Hebrews 13:21

KJV

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

KJV (with Strong's)

Make {G2675} you {G5209} perfect {G2675} in {G1722} every {G3956} good {G18} work {G2041} to {G1519} do {G4160} his {G846} will {G2307}, working {G4160} in {G1722} you {G5213} that which is wellpleasing {G2101} in his {G846} sight {G1799}, through {G1223} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}; to whom {G3739} be glory {G1391} for {G1519} ever {G165} and ever {G165}. Amen {G281}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May that God equip you with every good thing you need to do his will; and may he do in us whatever pleases him, through Yeshua the Messiah. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Berean Standard Bible

equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

American Standard Version

make you perfect in every good thing to do his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 13:21 concludes the epistle with a profound benediction, praying for God to equip and mature believers for the active fulfillment of His will. It emphasizes God's sovereign and empowering work within His people, enabling them to perform every good deed that is pleasing in His sight. Crucially, this divine enablement and all resulting glory are channeled and attributed solely through Jesus Christ, underscoring His indispensable role as mediator and Lord of all.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the culmination of the author's final exhortations and a powerful benediction in the concluding chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews. It immediately follows the prayer in [Hebrews 13:20](/hebrews/13-20 "Hebrews 13:20 - The God of Peace and the Everlasting Covenant"), which invokes the "God of peace" who brought back "our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant." Verse 21 extends this prayer, shifting from the foundational work of Christ's resurrection and covenant to the practical outworking of God's grace in the lives of the believers. It is a transition from theological truth to spiritual formation and doxological response, sealing the epistle's weighty theological arguments with a pastoral appeal for sanctification and service.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to a community of Jewish Christians who were facing significant pressure, likely persecution or social ostracism, to revert to Judaism. Throughout the letter, the author consistently demonstrates the superiority of Christ over Old Testament figures, institutions, and practices. The concluding chapters, including [Hebrews 13](/hebrews/13 "Hebrews 13 - Final Exhortations and Benediction"), contain practical exhortations for perseverance, brotherly love, hospitality, and endurance in suffering. The prayer for God to "make you perfect" and enable "every good work" is therefore highly relevant to a community needing divine strength to stand firm in their faith and live out their Christian convictions amidst adversity, demonstrating their allegiance to Christ rather than succumbing to external pressures.

* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 13:21 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of the epistle. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Enablement**, emphasizing that spiritual maturity and the ability to obey God's will are not achieved through human effort alone but are the direct work of God within the believer. This aligns with the book's portrayal of God as the ultimate source of salvation and sanctification. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Centrality and Supremacy of Jesus Christ**, reiterating the consistent theme that all God's blessings and redemptive work flow "through Jesus Christ." He is the mediator of the new covenant, the Great High Priest, and the one through whom believers draw near to God. Lastly, it emphasizes **Practical Obedience and Good Works** as the fruit of genuine faith, a theme echoed in passages like [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness") which calls for the pursuit of holiness. The ultimate purpose of God's work in believers is to equip them for active service that is "wellpleasing in his sight," leading to a final **Doxology** that rightly attributes all glory to Christ, a fitting conclusion to a letter that magnifies His unparalleled majesty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **perfect (Greek, _katartízō'_):** From G2675, this verb means "to complete thoroughly, i.e. repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust." It implies making something fit, whole, or fully equipped for its intended purpose. In a spiritual sense, it speaks of God's work in bringing believers to a state of spiritual wholeness, maturity, and readiness for service, akin to mending a net or setting a bone, making them fully functional for their divine calling. It is not about sinless perfection, but about being fully furnished and restored for God's purposes.
* **wellpleasing (Greek, _euárestos'_):** From G2101, this adjective means "fully agreeable" or "acceptable." It describes actions, attitudes, or a way of life that is inherently pleasing to God, not merely outwardly compliant but inwardly aligned with His desires. It signifies that which meets God's approval and brings Him delight.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From G1391, this noun signifies "glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)." It encompasses dignity, honor, praise, and worship. When attributed to Christ, it acknowledges His inherent divine majesty, supreme worth, and the honor due to Him for His redemptive work and ongoing reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Make you perfect in every good work to do his will,"**: This opening clause is a prayer or a benediction, expressing the author's desire and God's intention for the believers. The verb "Make... perfect" (G2675, _katartízō_) implies God's active role in equipping, restoring, and making His people complete and fit for service. The purpose of this divine work is specified: to enable them "in every good work" and "to do his will." This highlights that Christian maturity is not passive but leads to active obedience and participation in righteous deeds that align with God's sovereign purpose.
* **"working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight,"**: This clause parallels and expands on the first, further clarifying the nature of God's work. It emphasizes God's continuous, active operation ("working") within believers. The outcome of this internal work is the production of actions and attitudes that are "wellpleasing" (G2101, _euárestos_) or acceptable and agreeable "in his sight." This underscores that true spiritual fruit is not merely external performance but stems from an inner transformation wrought by God, resulting in deeds that genuinely honor Him.
* **"through Jesus Christ;"**: This phrase is pivotal, identifying the sole mediator and channel through whom God's perfecting and empowering work is accomplished. It is not through human effort, law-keeping, or ritual, but exclusively "through Jesus Christ." This reiterates the central theological theme of Hebrews: Christ's indispensable role as the Great High Priest, the one who inaugurated the new covenant, and the means by which believers access God's grace and power.
* **"to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen."**: The verse concludes with a powerful doxology, a declaration of praise and attribution of eternal glory. The "whom" refers directly to Jesus Christ, the subject of the preceding phrase. It acknowledges His divine nature and supreme worthiness of all honor, praise, and worship, not just for a time, but "for ever and ever" (G165, _aiṓn_ - ages of ages, signifying eternity). The "Amen" (G281, _amḗn_) serves as a solemn affirmation, expressing agreement and fervent desire for the prayer and declaration to be true.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. It functions primarily as a **Benediction**, a form of blessing or prayer, common in concluding remarks of epistles, conveying good wishes and divine favor upon the recipients. The structure also exhibits clear **Parallelism** between the first two main clauses: "Make you perfect in every good work to do his will" and "working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight." Both clauses describe God's active work in believers, leading to righteous conduct, reinforcing the idea of divine enablement for purposeful living. The concluding phrase, "to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen," is a powerful **Doxology**, a spontaneous outburst of praise and worship directed towards Christ, elevating the tone and underscoring His ultimate supremacy and worthiness of eternal honor. The use of the term "**Amen**" at the very end serves as a solemn affirmation, sealing the prayer and declaration with conviction and finality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 13:21 profoundly articulates the doctrine of divine enablement and sanctification, asserting that God is not merely an observer but an active agent in the spiritual formation of His people. The prayer for God to "make you perfect" and to be "working in you" highlights that true Christian maturity and the capacity to obey God's will are not self-generated but are the result of His sovereign grace and power. This divine work culminates in believers performing "every good work" that is "wellpleasing in his sight," demonstrating that faith is always active and purposeful. Crucially, all of this transformative power and the resulting glory are mediated "through Jesus Christ," reinforcing His unique and indispensable role as the head of the church, the source of all spiritual blessings, and the ultimate recipient of all praise. The verse beautifully intertwines God's initiative, Christ's mediation, and the believer's active obedience, culminating in eternal worship.

