Hebrews 13:5

KJV

[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let your conversation {G5158} be without covetousness {G866}; and be content {G714} with such things as ye have {G3918}: for {G1063} he {G846} hath said {G2046}, I will never {G3364} leave {G447} thee {G4571}, nor {G3761}{G3364} forsake {G1459} thee {G4571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Keep your lives free from the love of money; and be satisfied with what you have; for God himself has said, “I will never fail you or abandon you.”

Berean Standard Bible

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”

American Standard Version

Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 13:5 delivers a powerful exhortation for believers to cultivate a lifestyle marked by contentment and freedom from the grip of materialism, grounding this ethical imperative in the unwavering faithfulness of God. It calls for a radical reorientation of values, shifting trust from transient earthly possessions to the eternal, steadfast presence and provision of the Creator, thereby fostering a deep spiritual security that transcends any material circumstance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 13 serves as the practical culmination of a profoundly theological epistle. Having meticulously established the superiority of Christ's person and work, the author transitions from doctrinal exposition to ethical application. The preceding chapters, especially [Hebrews 11](/hebrews/11 "Hebrews 11 - The Hall of Faith") and [Hebrews 12](/hebrews/12 "Hebrews 12 - Running the Race of Faith"), emphasize faith, perseverance, and the pursuit of holiness in the face of suffering and external pressures. Chapter 13 begins with a series of specific commands regarding Christian conduct, including brotherly love ([Hebrews 13:1](/hebrews/13-1 "Hebrews 13:1 - Brotherly Love")), hospitality ([Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Hospitality")), care for prisoners ([Hebrews 13:3](/hebrews/13-3 "Hebrews 13:3 - Care for the Afflicted")), and the sanctity of marriage ([Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Sanctity of Marriage")). Verse 5 directly follows these, addressing the internal disposition towards material wealth, linking it intrinsically to the believer's trust in God, thus providing a foundational spiritual anchor for all outward expressions of faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of the book of Hebrews was likely Jewish Christians facing persecution, social ostracism, and the temptation to revert to Judaism. In such an environment, material security was often precarious. Believers might have faced confiscation of property ([Hebrews 10:32-34](/hebrews/10-32-34 "Hebrews 10:32-34 - Suffering and Perseverance")) or economic hardship due to their faith. The Greco-Roman world, like any society, had its own pressures regarding wealth, status, and material accumulation. Philosophies like Stoicism advocated for a degree of detachment from external circumstances, but the Christian call to contentment is rooted not in self-sufficiency, but in the divine promise. The exhortation to be "without covetousness" was particularly pertinent in a context where material possessions could become an idol, a source of anxiety, or a reason to compromise one's faith. The author grounds the command in an Old Testament promise, highlighting the continuity of God's faithfulness to His people across covenants, a powerful reassurance for a community enduring trials.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Hebrews. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **faith and perseverance**, demonstrating how trust in God's unfailing presence enables believers to endure material insecurity and resist the allure of worldly gain. Secondly, it speaks to **practical holiness and ethical living**, showing that true devotion to Christ impacts one's financial attitudes as much as one's interpersonal relationships. Thirdly, it underscores the **superiority of the New Covenant and Christ's provision**, contrasting the fleeting nature of earthly treasures with the eternal, unchanging nature of God's commitment. The reference to God's promise, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee," echoes foundational Old Testament assurances (e.g., [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God's Promise to Israel") and [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to Joshua")), applying them directly to New Covenant believers and emphasizing the **unchanging character of God** as the ultimate source of security and contentment, a theme central to the entire epistle.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Without covetousness (Greek, _aphilárgyros'_):** This word (G866) is a compound of a negative particle (ἀ, "not") and "love of money" (φιλάργυρος). It literally means "unavaricious" or "not greedy of filthy lucre." It denotes an active state of being free from the love of money, which the New Testament often identifies as a root of evil ([1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil")). It's not merely about avoiding certain actions but cultivating an internal disposition that is detached from the inordinate desire for wealth or possessions.
* **Content (Greek, _arkéō'_):** This verb (G714) means "to ward off," and by implication, "to avail," "be satisfactory," or "be sufficient." In this context, it signifies being satisfied or self-sufficient not in one's own resources, but in what one has, because God is sufficient. It implies a state of mind where one finds enough in the present circumstances, rather than constantly striving for more. It is a spiritual posture of sufficiency derived from God's provision, as exemplified by Paul in [Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11-13 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Paul's Contentment").
* **Never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Greek, _ou mḗ_ G3364, _aníēmi_ G447, _enkataleípō_ G1459):** The phrase "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" employs a powerful double negative in Greek (`ou mḗ`, G3364), which intensifies the denial to the strongest possible degree, meaning "not at all" or "by no means." The verb `aníēmi` (G447, "leave") means to let up, slacken, or desert, while `enkataleípō` (G1459, "forsake") means to leave behind in some place, or to desert. The combination of these two verbs with the emphatic double negative creates an absolute, unbreakable promise of God's perpetual presence and support. It assures the believer that God will not loosen His grip or abandon them in any circumstance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let your conversation be without covetousness":** This clause calls for a radical reorientation of one's entire lifestyle and character ("conversation" in KJV refers to one's conduct or manner of life, from G5158 _trópos_). It is an active command to cultivate an internal disposition and external behavior that is entirely free from the love of money or the insatiable desire for more possessions. This is not merely about avoiding theft or greed, but about a fundamental attitude of detachment from materialism as a controlling force.
* **"and be content with such things as ye have":** Following the negative command, this positive injunction directs believers to find satisfaction and sufficiency in their current material state. It is a call to embrace a posture of gratitude and trust in God's provision, rather than succumbing to anxiety or dissatisfaction over what one lacks. This contentment is not passive resignation but an active choice to rely on God's goodness and sufficiency.
* **"for he hath said":** This introduces the divine ground for the preceding commands. The commands to be free from covetousness and to be content are not arbitrary human ideals but flow directly from a foundational truth about God's character and His promises. The phrase "he hath said" (G2046 _eréō_) points to the authoritative, spoken word of God.
* **"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee":** This is the bedrock promise, a direct quotation from the Old Testament (echoing [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God's Promise to Israel") and [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to Joshua")). The emphatic double negative (as noted in Key Word Analysis) underscores the absolute certainty and permanence of God's presence and support. This promise is the ultimate antidote to covetousness and the foundation for true contentment, as it assures the believer that their ultimate security and provision come from God Himself, who will never abandon them, regardless of their material circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Chiasm** is subtly present in the structure of the two commands followed by the divine promise: "without covetousness" (negative disposition) and "content" (positive disposition) are both grounded in "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (God's unwavering presence). This structure emphasizes that the internal state is enabled by the external divine reality. **Antithesis** is central, contrasting the worldly pursuit of material gain ("covetousness") with the spiritual security found in God's presence ("never leave...nor forsake"). The use of a **double negative** ("never...nor") in the Greek for God's promise is a form of **emphatic negation**, creating an exceptionally strong affirmation of God's absolute faithfulness and perpetual presence. This serves as a powerful **rhetorical appeal** to the audience's trust in God, providing the ultimate logical and spiritual basis for the ethical commands given.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 13:5 profoundly connects the believer's material disposition to their spiritual security, asserting that true contentment is not found in possessions but in the unwavering presence of God. This theological truth liberates believers from the anxieties and insatiable desires that often accompany a focus on worldly wealth. The promise, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee," is a direct echo of God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, now applied to New Testament believers, underscoring the continuity of God's character and His commitment to His people across dispensations. It teaches that God Himself is the ultimate treasure and provider, making any pursuit of material gain for security or satisfaction ultimately idolatrous and unnecessary.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "God's Promise to Never Leave Israel")
* [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "God's Promise to Joshua")
* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Jesus' Teaching on Worry and God's Provision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that constantly bombards us with messages of acquisition, consumption, and the pursuit of more, Hebrews 13:5 stands as a radical counter-cultural manifesto. It challenges us to deeply examine our hearts: what truly defines our security, our joy, and our sense of "enough"? Is it the size of our bank account, the accumulation of possessions, or the next promotion? Or is it the profound, unshakeable truth that the Almighty God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, has promised to be with us, to never abandon us, and to provide for our every true need? This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of profound contentment, not as a passive resignation to fate, but as an active, Spirit-empowered trust in God's unfailing presence and provision. It urges us to live with open hands, not grasping tightly onto earthly things, knowing that our ultimate inheritance and security are found in Christ alone. When we truly believe that God will never leave or forsake us, the anxieties that fuel covetousness lose their power, and we are freed to live generously, thankfully, and securely in His love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I struggle with covetousness or dissatisfaction, and how might a deeper trust in God's constant presence address these struggles?**
* **How does my current relationship with money and possessions reflect my true source of security?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to cultivate a greater sense of contentment and reliance on God's provision?**

