the camp."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse builds directly on the preceding verses in [Hebrews 13](/hebrews/13 "Hebrews 13 - Exhortations for Christian Living"), particularly [Hebrews 13:11-12](/hebrews/13-11-12 "Hebrews 13:11-12 - Christ's Sacrifice Outside the Gate"). The author has just explained that under the Old Covenant, the bodies of animals whose blood was brought into the sanctuary for sin were burned outside the camp, signifying impurity and removal. Correspondingly, Jesus, "that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate." This immediately sets up the metaphor of "outside the camp" as the place of Christ's suffering and, by extension, the place where His followers must go. The broader context of [Hebrews 13](/hebrews/13 "Hebrews 13 - Practical Exhortations") moves from exhortations about brotherly love, hospitality, and remembering leaders, to a strong emphasis on Christ's unchanging nature and a warning against diverse and strange doctrines ([Hebrews 13:8-9](/hebrews/13-8-9 "Hebrews 13:8-9 - Jesus Christ the Same")). The call to go "without the camp" is thus a call to abandon any lingering ties to the old covenant system or worldly philosophies that would detract from exclusive devotion to Christ and His finished work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "the camp" is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, particularly the Mosaic Law and the wilderness wanderings. The Israelite camp was the locus of God's presence, purity, and community. Anything defiled or sacrificed as a sin offering was taken "outside the camp" to be burned ([Leviticus 4:11-12](/leviticus/4-11-12 "Leviticus 4:11-12 - Burning Sin Offerings Outside the Camp"), [Leviticus 16:27](/leviticus/16-27 "Leviticus 16:27 - The Day of Atonement Sacrifice")). This act symbolized the removal of sin and impurity from the holy community. For the original Jewish Christian readers of Hebrews, this would have been a powerful and familiar concept. Jesus, though pure, was treated as an outcast and executed outside the city gates of Jerusalem, identifying with the sin offering and bearing the shame of humanity's sin. The call to go "without the camp" would have challenged these Jewish believers to fully break from the familiar, established, and often comforting traditions of Temple Judaism, which had rejected Christ, and to embrace the path of their crucified Lord, even if it meant social ostracism or persecution from their former community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several critical themes central to the book of Hebrews and Christian theology. First is **Identification with Christ**, calling believers not only to partake in His glory but also to share in His suffering and rejection ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")). Second is **Separation from the World**, urging a decisive break from any system, religious or secular, that stands opposed to Christ. This "going forth" signifies leaving behind the comforts, acceptance, and values of a world that condemned Jesus, embracing a distinct, counter-cultural lifestyle. Third is **Bearing Reproach**, which highlights the willingness to endure shame, scorn, ridicule, or persecution for the sake of Christ, just as He did. This theme acknowledges that genuine discipleship often entails unpopularity or social ostracism, echoing Jesus' own words about being hated by the world ([John 15:18-19](/john/15-18-19 "John 15:18-19 - The World Hates Disciples")). Finally, it underscores the **Cost of Discipleship**, emphasizing that true faith requires a willingness to forsake worldly acceptance and embrace a path that may lead to suffering, a concept frequently taught by Jesus Himself ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **go forth (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** This verb signifies a movement out from a place, indicating a deliberate departure or issuing forth. In this context, it implies a decisive act of leaving behind the old, familiar, and comfortable "camp" – whether that be the Old Covenant system, worldly values, or societal acceptance – to join Christ in His position of rejection. It's an active, intentional separation.
* **camp (Greek, _parembolḗ'_):** Literally meaning "a throwing in beside" or "juxtaposition," this term refers to a military encampment, barracks, or, in the Old Testament context, the Israelite camp. It symbolizes the established, recognized, and protected religious or societal system. To go "without the camp" means to exit the place of perceived safety, belonging, and conventional approval, aligning oneself with the one who was cast out.
* **reproach (Greek, _oneidismós'_):** This noun denotes contumely, insult, scorn, disgrace, or public shame. It refers to the ignominy and abuse that Christ endured, being treated as a criminal and an outcast. For believers, bearing this reproach means willingly accepting the contempt, ridicule, and social stigma that may come from identifying with a crucified Messiah and living by His counter-cultural values.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let us go forth therefore unto him":** This is an active exhortation, a call to action. The "therefore" connects directly to the preceding verses, which describe Christ's suffering outside the gate. It implies a logical consequence: because Christ suffered outside, His followers must also go to Him in that same position. "Unto him" emphasizes the personal, relational aspect of this movement – it's not just a physical or ideological separation, but a journey *towards* Christ, into solidarity with His experience.
* **"without the camp":** This phrase is deeply symbolic, drawing on Old Testament sacrificial imagery. "The camp" represents the established religious and societal order that rejected Jesus. To go "without the camp" means to leave behind the security, approval, and traditions of that system, identifying with Christ who was cast out and executed as an outcast. It signifies a spiritual and moral separation from the world's values and its rejection of Christ.
* **"bearing his reproach":** This clause describes the manner and consequence of going "without the camp." "Bearing" (from _phérō_) implies carrying a burden, enduring, or submitting to something. "His reproach" refers to the shame, dishonor, and scorn that Jesus endured, particularly on the cross. Believers are called to willingly take upon themselves the same kind of public disgrace and opposition that Christ faced, viewing it not as a burden to be avoided, but as a shared experience and a badge of honor in identification with their Lord.