* [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works In You")
* [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")
* [Romans 11:36](/romans/11-36 "Romans 11:36 - To God Be the Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 13:21 offers immense spiritual encouragement and practical guidance for believers today. It shifts our focus from striving in our own strength to resting in God's active work within us. We are reminded that our spiritual growth, our capacity for good works, and our ability to discern and fulfill God's will are not solely dependent on our willpower or effort, but are empowered by the divine grace of God Himself. This truth should inspire both humility and confidence: humility, because it is God who equips us; confidence, because He is faithful to complete what He starts. This verse calls us to a life of active partnership with God, where we yield to His transforming work, allowing Him to shape us into instruments fit for His purposes. Our response should be one of grateful obedience, diligently seeking to live out "every good work" that is "wellpleasing in his sight," knowing that our effectiveness flows entirely "through Jesus Christ." It reminds us that the ultimate aim of our lives is to bring glory to Him, not just in our words, but in our deeds, now and for all eternity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's active role in "making you perfect" change your perspective on spiritual growth and personal striving?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need God to "work in you" to enable you to do His will or perform "good works"?**
* **How does the phrase "through Jesus Christ" shape your understanding of your ability to live a life pleasing to God?**
* **What does it mean practically to live a life that brings "glory for ever and ever" to Jesus Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does "make you perfect" mean in this context?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "perfect" (G2675, _katartízō_) does not imply sinless perfection in the absolute sense, which is not achievable in this life. Instead, it means "to equip," "to complete," "to restore," or "to make fit for a specific purpose." It's like mending a fishing net ([Matthew 4:21](/matthew/4-21 "Matthew 4:21 - Mending Nets")) or setting a fractured bone. In Hebrews 13:21, it refers to God's work in bringing believers to spiritual maturity, wholeness, and readiness for service, making them fully functional and well-equipped for their intended purpose in His kingdom. It's about being made complete and prepared for "every good work."

**How does God "work in you" to enable good works?**

Answer: God "works in you" through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers, guides, and transforms believers from within. This work involves renewing our minds ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind")), convicting us of sin, illuminating God's will, and gifting us for service. It's a divine enablement that provides both the desire and the ability to do what is pleasing to Him, as [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works In You") states, "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." This internal work leads to external actions that are "wellpleasing in his sight."

**Why is Jesus Christ mentioned as the means through which God perfects us?**

Answer: Jesus Christ is central to all of God's redemptive and sanctifying work because He is the mediator of the new covenant ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Mediator of the New Covenant")), our Great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")), and the one through whom we have access to God's grace. God's power and transforming work flow to believers exclusively "through Jesus Christ" because of His atoning sacrifice and His ongoing intercession. He is the one who reconciles us to God, enables us to walk in newness of life, and empowers us to live out God's will. All spiritual blessings are found in Him ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 13:21 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The preceding verse, [Hebrews 13:20](/hebrews/13-20 "Hebrews 13:20 - The God of Peace and the Everlasting Covenant"), identifies Jesus as "that great shepherd of the sheep," brought back from the dead "through the blood of the everlasting covenant." This establishes His foundational role in our salvation and sanctification. Here, in verse 21, it is explicitly stated that God's work of "making us perfect in every good work to do his will" and "working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight" is accomplished "through Jesus Christ." He is not merely the object of our faith but the active channel and enabler of our spiritual growth and obedience. Christ's perfect obedience and sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:5-10](/hebrews/10-5-10 "Hebrews 10:5-10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")) provide the basis for our acceptance before God, and His ongoing intercession ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor")) ensures God's continuous work in us. As the risen Lord, He pours out His Spirit ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - The Outpouring of the Spirit")) to empower believers to live lives that genuinely please God. The concluding doxology, "to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen," rightly attributes all honor and praise to Christ, for He is the one who initiated, sustained, and will bring to completion the work of perfecting His people for God's eternal glory. He is the beginning and end of all divine enablement and the ultimate recipient of all worship.

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 2:13

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

2 Thessalonians 2:17

Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

1 Peter 5:10

¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

1 Peter 5:11

To him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

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.

Philippians 1:11

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.