Hebrews 13:6

KJV

So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

KJV (with Strong's)

So that {G5620} we {G2248} may boldly {G2292} say {G3004}, The Lord {G2962} is my {G1698} helper {G998}, and {G2532} I will {G5399} not {G3756} fear {G5399} what {G5101} man {G444} shall do {G4160} unto me {G3427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, we say with confidence,

“Adonai is my helper; I will not be afraid —
what can a human being do to me?”

Berean Standard Bible

So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

American Standard Version

So that with good courage we say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear: What shall man do unto me?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 13:6 provides a profound declaration of faith and courage, asserting that believers, grounded in the unwavering assistance of God, can confidently face any human opposition without fear. This verse serves as a theological anchor, empowering the Christian to live boldly and speak freely, knowing that the sovereign Lord is their unfailing support against all external threats and pressures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding exhortations of the Epistle to the Hebrews, specifically following a series of practical instructions on Christian living. The preceding verses (Hebrews 13:1-5) encourage brotherly love, hospitality, remembering prisoners, honoring marriage, and, critically, contentment and freedom from the love of money. The declaration in [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God's Promise of Presence")—"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee"—directly precedes and undergirds the bold statement of [Hebrews 13:6](/hebrews/13-6 "Hebrews 13:6 - The Lord is My Helper"). Thus, the ability to boldly declare God as helper and to not fear man is presented as a direct consequence and spiritual fruit of trusting in God's perpetual presence and provision, rather than in worldly wealth or human power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The recipients of the Epistle to the Hebrews were Jewish Christians, likely living in Rome or a similar urban center, who were experiencing significant social pressure and possibly persecution for their faith in Christ. They faced the temptation to revert to Judaism, which was a legally recognized religion, to escape the ostracism and potential suffering associated with Christianity. This context made the fear of man (fear of social rejection, economic hardship, or physical harm) a very real and pressing issue. The author's strong emphasis on perseverance, faith, and the superiority of Christ over the Old Covenant system (as seen throughout [Hebrews](/hebrews "The Book of Hebrews")) directly addresses their need for courage and steadfastness in the face of such adversity.
* **Key Themes:** [Hebrews 13:6](/hebrews/13-6 "Hebrews 13:6 - The Lord is My Helper") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **God's Faithfulness and Sufficiency**, echoing the divine promise of presence from [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God's Promise of Presence"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Courage and Perseverance in Faith**, encouraging believers to stand firm despite external pressures, a call woven throughout the book, particularly in passages like [Hebrews 10:35-39](/hebrews/10-35-39 "Hebrews 10:35-39 - Perseverance and Faith"). Finally, it underscores the theme of **Trust in God Alone**, positioning the Lord as the ultimate source of security and aid, in contrast to reliance on human power or material possessions, which is a foundational principle in the Christian walk.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **boldly say (Greek, _tharrhéō_ G2292, _légō_ G3004):** The combination of these two Greek words conveys a powerful sense of speaking with courage, freedom, and confidence. _Tharrhéō_ means "to exercise courage" or "be confident," implying an inner fortitude that overcomes fear. _Légō_ refers to "relating in words," often in a systematic or set discourse. Together, they describe a public, unhesitant declaration of faith, not merely a private thought, but an open proclamation stemming from deep conviction.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios_ G2962):** This term signifies "supreme in authority" or "controller," and is used as a respectful title for Master or God. When applied to God, it emphasizes His absolute sovereignty, power, and rightful dominion over all creation and circumstances. Declaring the Lord as one's helper is an acknowledgment of His ultimate authority and ability to intervene effectively.
* **helper (Greek, _boēthós_ G998):** Derived from words meaning "to cry out" and "to run," _boēthós_ literally describes someone who runs to the aid of another upon hearing their cry for help; a succorer or supporter. It implies active, timely, and effective assistance, not merely passive presence. This word highlights God's dynamic and responsive nature in coming to the aid of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So that we may boldly say":** This introductory phrase indicates a consequence or result. Because of God's promise of unwavering presence and non-abandonment (as stated in [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God's Promise of Presence")), believers are empowered to make a confident and public declaration. The "boldness" is not presumption, but a Spirit-given assurance based on God's character.
* **"The Lord is my helper":** This is the core affirmation of faith. It identifies God as the personal, active, and sufficient source of aid and support. The use of "my" makes it a deeply personal confession, reflecting an intimate relationship and reliance on God's intervention in one's individual life. This declaration stands in stark contrast to relying on human strength, connections, or material wealth.
* **"and I will not fear what man shall do unto me":** This is the practical outcome and manifestation of the preceding declaration. If the sovereign Lord is one's helper, then the actions, threats, or opinions of mere human beings lose their power to instill fear. This is not a denial of potential harm, but a profound trust that whatever man may "do," it cannot ultimately thwart God's purposes or separate the believer from His care. It is a statement of spiritual invincibility rooted in divine protection.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Declaration** is central, as the verse is framed as a bold, confident statement of faith. This declaration functions as an **Affirmation** of God's character and His relationship with His people, providing a theological basis for courage. There is a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship: because God is our helper, we do not fear man. This creates a logical and compelling argument for steadfastness. Furthermore, the verse uses **Contrast** by juxtaposing the omnipotent "Lord" with finite "man," highlighting the vast difference in power and authority, thereby diminishing the perceived threat from human opposition. Finally, the verse exhibits **Allusion** to Old Testament passages, particularly the Psalms, where similar declarations of trust in God and defiance of human threats are common, thereby rooting this New Testament truth in a long-standing biblical tradition of divine faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 13:6 is a powerful theological statement that grounds Christian confidence not in human strength or circumstances, but in the immutable character and active presence of God. It affirms God's role as the ultimate sustainer and protector of His people, echoing the covenant promises of the Old Testament. The verse teaches that true security and freedom from fear are found in a personal, unwavering trust in the Lord's omnipotence and benevolence. This theological truth liberates believers from the paralyzing grip of fear of man, enabling them to live out their faith boldly and consistently, knowing that no human power can ultimately thwart God's purposes for their lives or separate them from His love.

