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Hebrews 13:5

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[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.

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}.

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.”

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.”

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

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.

Context

Hebrews chapter 13 concludes this profound epistle by offering practical exhortations for Christian living. After laying a deep theological foundation about the superiority of Christ and the new covenant, the author transitions to how faith should be lived out daily. This chapter covers various aspects of community life, conduct, and perseverance, with verse 5 specifically addressing one's attitude towards material possessions and wealth, contrasted with trust in God's provision and presence.

Key Themes

  • Freedom from Covetousness: The verse directly commands believers to live without a love of money or excessive desire for possessions. This is framed as a necessary aspect of Christian behavior.
  • Contentment: Linked closely with avoiding covetousness is the call to be satisfied with what one currently possesses. This speaks to a reliance on God rather than material security.
  • God's Unfailing Presence: The command is grounded in a powerful promise from God, assuring believers that He will never abandon them. This divine assurance provides the foundation for being free from anxiety about material needs and enables contentment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Let your conversation be without covetousness" uses the Greek word aphilarguria (ἀφιλαργυρία), which literally means "love of money." It's a strong term against being controlled by financial gain. The word translated "content" is arkeō (ἀρκέω), meaning to be sufficient, satisfied, or self-sufficient (in the sense of needing nothing external for happiness or security, because one has Christ). The promise "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" is an extremely strong double negative in Greek, emphasizing the absolute certainty and permanence of God's presence and support.

Reflection and Application

In a world often driven by acquisition and consumerism, this verse offers a counter-cultural mandate. It challenges believers to examine their relationship with money and possessions. Are we defined by what we have or what we want? True security and satisfaction come not from wealth but from knowing that God is sufficient and ever-present.

The command to be content and free from covetousness is empowered by the assurance of God's presence. The author quotes a promise given originally to Israel (echoing passages like Deuteronomy 31:6 and Joshua 1:5), applying it directly to New Testament believers. This promise means we do not need to chase after material things out of fear of lack, because God Himself is our ultimate provider and companion. Understanding that the love of money can be a root of evil, this verse encourages focusing on the spiritual reality of God's unwavering faithfulness as the true source of peace and security.

Living out Hebrews 13:5 means cultivating a heart that trusts God's provision for today, resists the urge for more, and finds joy and security in His constant presence, regardless of one's financial state.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 31:8 (159 votes)

    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 (129 votes)

    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 (111 votes)

    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 (72 votes)

    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 (66 votes)

    [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 (61 votes)

    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 (58 votes)

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