Hebrews 13:15

KJV

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.

KJV (with Strong's)

By {G1223} him {G846} therefore {G3767} let us offer {G399} the sacrifice {G2378} of praise {G133} to God {G2316} continually {G1275}, that is {G5123}, the fruit {G2590} of our lips {G5491} giving thanks {G3670} to his {G846} name {G3686}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Through him, therefore, let us offer God a sacrifice of praise continually. For this is the natural product of lips that acknowledge his name.

Berean Standard Bible

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name.

American Standard Version

Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 13:15 calls believers to a continuous, Christ-mediated offering of praise and thanksgiving to God. This verse shifts the understanding of sacrifice from the Old Covenant's animal offerings to a New Covenant spiritual sacrifice, expressed through verbal gratitude and adoration. It emphasizes that through Jesus, believers have constant access to God and can offer acceptable worship that flows from a heart of thankfulness, acknowledging His name and character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 13 serves as the concluding chapter of the epistle, transitioning from deep theological exposition to practical exhortations for Christian living. The preceding verses (Hebrews 13:1-6) address various ethical responsibilities, including brotherly love, hospitality, remembering those in prison, upholding the sanctity of marriage, and cultivating contentment. Verses 7-14 then pivot to the enduring nature of Christ and the call for believers to "go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach" ([Hebrews 13:13](/hebrews/13-13 "Hebrews 13:13 - Go Forth to Jesus Outside the Camp")). This imagery directly connects to Jesus' suffering outside the city gates, mirroring the Old Testament sin offerings whose carcasses were burned outside the camp ([Leviticus 16:27](/leviticus/16-27 "Leviticus 16:27 - Burning the Sin Offering")). Verse 15 builds on this by presenting the believer's appropriate response to Christ's ultimate sacrifice: not a physical offering, but a spiritual one of praise, offered "by him."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of the Book of Hebrews comprised Jewish Christians contemplating a return to the familiar rituals and security of Judaism, possibly due to persecution or a misunderstanding of the New Covenant's implications. The epistle's central argument is the superiority of Christ and His New Covenant over the Old Covenant's laws, priesthood, and sacrificial system. In this context, the concept of "sacrifice" was deeply ingrained in their religious understanding. The Temple in Jerusalem was still standing, and animal sacrifices were a daily reality. Hebrews 13:15, therefore, represents a radical redefinition of worship for these believers, moving them away from external, ritualistic sacrifices towards an internal, spiritual offering made possible by Christ. This shift aligns with the broader New Testament emphasis on worship "in spirit and in truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Hebrews and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Spiritual Sacrifice**, transforming the Old Covenant's physical animal offerings into a New Covenant reality where believers offer their lives and praise as acceptable worship to God ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")). Secondly, the command to offer praise "continually" highlights the **Ongoing Nature of Christian Worship**, emphasizing that worship is not confined to specific times or places but is an enduring attitude of gratitude and adoration that permeates daily life. This resonates with the call to "pray without ceasing" ([1 Thessalonians 5:17](/1-thessalonians/5-17 "1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray Without Ceasing")). Thirdly, the crucial phrase "By him therefore" accentuates the **Mediatorial Role of Jesus Christ**. Our ability to offer any acceptable worship or sacrifice to God is entirely dependent on Christ's finished work and His ongoing intercession as our High Priest ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). Finally, the "fruit of our lips" specifically identifies **Verbal Expression of Gratitude** as a primary form of this spiritual sacrifice, highlighting the power and importance of spoken words of thanks, adoration, and acknowledgment of God's character and deeds.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sacrifice (Greek, _thysía'_):** This term refers to an offering, whether the act of sacrificing or the victim itself, used literally or figuratively. In the Old Testament context, it primarily referred to animal sacrifices. Here, in Hebrews 13:15, it is used figuratively in conjunction with "praise" to denote a spiritual offering, signifying a continuity of the concept of offering to God, but a radical discontinuity in the nature of the offering.
* **praise (Greek, _aínesis'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to praise," this word specifically denotes the act of praising or a thank-offering. It emphasizes the content and nature of the sacrifice being offered—not a material thing, but an expression of adoration, thanksgiving, and glorification directed towards God.
* **giving thanks (Greek, _homologéō'_):** This word means "to assent," "to covenant," "to acknowledge," or "to confess." In this context, it specifically means "to give thanks" or "to confess praise." It implies an open, verbal acknowledgment and declaration of God's goodness, faithfulness, and saving acts, making the "fruit of our lips" a deliberate and conscious act of worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By him therefore":** This crucial phrase establishes Jesus Christ as the indispensable mediator and enabler of our worship. Our ability to approach God and offer acceptable sacrifices is not based on our own merit or ritualistic adherence, but solely on Christ's finished work and His ongoing role as our High Priest. He is the means, the channel, through whom our praise ascends to God. The "therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) logically connects this command to the preceding discourse about Christ's suffering outside the camp and His enduring nature.
* **"let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually":** This is a direct exhortation to believers. The "sacrifice of praise" (G2378 _thysía_ G133 _aínesis_) signifies a spiritual offering, a reinterpretation of Old Testament sacrifices. It is a deliberate act of worship, an offering of our adoration and gratitude. The adverb "continually" (G1275, _diapantós_) emphasizes the ongoing, unceasing nature of this offering. It's not a one-time event or limited to specific religious services, but a constant posture of the heart and expression of life, permeating all circumstances.
* **"that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name":** This clause clarifies and specifies the nature of the "sacrifice of praise." It is not a material offering, but the "fruit of our lips" (G2590 _karpós_ G5491 _cheîlos_), a powerful metaphor for spoken words. These words are characterized by "giving thanks" (G3670 _homologéō_), which implies an open acknowledgment and confession of God's goodness. The object of this thanksgiving is "his name" (G3686, _ónoma_), which in biblical thought represents God's entire character, nature, and revealed attributes. To give thanks to His name is to acknowledge who He is and what He has done.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "the fruit of our lips." This vivid image likens spoken words of praise and thanksgiving to the natural produce of a tree or plant, suggesting that genuine worship naturally flows from a grateful heart. It contrasts with the physical "fruit" of animal sacrifices, redirecting the audience's understanding of acceptable offerings. There is also significant **Intertextuality**, as the phrase "sacrifice of praise" directly echoes Old Testament terminology (e.g., [Psalm 50:14](/psalm/50-14 "Psalm 50:14 - Offer to God a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving"), [Psalm 116:17](/psalm/116-17 "Psalm 116:17 - I Will Offer to You the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving")) and the concept of "calves of our lips" from [Hosea 14:2](/hosea/14-2 "Hosea 14:2 - The Calves of Our Lips"). This demonstrates continuity in the spiritual principle of offering verbal thanksgiving to God, even as the New Covenant introduces a new means of access and a new form of sacrifice. The verse also utilizes **Exhortation**, a direct command ("let us offer") that calls the readers to specific action, emphasizing the active role believers play in their worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 13:15 profoundly reshapes the concept of sacrifice for the New Covenant believer. It teaches that true worship is not about external rituals or material offerings, but an internal, spiritual disposition expressed outwardly through continuous praise and thanksgiving. This spiritual sacrifice is made acceptable to God only "by Him," meaning through the mediation of Jesus Christ, who is both the ultimate sacrifice and our High Priest. Our praise becomes a fragrant offering because it is presented through the one who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness. This understanding liberates believers from the limitations of the Old Covenant system, inviting them into a dynamic, personal relationship with God where every moment can be an opportunity for worship. It underscores that our gratitude is not merely an emotion but an active, verbal expression of our faith and acknowledgment of God's sovereign goodness and grace.

* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")
* [1 Peter 2:5](/1-peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices Acceptable to God")
* [Psalm 50:23](/psalm/50-23 "Psalm 50:23 - Whoever Offers Praise Glorifies Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 13:15 provides a timeless call to worship that transcends circumstances and seasons. It challenges us to cultivate a lifestyle of continuous praise and thanksgiving, not merely as an obligation but as a natural outflow of a heart transformed by Christ. This means actively seeking opportunities to acknowledge God's goodness, not just in times of blessing, but also amidst trials, recognizing His sovereignty and faithfulness. The "fruit of our lips" reminds us that our words hold immense power; they can be instruments of worship, declaring His worthiness, or they can be used for complaint and negativity. To offer this sacrifice continually requires intentionality—a conscious decision to fix our gaze on Christ, to remember His work on the cross, and to express gratitude for His unending grace. It invites us to see every moment, every breath, as an opportunity to honor God's name, transforming our daily lives into an ongoing act of worship that is pleasing to Him through Jesus.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus as the mediator ("By him therefore") change your perspective on the acceptability of your praise to God?**
* **In what practical ways can you offer the "sacrifice of praise" through the "fruit of your lips" continually throughout your day, beyond formal worship times?**
* **What specific challenges or difficulties might hinder your ability to offer continuous praise, and how can you overcome them by focusing on God's character?**
* **How does the concept of "giving thanks to his name" deepen your understanding of who God is and what He has done for you?**

### FAQ
**What does "sacrifice of praise" mean in the context of the New Covenant?**

Answer: In the Old Covenant, sacrifices often involved the shedding of animal blood as an atonement for sin or as an act of worship. However, Hebrews 13:15, along with other New Testament passages, redefines "sacrifice" for believers under the New Covenant. The "sacrifice of praise" means offering spiritual worship to God, primarily through verbal expressions of thanksgiving, adoration, and confession of His greatness. This spiritual sacrifice is made possible and acceptable not by our own merit or ritual, but by the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Blood, Eternal Redemption")). It signifies a shift from external, physical offerings to internal, heart-felt expressions that flow from a grateful spirit, acknowledging God's character and His saving work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 13:15 finds its ultimate fulfillment and enablement in Jesus Christ. He is not merely the subject of our praise, but the very means by which our praise becomes an acceptable "sacrifice" to God. The phrase "By him therefore" is foundational, indicating that our access to God and the efficacy of our spiritual offerings are entirely dependent on Christ's mediatorial work. As the High Priest who offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")), Jesus has opened a new and living way for us to draw near to God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")). Our "sacrifice of praise" is not offered in a vacuum, but is presented through His intercession, cleansed by His blood, and made holy by His righteousness. He continually intercedes for us at the right hand of God ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")), ensuring that our imperfect praises are received as a fragrant offering. Thus, our worship is truly Christ-centered: it flows from gratitude for His finished work, is offered through His ongoing mediation, and ultimately glorifies His name, who is "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")).

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

Psalms 107:21

Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!

Psalms 107:22

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

Psalms 50:14

Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

Romans 12:1

¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

1 Peter 2:5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Psalms 145:1

¶ David's [Psalm] of praise. I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.

Psalms 145:21

My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.