Hebrews 13:17

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Πείθεσθε

G3982

Obey

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἡγουμένοις

G2233

them that have the rule

to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider

ὑμῶν

G5216

over you

of (from or concerning) you

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑπείκετε

G5226

submit

to surrender

αὐτοὶ

G846

they

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἀγρυπνοῦσιν

G69

watch

to be sleepless, i.e., keep awake

#10

ὑπὲρ

G5228

for

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

#11

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

ψυχῶν

G5590

souls

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

#13

ὑμῶν

G5216

over you

of (from or concerning) you

#14

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#15

λόγον

G3056

account

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#16

ἀποδώσοντες

G591

they that must give

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

#17

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#18

μετὰ

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#19

χαρᾶς

G5479

joy

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

#20

τοῦτο

G5124

that thing

#21

ποιῶσιν

G4160

they may do

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#23

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#24

στενάζοντες·

G4727

with grief

to make (intransitively, be) in straits, i.e., (by implication) to sigh, murmur, pray inaudibly

#25

ἀλυσιτελὲς

G255

is unprofitable

gainless, i.e., (by implication) pernicious

#26

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#27

ὑμῖν

G5213

for you

to (with or by) you

#28

τοῦτο

G5124

that thing

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hebrews, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Hebrews.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Hebrews chapter 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Faith
Hope