13:16 13:16

Hebrews 13:17

13:18 13:18

Bible Versions

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.
Obey {G3982} them that have the rule {G2233} over you {G5216}, and {G2532} submit yourselves {G5226}: for {G1063} they {G846} watch {G69} for {G5228} your {G5216} souls {G5590}, as {G5613} they that must give {G591} account {G3056}, that {G2443} they may do {G4160} it {G5124} with {G3326} joy {G5479}, and {G2532} not {G3361} with grief {G4727}: for {G1063} that {G5124} is unprofitable {G255} for you {G5213}.
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your lives, as people who will have to render an account. So make it a task of joy for them, not one of groaning; for that is of no advantage to you.
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this were unprofitable for you.

Hebrews 13:17 is a powerful exhortation concerning the relationship between believers and their spiritual leaders. It underscores the importance of respect, submission, and cooperation within the Christian community, highlighting the weighty responsibility of those who guide the flock.

Context of Hebrews 13:17

This verse comes near the end of the Book of Hebrews, a letter primarily aimed at encouraging Jewish Christians not to revert to Judaism but to persevere in their faith in Christ, who is superior to all aspects of the Old Covenant. Chapter 13 shifts to practical exhortations for Christian living. The author has already encouraged remembering and imitating the faith of past leaders (Hebrews 13:7) and now calls for active obedience and submission to current spiritual authorities. This guidance is crucial for maintaining order, unity, and spiritual health within the early Christian communities, which often faced external pressures and internal challenges.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Submission to Spiritual Authority: The primary command is to "obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves." This is not blind allegiance but a willing cooperation born of trust and recognition of their God-given role. It emphasizes the need for order and guidance in the church.
  • Leaders' Responsibility and Accountability: The verse explains why submission is important: "for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account." Spiritual leaders bear the solemn duty of overseeing the spiritual well-being of the congregation. They are likened to watchmen (see Ezekiel 3:17 for the watchman's role) who are ultimately accountable to God for their stewardship. This weighty calling should inspire both respect from the congregation and diligence from the leaders.
  • Mutual Benefit and Joy: The desired outcome of this relationship is that leaders may carry out their duties "with joy, and not with grief." When believers are obedient and submissive, they make the leaders' burden lighter and their ministry more joyful. This joy is not just for the leaders; it is also "profitable for you" (the congregation). Disobedience and resistance, conversely, cause grief to leaders and ultimately harm the spiritual progress of the disobedient.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "obey" is peithesthe (πείθεσθε), which implies being persuaded, trusting, and complying, rather than merely mechanical obedience. It suggests a responsiveness to teaching and guidance. The word for "submit yourselves" is hypeikete (ὑπείκετε), meaning to yield or give way, acknowledging their leadership. The term "them that have the rule over you" comes from hegoumenoi (ἡγούμενοι), which literally means "guides" or "leaders," those who go before and set an example.

Practical Application

For believers today, Hebrews 13:17 serves as a vital reminder of the importance of honoring and cooperating with those God has placed in spiritual leadership. This applies to pastors, elders, and other recognized spiritual guides within the church. It encourages active participation and support for their vision and teaching, understanding that their work is for the spiritual benefit of the entire body of Christ. For leaders, it reinforces the gravity of their calling, reminding them that they are shepherds (as seen in 1 Peter 5:2-3) entrusted with precious souls, and they will indeed give an account to God for their faithfulness in watching over the flock.

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.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:12

    And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:13

    And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves.

  • 1 Timothy 5:17

    ¶ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

  • Hebrews 13:7

    Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation.

  • 1 Peter 5:5

    ¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

  • Acts 20:28

    Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

  • 1 Peter 5:2

    Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
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