### FAQ

**What does "conversation" mean in the King James Version of this verse?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "conversation" (from the Greek _trópos_, G5158) does not refer to verbal dialogue as it primarily does today. Instead, it refers to one's entire manner of life, conduct, or deportment. So, "Let your conversation be without covetousness" means "Let your whole lifestyle and character be free from the love of money and the desire for more possessions." It's a call to an internal disposition that shapes outward actions, reflecting the themes found throughout [the wisdom literature](/proverbs "Proverbs for Living") and [Jesus' teachings on wealth](/matthew/6-19-24 "Matthew 6:19-24 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven").

**Where does the promise "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" come from?**

Answer: This powerful promise is a direct quotation or strong echo of several Old Testament passages, most notably [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God's Promise to Israel"), where Moses reassures Israel before his death, and [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to Joshua"), where God gives a similar promise to Joshua as he takes leadership. The author of Hebrews applies this ancient, covenantal promise directly to New Testament believers, emphasizing the unchanging faithfulness of God to His people across all generations. This continuity of divine assurance provides the bedrock for Christian contentment, as seen in [Psalm 23](/psalm/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 13:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment and empowerment in Jesus Christ. The divine promise, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee," is not merely a historical echo but a living reality made possible and guaranteed by the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ. Jesus, as [Emmanuel, "God with us"](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel"), perfectly embodies this promise, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to humanity. His life of radical humility and dependence on the Father, even to the point of having [no place to lay His head](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has No Place to Lay His Head"), serves as the supreme example of contentment and freedom from covetousness. Furthermore, it is through His atoning work that believers are reconciled to God, granting them the Holy Spirit as an [abiding presence](/john/14-16-18 "John 14:16-18 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit"), ensuring that God truly will never leave or forsake His redeemed. Thus, our ability to live without covetousness and to be truly content is not a self-generated virtue but a fruit of our union with Christ, who is our [all in all](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All in All") and our ultimate security, making the pursuit of worldly gain utterly superfluous.

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

Deuteronomy 31:8

And the LORD, he [it is] that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Joshua 1:5

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

1 Samuel 12:22

For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.

Isaiah 41:17

[When] the poor and needy seek water, and [there is] none, [and] their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

1 Chronicles 28:20

And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do [it]: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, [even] my God, [will be] with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

Psalms 37:25

I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.