Hebrews 13:23

KJV

Know ye that [our] brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Know ye {G1097} that our brother {G80} Timothy {G5095} is set at liberty {G630}; with {G3326} whom {G3739}, if {G1437} he come {G2064} shortly {G5032}, I will see {G3700} you {G5209}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he comes soon enough, I will bring him with me when I come to see you.

Berean Standard Bible

Be aware that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.

American Standard Version

Know ye that our brother Timothy hath been set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 13:23 offers a concise yet profound personal update at the close of the epistle, informing the recipients of Timothy's release from imprisonment and expressing the author's earnest hope for a swift reunion. This brief note not only provides a glimpse into the personal relationships and practical concerns of the early Christian community but also subtly reinforces themes of divine providence, the reality of suffering for the gospel, and the enduring value of Christian fellowship and pastoral care.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews, which transitions from deep theological exposition on the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant to practical exhortations and personal greetings. Hebrews 13 serves as a pastoral appendix, offering guidance on Christian living (e.g., hospitality, marriage, contentment), prayer requests, and final salutations. Verse 23, specifically, is part of the author's personal travel plans and updates, a common feature in New Testament epistles (cf. [Romans 15:22-29](/romans/15-22-29 "Romans 15:22-29 - Paul's Plans to Visit Rome")). It provides a human, relational touch after the weighty doctrinal arguments, reminding the readers of the personal connection between the author and their community, and setting the stage for the final benediction and doxology.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian community, to whom Hebrews was likely addressed, faced significant challenges, including internal struggles and external persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities. The Roman Empire, while generally tolerant of established religions, viewed Christianity with suspicion due to its exclusive claims and refusal to participate in emperor worship. This often led to imprisonment, social ostracization, and even martyrdom for believers. Timothy, a well-known associate of the Apostle Paul and a prominent figure in early missions, would have been a recognizable name to the recipients, making news of his "liberty" particularly significant. His release from confinement, implicitly for his faith, would have served as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and the resilience of His servants amidst widespread adversity, offering encouragement to a community potentially wavering under pressure.

* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 13:23 contributes to several overarching themes within the epistle and broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Christian Brotherhood and Fellowship**, referring to Timothy as "our brother," emphasizing the strong spiritual bonds that united early believers. This communal identity was crucial for mutual support and encouragement, especially in times of hardship, a theme echoed in the exhortation not to neglect meeting together found in [Hebrews 10:25](/hebrews/10-25 "Hebrews 10:25 - Do Not Forsake the Assembly"). Secondly, the phrase "set at liberty" implicitly highlights the theme of **Perseverance Amidst Persecution**, suggesting that Timothy had endured suffering for his faith, a reality for many early Christians. His release would have been a tangible sign of God's providence and a call to the readers to continue running the race with endurance, as exhorted in [Hebrews 12:1-3](/hebrews/12-1-3 "Hebrews 12:1-3 - Running the Race with Endurance"). Finally, the author's desire to visit ("I will see you") reveals a deep **Pastoral Connection and Anticipation**, emphasizing the importance of personal presence and fellowship in ministry, reflecting the genuine care and longing for reunion characteristic of apostolic leadership (cf. [Romans 1:11-12](/romans/1-11-12 "Romans 1:11-12 - Paul's Desire to Impart a Spiritual Gift")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This verb, rendered "know ye," is an imperative, indicating a command or strong exhortation for the recipients to be aware of and acknowledge the news about Timothy. It implies more than mere intellectual assent; it suggests a recognition of the significance of this event within their shared Christian experience and perhaps an encouragement drawn from it.
* **Set at liberty (Greek, _apolýō'_):** This word literally means "to release," "to dismiss," or "to send away." In the context of early Christian life, where persecution and imprisonment for faith were common, this term strongly implies that Timothy had been released from some form of custody, likely imprisonment. It signifies a deliverance from bondage, which would have been a cause for celebration and thanksgiving among believers.
* **Timothy (Greek, _Timótheos'_):** Meaning "dear to God" or "honoring God," Timothy was a well-known and respected figure in the early church, a trusted companion and co-worker of the Apostle Paul. His name itself reflects a theological truth about his character and standing before God, reinforcing his significance to the Christian community and the importance of this news regarding his well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Know ye that [our] brother Timothy is set at liberty":** This opening clause serves as a direct and significant announcement. The use of "our brother" immediately establishes a familial bond, emphasizing the shared spiritual identity and mutual care within the Christian community. The news of Timothy being "set at liberty" (ἀπολελυμένον) strongly suggests he had been imprisoned, and his release would have been a source of great encouragement and perhaps a testament to God's intervention or a legal acquittal. This news would have been particularly impactful for a community facing its own trials.
* **"with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you."**: This second clause reveals the author's pastoral heart and travel intentions. The phrase "with whom" indicates the author's desire to travel in Timothy's company, highlighting their close working relationship. The conditional "if he come shortly" suggests a hopeful but uncertain timeline, dependent on Timothy's prompt arrival. The ultimate goal, "I will see you," expresses a deep longing for personal fellowship and underscores the importance of direct interaction and strengthening relationships within the body of Christ, rather than merely communicating through letters.

#### Literary Devices
The author employs several literary devices in this brief verse. The most prominent is the **Personal Tone**, a marked shift from the epistle's preceding theological arguments and general exhortations to an intimate, personal update. This humanizes the author and strengthens the bond with the recipients, creating a sense of shared life and experience. There is also an **Implied Narrative** in the phrase "set at liberty," which, without explicitly stating it, hints at Timothy's prior suffering and confinement, allowing the readers to infer a story of hardship and deliverance. Finally, the author's expressed desire to visit, contingent on Timothy's arrival, creates a sense of **Anticipation** and hopeful expectation for a future reunion, fostering a forward-looking and encouraging atmosphere at the epistle's close.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 13:23, though a personal note, carries profound theological and thematic weight. It underscores the reality of suffering for the gospel, a consistent theme throughout the New Testament, reminding believers that faithfulness to Christ often entails hardship. Timothy's liberation, whether by divine intervention or legal acquittal, serves as a powerful testimony to God's providence and faithfulness to His servants, offering hope and encouragement to those enduring their own trials. Furthermore, the emphasis on "brotherhood" and the author's desire for personal fellowship highlight the New Testament's high regard for Christian community, mutual support, and the tangible expression of love within the body of Christ. It reflects the understanding that faith is not merely an individual pursuit but a communal journey, sustained by shared experiences, burdens, and joys.

* [Philippians 2:19-20](/philippians/2-19-20 "Paul's Hope to Send Timothy")
* [2 Timothy 1:8](/2_timothy/1-8 "Do Not Be Ashamed of the Testimony of Our Lord")
* [Acts 16:1-3](/acts/16-1-3 "Timothy Joins Paul and Silas")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 13:23, a seemingly minor detail, offers enduring truths for believers today. It calls us to recognize the ongoing reality of suffering for Christ's sake, both globally and personally. Timothy's release serves as a powerful reminder that even in the midst of adversity, God is at work, and His faithfulness can bring deliverance. This verse encourages us to cultivate genuine solidarity with those who suffer for their faith, praying for their release, their perseverance, and their encouragement. Moreover, the emphasis on "brotherhood" and the author's longing for personal fellowship highlight the irreplaceable value of Christian community. In an increasingly digital world, this verse reminds us of the profound importance of physical presence, shared life, and mutual encouragement within the local church. We are called to actively seek out and cherish these relationships, supporting one another, bearing one another's burdens, and celebrating God's goodness together.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the news of Timothy's liberation encourage you in your own struggles or the struggles of others you know who are facing hardship for their faith?**
* **In what practical ways can you strengthen the bonds of "brotherhood" and "sisterhood" within your own Christian community today, reflecting the care expressed in this verse?**
* **What is the significance of personal presence and fellowship in ministry and discipleship, and how can you prioritize it in your own life and church?**

### FAQ

**Was Timothy imprisoned, and if so, why?**

Answer: While Hebrews 13:23 does not explicitly state the reason for Timothy's confinement, the phrase "set at liberty" (Greek: `apolýō`, G630) strongly implies that he had been released from some form of custody. Given the historical context of the early church, where Christians often faced persecution and imprisonment for their faith, it is highly probable that Timothy's "liberty" refers to his release from jail or house arrest due to his missionary activities or his profession of faith in Christ. This was a common experience for early Christian leaders, as seen with Peter and Paul (e.g., [Acts 12:3-11](/acts/12-3-11 "Peter's Miraculous Escape from Prison") and [Acts 28:30-31](/acts/28-30-31 "Paul's Imprisonment in Rome")).

**Who is the anonymous author of the Epistle to the Hebrews, and how does this verse relate to their identity?**

Answer: The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews remains anonymous. While traditionally attributed to Paul, most modern scholars conclude that the author was not Paul due to significant differences in writing style, vocabulary, and theological emphasis compared to Paul's undisputed letters. However, the author was clearly a highly educated individual, deeply familiar with the Old Testament and Greek rhetoric, and a prominent figure within the apostolic circle. Hebrews 13:23 provides a crucial clue to the author's identity and connections, demonstrating a close relationship with Timothy, a well-known companion of the Apostle Paul. This suggests the author was part of Paul's wider circle of associates, perhaps someone like Barnabas, Apollos, or Silas, who had personal knowledge of Timothy and the broader Christian movement. The verse thus confirms the author's genuine connection to the early Christian leadership, even if their specific identity remains undisclosed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 13:23, though a personal postscript, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Timothy's experience of being "set at liberty" foreshadows the spiritual liberation that Christ accomplishes for all believers. Just as Timothy was released from physical bonds, Christ came to "proclaim liberty to the captives" (cf. [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Jesus' Mission Statement")), freeing humanity from the bondage of sin, death, and the law through His atoning sacrifice. The designation "our brother Timothy" points to Christ as the ultimate "firstborn among many brethren" ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Conformed to the Image of His Son")), who unites all believers into one spiritual family under His headship. The author's earnest desire to be reunited with the recipients, contingent on Timothy's arrival, beautifully prefigures the ultimate reunion of all believers with Christ in glory, a hope promised by Jesus Himself when He declared, "I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also" ([John 14:3](/john/14-3 "Jesus Promises to Return")). Finally, the pastoral care implicit in the author's travel plans reflects the very heart of Christ, the Great Shepherd of the sheep ([Hebrews 13:20](/hebrews/13-20 "The God of Peace and the Great Shepherd")), who continually watches over, guides, and seeks to gather His 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.

Cross-References

Philemon 1:1

¶ Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy [our] brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

1 Thessalonians 3:2

And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

2 Timothy 1:8

Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

1 Timothy 6:12

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Revelation 7:14

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Romans 15:25

But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

Philemon 1:22

But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.