Hebrews 13:18

KJV

¶ Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

KJV (with Strong's)

Pray {G4336} for {G4012} us {G2257}: for {G1063}{G3754} we trust {G3982} we have {G2192} a good {G2570} conscience {G4893}, in {G1722} all things {G3956} willing {G2309} to live {G390} honestly {G2573}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Keep praying for us, for we are certain that we have a clear conscience and want to conduct ourselves properly in everything we do.

Berean Standard Bible

Pray for us; we are convinced that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.

American Standard Version

Pray for us: for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 13:18 presents a heartfelt appeal from the author to his readers for prayer, grounded in the assurance of a clear conscience and a steadfast commitment to living with integrity. This concise verse encapsulates a profound spiritual principle: that those who lead and teach the church rely on the intercession of the community, and that such ministry is most effective when rooted in genuine moral uprightness and transparent living before God and humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 13 serves as the concluding chapter of this profound epistle, shifting from deep theological exposition about Christ's superiority and the new covenant to practical exhortations for Christian living. Following calls to brotherly love, hospitality, remembering prisoners, honoring marriage, and cultivating contentment ([Hebrews 13:1-6](/hebrews/13-1-6 "Hebrews 13:1-6 - Practical Christian Living")), the author then encourages remembering and imitating leaders ([Hebrews 13:7](/hebrews/13-7 "Hebrews 13:7 - Remember Your Leaders")). The immediate verses leading up to verse 18 include a warning against strange doctrines and an emphasis on the "altar" of Christ's sacrifice, urging believers to go "outside the camp" to Him ([Hebrews 13:9-14](/hebrews/13-9-14 "Hebrews 13:9-14 - Our Altar and Going Outside the Camp")). This appeal for prayer, therefore, is nestled within a broader framework of communal responsibility, ethical conduct, and mutual support within the body of Christ, underscoring the author's personal reliance on the spiritual support of his audience as he continues his ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The epistle to the Hebrews was likely written to Jewish Christians facing significant pressure, possibly persecution or the temptation to revert to Judaism, given its extensive arguments for the superiority of Christ over the Old Covenant. In the Greco-Roman world, leaders often held positions of authority and respect, but also faced scrutiny. For early Christian leaders, ministry was often fraught with danger, opposition, and immense spiritual burdens. The request for prayer was a common practice among apostles and early church leaders, reflecting both their humility and their understanding of the spiritual warfare inherent in their calling. It also highlights the communal nature of early Christian life, where the well-being and effectiveness of leaders were seen as intertwined with the spiritual support of the entire congregation. This mutual dependence was a hallmark of their faith, contrasting with the hierarchical and often individualistic leadership models prevalent in other contemporary societies.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Hebrews and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it emphasizes the **necessity of intercessory prayer** within the Christian community, highlighting the dependence of spiritual leaders on the prayers of the saints for their ministry, protection, and effectiveness, a theme consistently seen in Pauline epistles like [Ephesians 6:18-20](/ephesians/6-18-20 "Ephesians 6:18-20 - Praying for Boldness"). Secondly, it underscores the **importance of a good conscience** as a foundation for genuine faith and ministry. A clear conscience, free from guilt and sincerely striving for righteousness, is presented not as a boast of perfection but as an essential component of authentic Christian living and leadership, echoing the emphasis found in [1 Timothy 1:5](/1_timothy/1-5 "1 Timothy 1:5 - The Goal of the Commandment"). Finally, the commitment to **live honorably or honestly** in all things speaks to the ethical demands of the Christian faith, demonstrating that true belief is always accompanied by practical, moral conduct that reflects God's character to the world. This theme of living a life worthy of the gospel permeates New Testament teaching, as seen in [Philippians 1:27](/philippians/1-27 "Philippians 1:27 - Living Worthy of the Gospel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pray (Greek, _proseúchomai'_):** This word (G4336) is a primary verb meaning "to pray to God," specifically to supplicate or worship. It denotes a direct, intentional act of communion with God, often involving earnest petition. In this context, it signifies the author's reliance on the divine intervention sought through the prayers of the believers, acknowledging that their spiritual support is vital for his ministry and well-being.
* **Conscience (Greek, _syneídēsis'_):** Derived from a prolonged form of _syneído_ (G4893), this term refers to "co-perception" or "moral consciousness." It is the inner faculty that judges one's own actions, intentions, and character in relation to a moral standard. A "good conscience" implies an inner conviction of moral uprightness, sincerity, and freedom from guilt before God, indicating that the author's intentions and conduct are pure and aligned with divine will.
* **Honestly (Greek, _kalōs'_):** This adverb (G2573) comes from _kalós_ (G2570), meaning "well," "rightly," "honorably," or "beautifully." It implies not merely the absence of wrongdoing but a positive, commendable quality of life. To "live honestly" or "honorably" means to conduct oneself in a manner that is morally excellent, fitting for believers, and demonstrating integrity and transparency in both public and private spheres, reflecting a life that is truly admirable and reflective of Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Pray for us:"** This is a direct, humble, and earnest imperative from the author, likely including his associates, to the recipients of the letter. It reveals a profound sense of dependence on the spiritual support of the community, acknowledging that even those in leadership require the intercession of others for their strength, guidance, and effectiveness in ministry. This plea underscores the communal nature of the Christian faith and the vital role of intercessory prayer.
* **"for we trust we have a good conscience,"** The conjunction "for" (Greek: _gar_, G1063; _hoti_, G3754) introduces the reason or basis for the preceding request. The author states his confidence, or "trust" (_peíthō_, G3982), in having a "good conscience" (_kalós_, G2570; _syneídēsis_, G4893). This is not a boast of sinless perfection, but an affirmation of their sincere intent and genuine moral integrity before God. It implies that their lives and motives are transparent and align with God's will, making them worthy recipients of the believers' prayers. A good conscience provides the internal assurance and moral authority for their ministry.
* **"in all things willing to live honestly."** This final clause further elaborates on the nature of their "good conscience." The phrase "in all things" (_en pâs_, G1722 G3956) emphasizes the comprehensive scope of their commitment—it's not just in some areas, but universally. Their "willingness" (_thélō_, G2309) signifies a deliberate and active choice, a strong desire to "live" (_anastréphō_, G390, meaning to conduct oneself, behave, or abide) "honestly" or "honorably" (_kalōs_, G2573). This commitment to ethical and upright conduct in every facet of life serves as the outward manifestation of their inner good conscience, providing a compelling reason for the readers to offer their prayers.

#### Literary Devices
The author employs several literary devices in this concise verse. A prominent device is **Personal Appeal**, where the author directly addresses the readers with a humble request ("Pray for us"). This fosters a sense of intimacy and mutual dependence between the spiritual leader and the congregation, breaking down any perceived hierarchical distance. There is also a clear use of **Rhetorical Justification**, as the author immediately provides a reason ("for we trust we have a good conscience") for his request, lending credibility and moral weight to his plea. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Ethical Exhortation**, implicitly challenging the readers to also strive for a good conscience and honorable living, as these qualities are presented as foundational for spiritual efficacy and worthy of communal support. The phrase "in all things" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, stressing the all-encompassing nature of their commitment to integrity, signifying a desire for comprehensive moral excellence rather than a claim of absolute perfection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 13:18 powerfully connects the spiritual discipline of prayer with the ethical imperative of righteous living. It reveals that effective ministry and spiritual leadership are not just about gifts or anointing, but are deeply rooted in personal integrity and a clear conscience before God. The author's request for prayer, coupled with his assertion of moral uprightness, underscores the New Testament's consistent teaching that faith must be accompanied by works, and that genuine piety is demonstrated through a life lived honorably in all circumstances. This verse highlights the interconnectedness of the spiritual and the practical, showing that our inner state of conscience and our outward conduct are foundational for our relationship with God and our effectiveness in His service. It also emphasizes the communal aspect of Christian life, where believers are called to mutually support one another, especially those in leadership, through prayer.

