Hebrews 13:14

KJV

For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} here {G5602} have we {G2192} no {G3756} continuing {G3306} city {G4172}, but {G235} we seek one {G1934} to come {G3195}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 13:14 offers a profound theological statement, asserting that believers find no permanent dwelling or ultimate security in the present earthly realm. Instead, their deepest longing and active pursuit are directed toward a future, eternal city, a heavenly abode prepared by God Himself. This verse encapsulates the transient nature of temporal existence and anchors the Christian's hope in an eschatological reality, shaping their values and priorities as pilgrims on a journey toward their true, everlasting home.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 13 marks a shift in the epistle from deep theological exposition to practical exhortations for Christian living. The preceding verses in chapter 13 encourage brotherly love, hospitality, remembrance of leaders, purity in marriage, and contentment with what one has, trusting in God's provision. Specifically, [Hebrews 13:13](/hebrews/13-13 "Hebrews 13:13 - Going Outside the Camp") calls believers to "go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach." This imagery evokes the Old Testament practice of taking sin offerings outside the camp of Israel, linking it to Jesus' suffering outside the city gates. Verse 14 provides the foundational theological rationale for this radical separation from worldly systems and willingness to endure reproach: because our true citizenship and ultimate home are not found in any earthly construct. It justifies the pilgrim lifestyle advocated throughout the epistle.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The epistle to the Hebrews was likely addressed to a community of Jewish Christians, possibly in Rome, who were facing significant pressure, perhaps persecution or social ostracism, to abandon their Christian faith and revert to Judaism. The allure of the established Temple system, with its tangible rituals and community, would have been strong. The concept of a "city" held immense significance in the ancient world, representing security, identity, and civilization. For the Jewish people, Jerusalem was not just a city but the spiritual center of their national and religious identity, the dwelling place of God's Temple. To say "here have we no continuing city" would have been a profoundly counter-cultural statement, challenging their ingrained understanding of belonging and security, and urging them to look beyond the earthly Jerusalem to a heavenly one.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Hebrews. It reinforces the theme of **perseverance in faith** by providing an eternal motivation for enduring present hardships. It undergirds the concept of **Christ's superiority** by implicitly contrasting the temporary nature of earthly institutions (including the Old Covenant system centered in Jerusalem) with the eternal reality established by Christ. Most prominently, it develops the theme of **pilgrim identity** for believers, echoing the faith of Abraham, who "looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God" ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - Abraham's Hope for a City")). This theme encourages believers to live with an eschatological perspective, understanding that their true home and ultimate hope lie in a future, heavenly reality, not in any present earthly dwelling or system. The call to "seek one to come" aligns with the book's consistent emphasis on "drawing near" to God and pressing on toward the "heavenly calling" ([Hebrews 3:1](/hebrews/3-1 "Hebrews 3:1 - Christ, Our High Priest")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **continuing (Greek, _ménō'_):** From G3306, meaning "to stay, abide, endure, remain, or be present." In this context, it emphasizes the impermanence and lack of stability of any earthly dwelling or system. It highlights that nothing in our present earthly experience possesses the quality of lasting permanence or ultimate security.
* **city (Greek, _pólis'_):** From G4172, referring to "a town, typically with walls, of greater or less size." Here, "city" serves as a powerful symbol for a place of security, belonging, and established order. The negation "no continuing city" directly challenges the conventional human desire for a stable, secure, and permanent earthly home or societal structure.
* **seek (Greek, _epizētéō'_):** From G1934, meaning "to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave." This word denotes an active, intentional, and earnest pursuit, not merely a passive waiting. It implies a deep desire and a focused effort on the part of believers to orient their lives toward the future, eternal reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For here have we no continuing city":** This clause serves as the reason (indicated by "For") for the preceding exhortations to live distinctively and bear Christ's reproach. It declares a fundamental truth about the Christian's earthly existence: no earthly city, nation, institution, or even life itself, offers true permanence or ultimate security. All temporal realities are fleeting and subject to decay. This statement is not a call to nihilism or irresponsibility regarding earthly matters, but a reorientation of ultimate allegiance and hope away from the temporal.
* **"but we seek one to come.":** This contrasting clause introduces the positive, active orientation of the believer. The conjunction "but" (G235, _allá'_) signals a sharp antithesis. In contrast to the impermanence of the present, believers are actively "seeking" (G1934, _epizētéō'_), implying a conscious and earnest pursuit, a future "city" (implied by "one") that is "to come" (G3195, _méllō'_). This "city to come" refers to the New Jerusalem, the heavenly dwelling, the eternal kingdom of God, which is guaranteed and certain in God's eschatological plan. It is the ultimate destination and the object of the believer's deepest hope and desire.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Hebrews 13:14 is **Contrast**. The verse sharply juxtaposes "no continuing city" (referring to the temporary, earthly realm) with "one to come" (the permanent, heavenly reality). This antithesis highlights the fundamental difference between the believer's present transient experience and their future eternal hope, serving to reorient their values and priorities. Closely related is **Symbolism**, where "city" functions as a powerful symbol for security, belonging, and an established dwelling place. By denying a "continuing city" on earth, the author symbolically strips away any false sense of ultimate security in worldly structures, redirecting the reader's gaze to the true, eternal city. Furthermore, the verse implicitly uses **Metaphor**, portraying the Christian life as a pilgrimage or journey, where believers are sojourners in this world, actively seeking their true, permanent home.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 13:14 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the eschatological hope and pilgrim identity of the Christian. It underscores the biblical truth that believers are not ultimately citizens of this world, but rather "strangers and pilgrims on the earth" ([Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Hebrews 11:13 - Strangers and Pilgrims")). This perspective liberates believers from an unhealthy attachment to temporal possessions, status, and security, encouraging them to live with an eternal mindset. The "city to come" signifies the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, a place of perfect peace, justice, and fellowship with God, where all the promises of the New Covenant find their glorious culmination. This future hope provides profound comfort and motivation for endurance in the face of present trials and suffering, knowing that our ultimate destination is secure and glorious.

