Hebrews 13:14

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

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

For we have no permanent city here; on the contrary, we seek the one to come.

For here we do not have a permanent city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.

For we have not here an abiding city, but we seek after the city which is to come.

Hebrews 13:14 offers a profound theological statement about the Christian's ultimate hope and perspective on earthly existence. It encapsulates the transient nature of our present reality and the eternal hope that anchors believers.

Context of Hebrews 13:14

The book of Hebrews is a powerful exposition of the superiority of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant over the Old Testament sacrificial system. Addressed to Jewish Christians who were perhaps facing persecution or temptation to revert to their former ways, the author encourages perseverance in faith. Chapter 13 shifts to practical exhortations, urging believers to live out their faith through acts of love, hospitality, and contentment. Verse 14 follows a call to "go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach" (Hebrews 13:13), emphasizing a separation from worldly systems and a focus on Christ, even if it means discomfort or suffering. This verse provides the eternal motivation for such a radical commitment.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Transience of Earthly Life: The phrase "here have we no continuing city" highlights that our present earthly dwellings, systems, and even our lives, are temporary. Nothing on earth is permanent or provides ultimate security. This perspective encourages believers not to become overly attached to material possessions or worldly status.
  • The Hope of an Eternal Home: In contrast to the temporary, believers "seek one to come." This refers to the eternal city, often understood as the New Jerusalem or the heavenly dwelling promised by God. It signifies a future, perfect, and everlasting abode built by God Himself, offering true rest and security.
  • Pilgrim Mindset: This verse reinforces the idea that Christians are pilgrims or sojourners on earth, whose true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). This mindset shapes their values, priorities, and actions, encouraging them to live with an eternal perspective rather than being consumed by temporal concerns.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "continuing" is menousan (μενοῦσαν), meaning "abiding," "remaining," or "permanent." It emphasizes the lack of stability or permanence in our earthly existence. The contrast is sharp: what we have now is not permanent, but what we seek is. The "city to come" (μέλλουσαν, mellousan) points to something that is "about to be" or "future," underscoring the eschatological hope of believers.

Practical Application

For believers today, Hebrews 13:14 serves as a powerful reminder to:

  • Prioritize the Eternal: Evaluate where your true investments lie. Are you building up treasures on earth, which are temporary, or in heaven, which are eternal (Matthew 6:19-21)?
  • Live with Detachment: While we are called to be good stewards of what God provides, this verse encourages a healthy detachment from worldly possessions and achievements, recognizing their fleeting nature.
  • Cultivate Hope and Perseverance: In times of difficulty, suffering, or uncertainty, the promise of an eternal home provides immense comfort and motivation to endure faithfully. Our ultimate destination is secure in God's hands.
  • Embrace a Pilgrim Identity: Understand that our true identity and belonging are not tied to any earthly nation, culture, or institution, but to God's eternal kingdom. This empowers us to live distinctively and courageously for Christ.

Conclusion

Hebrews 13:14 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the Christian's unique position in the world. It calls us to live with an upward gaze, recognizing the temporary nature of our present surroundings while eagerly anticipating the glorious, permanent home God has prepared for those who love Him. This perspective fuels our faith, shapes our values, and empowers us to live lives worthy of our heavenly calling.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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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