Hebrews 13:4

KJV

Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

KJV (with Strong's)

Marriage {G1062} is honourable {G5093} in {G1722} all {G3956}, and {G2532} the bed {G2845} undefiled {G283}: but {G1161} whoremongers {G4205} and {G2532} adulterers {G3432} God {G2316} will judge {G2919}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Marriage is honorable in every respect; and, in particular, sex within marriage is pure. But God will indeed punish fornicators and adulterers.

Berean Standard Bible

Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

American Standard Version

Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 13:4 serves as a foundational declaration regarding the sanctity of marriage and the gravity of sexual purity within the Christian life. It unequivocally affirms marriage as an honorable institution, designed by God to include undefiled sexual intimacy, while simultaneously issuing a stern warning of divine judgment against all forms of sexual immorality, specifically identifying fornication and adultery as sins subject to God's direct condemnation. This verse encapsulates a vital aspect of New Testament ethics, emphasizing the high value God places on covenantal relationships and sexual integrity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding exhortations of the Letter to the Hebrews, a section (chapters 13:1-19) that transitions from profound theological exposition to practical Christian living. Following the author's extensive arguments for the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant, chapter 13 offers a series of ethical imperatives, beginning with calls for brotherly love, hospitality, and remembering those in prison. Hebrews 13:4 specifically addresses the sanctity of marriage and sexual purity, immediately preceding admonitions against the love of money and a call for contentment, and then urging believers to remember their leaders and follow their faith. This placement underscores that ethical conduct, particularly in areas of relationships and sexuality, is a direct outflow of a robust theological understanding of Christ's work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, sexual mores were often fluid and permissive, particularly outside the confines of formal marriage. Prostitution (both male and female) was common, and adultery, while technically illegal, was frequently tolerated or overlooked, especially for men. Various philosophical schools held differing views on marriage and sexuality, some advocating for asceticism, others for hedonism. Within this backdrop, the early Christian community sought to establish distinct ethical standards rooted in biblical teaching, often contrasting sharply with prevailing cultural norms. The Jewish tradition, from which many of the Hebrew Christians came, held marriage in high esteem, but even within Jewish society, purity laws and practices varied. The author of Hebrews, writing to a community facing potential persecution and temptation to revert to old ways, emphasizes the divine standard for marriage and sexuality as a core component of their new identity in Christ.
* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 13:4 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in the book and broader New Testament. It reinforces the theme of **Christian ethics and practical living**, demonstrating how theological truth translates into daily conduct. It highlights the **sanctity of covenant**, specifically the marriage covenant, as a reflection of God's own faithfulness. The verse also touches upon the theme of **divine judgment** for unrighteousness, a concept seen throughout Hebrews, especially in warnings against apostasy and disobedience (e.g., [Hebrews 10:26-31](/hebrews/10-26-31 "Hebrews 10:26-31 - Warnings Against Willful Sin")). Furthermore, it implicitly upholds the **holiness of God** and the call for His people to live in a manner that reflects His character, echoing the call to "be holy, for I am holy" found in [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Call to Holiness") and reiterated in [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Marriage (Greek, _gámos_):** This term refers to nuptials or a wedding, signifying the institution of marriage itself. Its use here emphasizes the formal, divinely ordained union between a man and a woman, rather than merely a cohabiting relationship. The word underscores the covenantal nature and public recognition of this union.
* **Undefiled (Greek, _amíantos_):** Derived from a negative particle and a word meaning "to stain" or "to pollute," _amíantos_ literally means "unsoiled" or "pure." When applied to the "bed," it signifies that sexual intimacy within the confines of marriage is not impure or sinful, but rather clean, honorable, and in accordance with God's design, free from moral stain.
* **Judge (Greek, _krínō_):** This verb means "to distinguish," "decide," "try," "condemn," or "punish." In this context, it clearly indicates a judicial action by God. It implies that God Himself will actively evaluate, condemn, and administer punishment to those who engage in the specified sexual sins, highlighting the certainty and severity of divine retribution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Marriage [is] honourable in all":** This clause establishes the foundational premise: the institution of marriage is to be held in high esteem by everyone ("in all" can mean "among all people" or "in all respects"). It is not merely a social construct but a divinely sanctioned and dignified relationship that warrants universal respect and honor. This stands in contrast to any philosophy or practice that might devalue or diminish its sacred status.
* **"and the bed undefiled":** This phrase directly addresses the sexual aspect of marriage. The "bed" (Greek _koítē_) is a common euphemism for the marital relationship, particularly its sexual intimacy. By declaring it "undefiled," the author asserts that sexual relations within the covenant of marriage are pure, holy, and free from sin. This affirms the goodness and sacredness of sexual expression when kept within its God-ordained boundaries, countering any ascetic views that might deem all sexual activity inherently impure.
* **"but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.":** This final clause serves as a stark warning and consequence. "Whoremongers" (Greek _pórnos_) refers broadly to those who engage in _porneia_, encompassing all forms of illicit sexual activity outside of marriage, including fornication, prostitution, and general sexual immorality. "Adulterers" (Greek _moichós_) specifically denotes those who commit adultery, engaging in sexual relations with someone married to another. The declaration that "God will judge" these individuals underscores the absolute certainty and divine authority behind the condemnation of such sins. This judgment is not merely societal disapproval but a direct, active, and punitive intervention by God Himself.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Antithesis** is prominent, setting the honorable and undefiled nature of marriage and its bed in direct opposition to the condemned actions of whoremongers and adulterers. This sharp contrast highlights the clear moral boundaries God establishes. The use of **euphemism** in "the bed" for marital intimacy is a subtle way to refer to a private act while maintaining decorum. The phrase "God will judge" functions as a powerful **pronouncement of divine judgment**, emphasizing the ultimate authority and certainty of the consequences for sexual immorality. This direct statement acts as a strong **deterrent**, underscoring the seriousness with which God views these transgressions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 13:4 profoundly articulates God's enduring design for marriage and His unwavering commitment to sexual purity. It reflects a consistent biblical theology that upholds marriage as a sacred covenant, established by God at creation, and views sexual intimacy within that covenant as a good and holy gift. Conversely, it underscores the severe consequences of sexual sin, aligning with the broader biblical narrative that portrays God as a righteous judge who holds humanity accountable for moral transgressions. This verse serves as a crucial reminder that Christian ethics are not merely human conventions but divine mandates, rooted in God's character and His redemptive purposes for humanity.

* [1 Corinthians 6:9-10](/1_corinthians/6-9-10 "1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - Warning Against Immorality")
* [Ephesians 5:3-5](/ephesians/5-3-5 "Ephesians 5:3-5 - Purity Among Believers")
* [Matthew 19:4-6](/matthew/19-4-6 "Matthew 19:4-6 - Jesus on Marriage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 13:4 calls believers to a high standard of sexual purity and a profound respect for the institution of marriage. In a world that often trivializes or distorts both, this verse serves as an anchor, reminding us that God's design for relationships is both sacred and good. For those who are married, it is an affirmation of the purity and honor of their intimate union, encouraging them to cherish and protect their "undefiled bed." For all believers, it is a clear call to flee from all forms of sexual immorality, recognizing that such sins are not merely social missteps but direct affronts to a holy God who will bring judgment. Our lives, including our relational and sexual choices, are to reflect the honor and holiness of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my view of marriage align with the biblical declaration that it is "honorable in all"?**
* **In what ways can I actively uphold and honor the sanctity of marriage, both my own (if applicable) and the institution itself, in my words and actions?**
* **What does it mean for me to ensure my "bed" (my sexual life, whether single or married) remains "undefiled" in today's cultural climate?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment against sexual immorality motivate me to pursue purity and repentance?**

### FAQ

**What does "Marriage is honourable in all" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase carries a dual meaning, both of which are important. Firstly, it means that marriage itself is to be held in high esteem "among all people" or "by everyone." It is a divinely instituted and blessed relationship that warrants universal respect. Secondly, it can mean that marriage is honorable "in all respects" or "in every way," implying that every aspect of the marital covenant, including its sexual intimacy, is pure and worthy of honor when lived according to God's design. It counters any notion that marriage or its physical expression is inherently impure or inferior to celibacy.

**Why is "the bed undefiled" specifically mentioned?**

Answer: The phrase "the bed undefiled" (Greek _koítē amíantos_) directly addresses the sexual dimension of marriage. In a world where sex outside of marriage was common and even within marriage, some philosophical or religious views might have deemed physical intimacy as inherently impure, the author explicitly affirms that sexual relations within the covenant of marriage are pure, holy, and free from sin. It underscores that God designed and blessed sexual intimacy for the marital relationship, making it a sacred and honorable aspect of the union, not something to be ashamed of or deemed unclean. This contrasts sharply with the "whoremongers and adulterers" who defile the bed.

**What is the difference between "whoremongers" and "adulterers" in this context?**

Answer: The terms distinguish between a broader category of sexual immorality and a specific, grave form. "Whoremongers" (Greek _pórnos_) refers to those who engage in _porneia_, a comprehensive term for all illicit sexual acts outside of the marriage covenant, including fornication (sex between unmarried persons), prostitution, and other forms of sexual impurity. "Adulterers" (Greek _moichós_) refers specifically to those who violate the marriage covenant by engaging in sexual relations with someone other than their spouse. By listing both, the verse condemns all forms of sexual activity outside of God's design for marriage, emphasizing that both general immorality and specific marital infidelity fall under God's judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Hebrews 13:4 directly addresses the sanctity of marriage and sexual purity under the New Covenant, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Christ. Jesus Himself affirmed the divine institution of marriage, echoing the Genesis account of one man and one woman becoming "one flesh" (see [Matthew 19:4-6](/matthew/19-4-6 "Matthew 19:4-6 - Jesus on Marriage")). More profoundly, Christ's relationship with the Church is consistently presented as the ultimate marriage covenant, with Christ as the faithful Bridegroom and the Church as His pure bride (see [Ephesians 5:25-32](/ephesians/5-25-32 "Ephesians 5:25-32 - Christ and the Church as Husband and Wife")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ cleanses and sanctifies His people, enabling them to live lives of purity and holiness, including in their sexual conduct. The judgment promised against "whoremongers and adulterers" highlights the seriousness of sin, but for those in Christ, His perfect righteousness covers their past impurities, and His Spirit empowers them to pursue the undefiled life that honors God (see [1 Corinthians 6:11](/1_corinthians/6-11 "1 Corinthians 6:11 - Washed, Sanctified, Justified")). Thus, the call to sexual purity in Hebrews 13:4 is not merely a legalistic command but an invitation to live out the reality of our new identity in Christ, reflecting the purity of our union with Him and anticipating the glorious marriage supper of the Lamb (see [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

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

Genesis 2:24

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Proverbs 5:15

¶ Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.

Proverbs 5:23

He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

1 Corinthians 7:2

Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

1 Corinthians 7:16

For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save [thy] husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save [thy] wife?

Galatians 5:21

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.