* [Romans 15:30](/romans/15-30 "Romans 15:30 - Paul's Plea for Prayer")
* [1 Peter 3:16](/1_peter/3-16 "1 Peter 3:16 - Having a Good Conscience")
* [2 Corinthians 1:12](/2_corinthians/1-12 "2 Corinthians 1:12 - Paul's Conscience and Sincerity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 13:18 offers a profound call to both intercessory prayer and personal integrity for every believer. Firstly, it reminds us that prayer is not merely a private devotion but a powerful communal act, essential for sustaining those God has called to lead and serve. We are challenged to actively and consistently pray for our pastors, missionaries, and spiritual leaders, recognizing the immense spiritual battles they face and the vital role their faithfulness plays in the health of the church. Our prayers empower them, provide divine protection, and open doors for the gospel. Secondly, the verse serves as a mirror, prompting us to examine our own consciences. Do we genuinely strive to live with integrity in "all things"? Is our commitment to Christ reflected in our honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in every area of our lives—our work, our relationships, our finances, and our private thoughts? Cultivating a "good conscience" means living in such a way that we have no reason to be ashamed before God or others, a life marked by sincerity and a consistent pursuit of what is honorable and righteous. This verse calls us to a holistic faith where our prayers are fervent, and our lives are a living testimony to the transforming power of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **For whom are you regularly interceding in prayer, particularly those in spiritual leadership?**
* **In what areas of your life might your conscience not be entirely "good" or clear before God?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to live more "honestly" or "honorably" in "all things," reflecting Christ's character?**
* **How does your commitment to personal integrity impact your effectiveness in serving God and others?**

### FAQ
**Why does the author of Hebrews ask for prayer, and what does it mean to have a "good conscience" in this context?**

Answer: The author asks for prayer to emphasize his reliance on the spiritual support of the Christian community and to highlight the mutual dependence within the body of Christ. This was a common practice among New Testament apostles and leaders, acknowledging their need for divine strength and protection in their challenging ministries. To have a "good conscience" means to possess an inner conviction of moral uprightness and sincerity before God. It's not a claim of perfection but an assurance that their intentions are pure, their motives are genuine, and their conduct aligns with God's will. This clear conscience provides a foundation for their request, suggesting they are living lives worthy of the believers' intercession and support, as seen in [Acts 23:1](/acts/23-1 "Acts 23:1 - Paul's Good Conscience").

**How does "living honestly" or "honorably" relate to the Christian faith today?**

Answer: "Living honestly" or "honorably" (from the Greek _kalōs_) implies a commitment to moral excellence and integrity in all aspects of life. For believers today, it means actively pursuing what is right, commendable, and transparent, not just avoiding wrongdoing. This includes honesty in speech, integrity in business dealings, faithfulness in relationships, and purity in thought and action. It's about reflecting the character of Christ in every sphere, making our lives a consistent testimony to our faith. This commitment to honorable living is a vital part of our witness to a watching world and demonstrates the transformative power of the gospel, as encouraged in [1 Peter 2:12](/1_peter/2-12 "1 Peter 2:12 - Living Honorably Among Gentiles").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 13:18, while a practical exhortation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. The author's plea for prayer, grounded in a good conscience and a desire to live honestly, points to the perfect example of Jesus Himself. Christ lived a life of absolute integrity, possessing a perfectly good conscience, for He "committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by living "honestly" or "honorably" in every sense, fulfilling all righteousness and perfectly reflecting the will of the Father ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). Furthermore, the very possibility of a "good conscience" for believers is made possible only through Christ's atoning sacrifice, which cleanses us from sin and purifies our consciences to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ Purifies Our Conscience")). Thus, the author's request for prayer, and his commitment to integrity, are both empowered by and patterned after the life and work of Jesus, who is the ultimate High Priest and the "same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")). Our ability to live honestly and with a good conscience is a direct result of our union with Him, and our prayers for one another are offered in His name and according to His will.

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

1 Thessalonians 5:25

Brethren, pray for us.

2 Thessalonians 3:1

¶ Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have [free] course, and be glorified, even as [it is] with you:

1 Timothy 1:5

¶ Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and [of] a good conscience, and [of] faith unfeigned:

Colossians 4:3

Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

Acts 24:16

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and [toward] men.

Romans 15:30

¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in [your] prayers to God for me;

1 Peter 3:21

¶ The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: