Hebrews 13:24

KJV

Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Salute {G782} all {G3956} them that have the rule {G2233} over you {G5216}, and {G2532} all {G3956} the saints {G40}. They of {G575} Italy {G2482} salute {G782} you {G5209}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Greet all your leaders and all God’s people. The people from Italy send greetings to you.

Berean Standard Bible

Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy send you greetings.

American Standard Version

Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 13:24 concludes the Epistle to the Hebrews with a dual command for the recipients to extend greetings: first, to their spiritual leaders, and second, to all fellow believers, or "saints." This instruction is immediately followed by a reciprocal greeting from a group identified as "They of Italy," providing a unique geographical clue about the author's companions or location and underscoring the interconnectedness and mutual affection within the early Christian communities. The verse serves as a final personal touch, reinforcing the bonds of fellowship and the shared identity in Christ that permeate the entire letter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 13:24 is situated within the closing remarks of the Epistle to the Hebrews, following a lengthy and profound theological exposition on the superiority of Christ and the new covenant. Chapter 13 shifts from doctrinal teaching to practical exhortations concerning Christian living, endurance, and community. The preceding verses in this chapter offer specific instructions on various aspects of Christian conduct, including hospitality, care for prisoners, marital fidelity, contentment, and, significantly, respect for spiritual authority. Verses like [Hebrews 13:7](/hebrews/13-7 "Hebrews 13:7 - Remember Your Leaders") and [Hebrews 13:17](/hebrews/13-17 "Hebrews 13:17 - Obey Your Leaders") explicitly call for remembering, imitating, and obeying those who lead the flock. This final greeting in verse 24, along with the concluding benediction in [Hebrews 13:25](/hebrews/13-25 "Hebrews 13:25 - The Final Benediction"), serves as a typical epistolary closing, reinforcing the personal connection between the author and the recipients and solidifying the communal bonds of the early church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, letters frequently concluded with personal greetings, often from the author's companions or to specific individuals, serving to affirm social ties and legitimate the letter's content. The "leaders" (οἱ ἡγούμενοι - *hoi hēgoumenoi*) likely refer to the local elders, overseers, or teachers who held spiritual authority in the community to which the letter was addressed. Their role was crucial in guiding and pastoring the nascent Christian communities, which often met in house churches. The term "saints" (οἱ ἅγιοι - *hoi hagioi*) was a common self-designation for believers in the early church, emphasizing their consecrated status as those set apart for God through Christ. The mention of "They of Italy" is particularly noteworthy. It suggests that the author, or at least some of their close associates, were either writing from Italy (perhaps Rome, a significant early Christian center) or had recently been there and were sending greetings from Italian believers who were currently with them. This detail highlights the mobility of early Christian missionaries and the interconnectedness of Christian communities across the Roman Empire, fostering a sense of universal fellowship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes woven throughout Hebrews. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Christian Fellowship and Unity**, emphasizing the importance of mutual recognition and affection among believers. The instruction to "salute all the saints" reinforces the idea of the church as a unified body, transcending geographical boundaries. Secondly, it reiterates the theme of **Respect for Spiritual Authority**, building upon earlier exhortations in [Hebrews 13:7](/hebrews/13-7 "Hebrews 13:7 - Remember Your Leaders") and [Hebrews 13:17](/hebrews/13-17 "Hebrews 13:17 - Obey Your Leaders"). The command to "salute all them that have the rule over you" highlights the God-ordained role of leadership within the church and the proper posture of the congregation towards their spiritual guides. Finally, the specific greeting from "They of Italy" adds a layer of **Personal Connection and Authenticity**, grounding the profound theological discourse of the letter in the lived reality of a global, yet intimately connected, Christian community. This personal touch also subtly reinforces the letter's practical aim: to encourage steadfastness and faith in the face of challenges, knowing they are part of a larger, supportive family of believers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Salute (Greek, _aspázomai_):** (G782) This verb means "to embrace," "to greet," or "to welcome." It conveys a sense of warm affection, respect, and fellowship, going beyond a mere formal acknowledgement. When used in the context of Christian greetings, it implies a heartfelt expression of love and solidarity, reflecting the deep bond shared by believers.
* **have the rule over (Greek, _hēgéomai_):** (G2233) This word signifies "to lead," "to command with official authority," or "to govern." In the context of the church, it refers to those who hold spiritual leadership and guidance, exercising oversight and providing direction for the community. It implies a position of responsibility and influence, deserving of respect and cooperation.
* **saints (Greek, _hágios_):** (G40) Derived from a root meaning "sacred" or "holy," this term refers to those who are consecrated or set apart for God. In the New Testament, it is a common designation for all believers, not just a select few. It emphasizes their new identity in Christ, having been made holy through His sacrifice and called to live lives dedicated to Him.
* **Italy (Greek, _Italía_):** (G2482) This is a geographical reference to the Italian peninsula. Its inclusion indicates that the author or their companions were either residing in Italy at the time of writing or were accompanied by believers who originated from or had recently traveled from Italy, sending their greetings to the recipients.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Salute all them that have the rule over you":** This is a direct command from the author to the recipients, instructing them to extend warm, respectful greetings to their spiritual leaders. This emphasizes the importance of acknowledging, honoring, and showing affection for those who guide and shepherd the local Christian community, reinforcing the principle of submission to legitimate spiritual authority previously mentioned in the chapter.
* **"and all the saints":** Following the instruction regarding leaders, the command broadens to include "all the saints," meaning all fellow believers within their community. This highlights the comprehensive nature of Christian fellowship, where every member of the body of Christ is to be recognized, valued, and greeted with mutual love and respect, fostering unity and interconnectedness.
* **"They of Italy salute you":** This phrase provides a reciprocal greeting, indicating that the author is not alone but is accompanied by a group of believers identified as being "of Italy." This serves as a personal touch, confirming the author's connections and the broader network of Christian fellowship. It suggests that the letter is not just from an individual but from a community, thereby strengthening its authority and communal appeal.