* [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation") - "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
* [Psalm 118:6](/psalms/118-6 "Psalm 118:6 - The Lord is on My Side") - "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?"
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us") - "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a potent antidote to the pervasive fear that often paralyzes believers in a hostile or indifferent world. It calls us to reorient our perspective from the shifting sands of human opinion and power to the unshakeable rock of God's faithfulness. In moments of anxiety about job security, social standing, reputation, or even physical safety, Hebrews 13:6 reminds us that our ultimate security rests not in what we can control or what others might do, but in the unwavering commitment of the Lord to be our helper. Applying this truth means actively choosing to trust God's sovereignty over every circumstance, speaking His truth with courage, and living authentically, unburdened by the need for human approval or the dread of human disapproval. It empowers us to step out in faith, knowing that even if man does his worst, God remains our ultimate vindicator and sustainer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific fears of "what man shall do unto me" do I currently struggle with, and how can I intentionally apply the truth of God as my helper to those fears?**
* **How does my daily life reflect a "boldly saying" that the Lord is my helper, or does it reveal a subtle reliance on human approval or resources?**
* **In what ways can I practically demonstrate my trust in God's help when facing opposition or pressure from others?**

### FAQ

**How does God being our "helper" relate to our own responsibility and effort?**

Answer: God being our "helper" (Greek: _boēthós_) does not negate our responsibility or effort; rather, it empowers and enables it. The term _boēthós_ implies a succorer who runs to aid someone in need, suggesting that we are actively engaged in a situation where we require assistance. It means that as we strive to live faithfully, obey God's commands, and fulfill our callings, God is actively present, providing strength, wisdom, resources, and protection that transcend our own capabilities. It's a partnership where our effort is consecrated and made effective by His divine enablement. We work, knowing that He works in and through us ([Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Work Out Your Salvation")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 13:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's promise to never leave or forsake us, for in Him, God Himself dwelt among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus is the supreme "helper" who ran to our aid, not merely in earthly circumstances, but in our deepest spiritual need, delivering us from the power of sin and death through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus' Victory Over Death")). His resurrection from the dead demonstrates His triumph over all that man could "do" to Him, including crucifixion, and guarantees the ultimate victory for those who trust in Him ([Romans 8:37-39](/romans/8-37-39 "Romans 8:37-39 - More Than Conquerors")). Through Christ, believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, the Helper who empowers them to live boldly and without fear of man, knowing that their true life is hidden with Christ in God ([Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Hidden with Christ")). Thus, our ability to "boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me" is not a mere human resolve, but a Spirit-empowered declaration rooted in the finished work and ongoing intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")).

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

Psalms 118:6

The LORD [is] on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

Psalms 118:9

[It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

Psalms 27:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalms 27:3

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this [will] I [be] confident.

Psalms 124:8

Our help [is] in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.