Hebrews 13:21
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Original Language Analysis
καταρτίσαι
Make
G2675
καταρτίσαι
Make
Strong's:
G2675
Word #:
1 of 31
to complete thoroughly, i.e., repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 31
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποιῶν
do
G4160
ποιῶν
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
9 of 31
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλημα
will
G2307
θέλημα
will
Strong's:
G2307
Word #:
11 of 31
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
αὐτοῦ
in his
G846
αὐτοῦ
in his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 31
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
ποιῶν
do
G4160
ποιῶν
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
13 of 31
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
in his
G846
αὐτοῦ
in his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 31
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
διὰ
through
G1223
διὰ
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
20 of 31
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
21 of 31
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ᾧ
to whom
G3739
ᾧ
to whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
23 of 31
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξα
be glory
G1391
δόξα
be glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
25 of 31
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
26 of 31
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
27 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰώνων
and ever
G165
αἰώνων
and ever
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
28 of 31
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
29 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Philippians 2:13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.2 Thessalonians 2:17Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.1 Peter 2:5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.2 Timothy 4:18And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.Philippians 1:11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.2 Corinthians 9:8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:Hebrews 10:36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.1 Thessalonians 5:23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.1 Peter 4:2That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
Historical Context
The prayer reflects early Christian understanding that spiritual transformation comes from God's power, not human effort. Paul similarly prays for believers' sanctification (Ephesians 3:14-21; Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:9-12). Ancient pagan religions emphasized human achievement of divine favor through rituals and works. Christianity's radical claim was that God works transformation in believers who trust Christ. The emphasis on God 'working in you' would encourage readers facing persecution—their perseverance wasn't self-generated willpower but divine enablement. This prayer established pattern for Christian prayer: asking God to work what He commands, recognizing dependence on grace for obedience.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding that God works in you to accomplish His will affect your approach to obedience and spiritual growth?
- What 'good works' is God equipping you for, and how are you cooperating with His working in your life?
- In what ways should recognition that all spiritual progress comes 'through Jesus Christ' produce both humility and confidence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. This prayer petition requests God's sanctifying work. 'Make you perfect' (katartisai hymas, καταρτίσαι ὑμᾶς, 'equip you,' 'complete you,' or 'restore you') describes God fitting believers for service, supplying all necessary grace and ability. 'In every good work' (en panti ergō agathō) indicates comprehensive obedience across all life areas. 'To do his will' (eis to poiēsai to thelēma autou) states the goal: accomplishing God's purposes.
'Working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight' (poiōn en hymin to euareston enōpion autou) emphasizes that God Himself works in believers to accomplish His will. We don't manufacture obedience independently; God enables it. This is Philippians 2:12-13 in prayer form: 'work out your salvation...for it is God who works in you both to will and to do.' 'Through Jesus Christ' specifies the mediator through whom all grace flows. The doxology 'to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen' could refer to Christ or God the Father—both deserve eternal glory.
This demonstrates the Reformed doctrine of sanctification: God works in believers to produce holiness. We cooperate but don't originate the work. Spiritual growth, good works, obedience—all flow from divine grace working through Christ. This produces both humility (we can't boast) and confidence (God who began good work will complete it, Philippians 1:6).