* [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")
* [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends")
* [1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Sojourners and Exiles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 13:14 calls believers to a radical reorientation of their lives, shifting their ultimate allegiance and hope from the temporary to the eternal. In a world that constantly beckons us to find security and satisfaction in material wealth, social status, or national identity, this verse serves as a potent reminder that such pursuits are ultimately futile. It urges us to live with a healthy detachment from the fleeting things of this earth, not in a spirit of apathy, but with a profound sense of purpose driven by our heavenly calling. This eternal perspective empowers us to make choices that prioritize God's kingdom, to invest in what truly lasts, and to endure hardship with courage, knowing that our true home and reward await us in the "city to come." It cultivates a sense of longing for God's perfected kingdom and inspires us to live distinctively as ambassadors of that kingdom in the here and now.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What earthly "cities" (sources of security, identity, or comfort) might I be clinging to instead of seeking the "city to come"?**
* **How does the transient nature of earthly life influence my daily decisions, priorities, and investments of time and resources?**
* **In what ways can I more actively "seek" the city to come, both through my spiritual disciplines and my engagement with the world?**

### FAQ
**What does "no continuing city" mean for Christians today?**

Answer: "No continuing city" means that no earthly dwelling, nation, political system, financial security, or any other temporal construct offers ultimate permanence, stability, or true security for the believer. Everything on earth is temporary and subject to change, decay, or destruction. For Christians today, this implies that our ultimate hope, identity, and allegiance should not be rooted in any worldly institution or possession. It calls us to live with a healthy detachment from the things of this world, recognizing their fleeting nature, and to avoid placing our ultimate trust in them. This perspective encourages us to prioritize eternal values and to live as "strangers and pilgrims" ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Sojourners and Exiles")) whose true home is elsewhere.

**What is the "city to come" that believers seek?**

Answer: The "city to come" refers to the heavenly city, often identified as the New Jerusalem, which is God's eternal dwelling place and the ultimate home for His redeemed people. It is not a literal, physical city on earth, but a spiritual and eschatological reality that will descend from heaven at the culmination of God's redemptive plan ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends")). This city represents perfect peace, justice, security, and unbroken fellowship with God. It is the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham, who "looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God" ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - Abraham's Hope for a City")). Believers "seek" this city not just by passively waiting, but by actively living in anticipation of it, shaping their lives according to its heavenly values.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 13:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ. The "city to come" is not merely an abstract concept but a reality secured and prepared by Christ Himself. He is the "builder and maker" of this eternal city, the one who has gone "to prepare a place for you" ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). Our ability to "seek" this city is rooted in His finished work on the cross, which tore down the veil of separation and opened "a new and living way" into God's presence ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")). Furthermore, the call to go "without the camp, bearing his reproach" ([Hebrews 13:13](/hebrews/13-13 "Hebrews 13:13 - Bearing Christ's Reproach")) directly links our pilgrim identity to Christ's suffering outside the city gates of Jerusalem. He bore the reproach and established the New Covenant, making the heavenly city accessible. Thus, our hope for a "continuing city" is not in human effort or earthly constructs, but entirely in the person and work of Christ, who is the "author and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")). He is the King who will reign in that eternal city, making it a glorious and permanent home for all who are in Him ([Revelation 21:22-27](/revelation/21-22-27 "Revelation 21:22-27 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")).

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

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;