#### Literary Devices
The verse makes powerful use of **Allusion** and **Metaphor**. The phrase "without the camp" is a direct allusion to the Old Testament sacrificial system, particularly the burning of sin offerings outside the Israelite camp ([Leviticus 16:27](/leviticus/16-27 "Leviticus 16:27 - Sin Offering Outside the Camp")). This creates a vivid **Metaphor** where "the camp" represents the established religious and societal order that rejected Jesus, and "outside the camp" becomes the place of His suffering and, by extension, the place of true identification for His followers. The concept of "bearing his reproach" employs **Symbolism**, where the shame and scorn endured for Christ's sake are not merely negative experiences but become a mark of authentic discipleship and a shared bond with the Lord. The imperative "Let us go forth" functions as a **Call to Action**, directly challenging the readers to a radical commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 13:13 stands as a powerful theological statement on the nature of Christian discipleship and the implications of Christ's atoning work. It asserts that true identification with Jesus is not merely intellectual assent but a costly commitment that involves sharing in His suffering and rejection by the world. Just as Christ was cast out and bore humanity's sin and shame outside the gates, so His followers are called to step outside the boundaries of worldly acceptance and religious conformity, embracing a life that may invite scorn and opposition. This separation is not about isolation, but about exclusive allegiance to Christ, recognizing that the world that rejected Him will also reject those who bear His name and live by His values. It underscores the truth that the path of holiness often leads away from popular opinion and into a deeper, more profound communion with the crucified and risen Lord.

* [Matthew 10:38](/matthew/10-38 "Matthew 10:38 - Taking Up the Cross")
* [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")
* [1 Peter 4:14](/1_peter/4-14 "1 Peter 4:14 - Blessed for Christ's Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 13:13 presents a profound challenge to contemporary believers, urging us to examine the depth of our commitment to Christ. In a world that often values comfort, popularity, and conformity, this verse calls us to a radical, counter-cultural discipleship. It asks us to consider what "camp" we might still be clinging to—perhaps the camp of societal approval, cultural norms, or even comfortable religious traditions that subtly compromise our allegiance to Christ. To "go forth therefore unto him without the camp" means prioritizing Christ above all else, being willing to stand apart, be misunderstood, or even face ridicule for the sake of the Gospel. Bearing His reproach is not a passive endurance but an active embrace of the cost of following Him, recognizing that such suffering is a shared privilege with our Lord. This verse compels us to live lives that are visibly distinct, marked by holiness and unwavering loyalty to Jesus, even when it means sacrificing worldly acceptance or personal comfort.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "camp" or worldly systems might I be unwilling to leave behind, hindering my full identification with Christ?**
* **In what ways am I currently "bearing His reproach," or am I actively avoiding situations where I might face scorn for my faith?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a clear separation from the values and priorities of the world that rejected Christ?**
* **What specific steps can I take to more fully embrace the call to go "without the camp" and bear Christ's reproach in my personal, professional, or social spheres?**

### FAQ
**What does "without the camp" literally mean in this context?**

Answer: Literally, "without the camp" refers to the area outside the Israelite encampment in the wilderness, where things considered unclean or certain sin offerings were taken to be burned or disposed of ([Leviticus 4:11-12](/leviticus/4-11-12 "Leviticus 4:11-12 - Sin Offering Procedure"), [Leviticus 16:27](/leviticus/16-27 "Leviticus 16:27 - Day of Atonement Sacrifice")). Symbolically, it represents a place of impurity, rejection, and separation from the holy community. In Hebrews 13:13, it refers to the place where Jesus suffered and was executed, outside Jerusalem's city gate, treated as an outcast. For believers, it signifies a spiritual and moral separation from the world's systems and values that rejected Christ, embracing a life that is distinct and often counter-cultural.

**Why is it important for believers to "bear his reproach"?**

Answer: Bearing Christ's reproach means willingly enduring the scorn, shame, ridicule, and persecution that come from identifying with Jesus and living according to His teachings. It is important for several reasons:
* **Identification with Christ:** It allows believers to share in Christ's suffering, deepening their communion with Him ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in His Sufferings")).
* **Authenticity of Faith:** It demonstrates genuine allegiance to Christ, proving that one's faith is not merely for convenience or social acceptance ([Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Hated for Christ's Name")).
* **Witness:** By enduring reproach with grace, believers can powerfully witness to the world about the transforming power and worth of Christ ([1 Peter 4:14](/1_peter/4-14 "1 Peter 4:14 - Suffering for Christ")).
* **Future Glory:** The New Testament often links present suffering for Christ with future glory and reward ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ"), [2 Timothy 2:12](/2_timothy/2-12 "2 Timothy 2:12 - If We Suffer, We Shall Also Reign")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 13:13 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself, who perfectly embodied the call to go "without the camp" and bear reproach. He, the sinless Son of God, willingly stepped outside the "camp" of heavenly glory and divine privilege to enter a fallen world ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). More directly, He suffered "without the gate" of Jerusalem, being cast out and executed as a criminal, bearing the ultimate reproach for the sins of humanity ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")). His suffering outside the camp was not a sign of His impurity, but the means by which He purified and sanctified His people. Therefore, for believers, going "forth unto him without the camp" is a call to participate in the very pattern of Christ's life and redemptive work. It means embracing the reality that if the world hated Him, it will also hate His followers ([John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred")). Our willingness to bear His reproach is a tangible expression of our union with Him, sharing in His sufferings so that we may also share in His glory ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). In Christ, the shame of the cross becomes the pathway to salvation and the badge of honor for those who truly follow Him.

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

Hebrews 11:26

Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

1 Peter 4:14

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

1 Peter 4:16

Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

Acts 5:41

And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Matthew 16:24

¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Luke 6:22

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you [from their company], and shall reproach [you], and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

1 Corinthians 4:10

We [are] fools for Christ's sake, but ye [are] wise in Christ; we [are] weak, but ye [are] strong; ye [are] honourable, but we [are] despised.