#### Literary Devices
Hebrews 13:24 employs several literary devices that enhance its message and impact. The most prominent is the **Apostolic Greeting**, a common feature in New Testament epistles, which serves to personalize the letter and establish a bond of fellowship between the sender and recipients. This particular greeting also utilizes **Metonymy**, where "Italy" stands in for the "believers from Italy," indicating their presence with the author or their recent association. The structure of the greeting itself, moving from specific groups (leaders, then all saints) to a reciprocal greeting from a distinct group ("They of Italy"), demonstrates a form of **Inclusivity**, embracing various segments of the Christian community. Furthermore, the verse acts as a form of **Personalization**, transforming the abstract theological discourse of the letter into a tangible expression of Christian community and mutual care, reminding the readers that they are part of a living, interconnected body of believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 13:24, though brief, carries significant theological weight by underscoring the nature of the church as a unified body under Christ's headship, structured with God-ordained leadership, and bound by mutual love and fellowship. The command to "salute" both leaders and "saints" reflects the divine order within the church—a community where respect for authority and brotherly affection are paramount. It reminds believers that their identity in Christ calls them to active participation in a spiritual family, extending beyond local congregations to a global network of "holy ones." This mutual greeting reinforces the reality that the church is not merely an organization but a living organism, a communion of saints whose shared faith in Jesus Christ transcends all earthly divisions, reflecting the ultimate unity found in Him.

* [1 Peter 5:1-4](/1_peter/5-1-4 "1 Peter 5:1-4 - Shepherd the Flock of God")
* [Philippians 4:21-22](/philippians/4-21-22 "Philippians 4:21-22 - Greetings from Caesar's Household")
* [Romans 16:16](/romans/16-16 "Romans 16:16 - Greet One Another with a Holy Kiss")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 13:24 offers timeless principles for believers today, emphasizing the enduring importance of Christian community and the proper regard for spiritual authority. In a world often characterized by individualism and a questioning of authority, this verse calls us back to foundational truths: we are part of a divinely established family, and within that family, God has appointed leaders for our guidance and spiritual nourishment. To "salute" them means to genuinely honor, pray for, and cooperate with those who faithfully shepherd the flock, recognizing the weight of their calling and their service. Furthermore, the call to "salute all the saints" reminds us to actively cultivate fellowship with every believer, fostering an environment of mutual love, encouragement, and support. This extends beyond our immediate circles to embrace the global body of Christ, recognizing our shared identity and mission. By valuing our leaders and cherishing our fellow saints, we strengthen the bonds of the church and bear witness to the unifying power of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I genuinely "salute" or honor my spiritual leaders in practical ways this week, beyond mere formal acknowledgement?**
* **In what specific ways can I cultivate deeper fellowship and extend heartfelt greetings to "all the saints" in my local church and beyond?**
* **What does the personal nature of the greeting from "They of Italy" teach me about the interconnectedness and global scope of the Christian family, and how can I embrace this broader perspective?**

### FAQ
**Who are "them that have the rule over you" in this verse?**

Answer: "Them that have the rule over you" (Greek: *hoi hēgoumenoi*) refers to the spiritual leaders or overseers of the Christian community to whom the letter was addressed. These would have been the elders, pastors, or teachers who provided spiritual guidance, instruction, and oversight to the local church. The term emphasizes their role in leading and guiding the flock, as seen in other exhortations in Hebrews 13 to remember and obey them.

**What does "saints" mean in the context of this verse?**

Answer: In the New Testament, the term "saints" (Greek: *hagioi*) is not reserved for a select few exceptionally holy individuals, but is a common designation for all believers in Jesus Christ. It signifies that they are "holy ones," set apart by God for His purposes through their faith in Christ and His atoning sacrifice. Therefore, "all the saints" refers to all fellow Christians within the community and, by extension, the broader body of believers.

**What is the significance of "They of Italy salute you"?**

Answer: This phrase provides a crucial geographical and personal detail. It indicates that the author of Hebrews, or at least some of their close companions, were either writing the letter from Italy (possibly Rome, a significant early Christian center) or were accompanied by believers who had recently come from Italy and were sending their greetings. This personalizes the letter, reinforces the interconnectedness of early Christian communities across geographical distances, and suggests a specific context for the letter's origin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 13:24, with its emphasis on saluting leaders and saints and the reciprocal greeting from "They of Italy," finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Christ, who is the Head of the Church and the source of all true fellowship and leadership. The leaders whom the recipients are commanded to salute are those whom Christ Himself has gifted to the church for its building up, as described in [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Christ Gives Gifts to the Church"). Their authority and service are derived from His supreme headship over all things, particularly over His body, the church, as declared in [Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Body"). Furthermore, "all the saints" are those who have been made holy and set apart by Christ's sacrificial work on the cross, becoming members of His one body through the Spirit, as beautifully articulated in [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ"). The mutual greetings exchanged across geographical distances, symbolized by "They of Italy," reflect the profound unity that believers share in Christ, transcending all earthly barriers. This global fellowship is a direct result of Christ's reconciling work, which breaks down dividing walls and gathers people from every tribe and nation into one family of God ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Ultimately, the commands and greetings in this verse point to Christ as the one who establishes, sustains, and unites His church, making all its members, leaders and saints alike, part of a living testimony to His transforming power and love. He is the ultimate leader, the "founder and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith")), to whom all honor and glory belong.

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

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.

Hebrews 13:17

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.

Philemon 1:5

Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

Acts 18:2

And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.

Romans 16:1

¶ I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

Romans 16:16

Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

2 Corinthians 1:1

¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: