20Now may the God of peace — the one who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of an eternal covenant, our Lord Jesus — [13:21] equip you in every good thing to do his will, working in us what is pleasing before him through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. [13:22] And I urge you, brothers — bear with the word of appeal, for in fact I have written to you briefly. [13:23] Know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom — if he comes soon — I will see you. [13:24] Greet all those who lead you and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. [13:25] Grace be with all of you.
HEB 13:20-25
Benediction and Farewell
In the world it was spoken into
The benediction and farewell in Hebrews 13:20-25 would have resonated deeply with its first-century audience, steeped in Jewish and Greco-Roman cultural and religious contexts. The mention of 'the God of peace' evokes the Jewish understanding of shalom—wholeness and harmony—while also appealing to Greco-Roman ideals of societal order and tranquility. The reference to Jesus as the 'great Shepherd of the sheep' draws on pastoral imagery familiar in Jewish scripture (e.g., Psalm 23) and Hellenistic leadership metaphors, emphasizing Jesus' role as protector and guide. The 'blood of the eternal covenant' underscores the Jewish sacrificial system, reinterpreted through Jesus' death as the ultimate atonement. The exhortation to 'bear with the word of exhortation' reflects the communal nature of early Christian gatherings, where mutual encouragement and instruction were vital. The mention of Timothy, a known associate of Paul, situates the letter within the broader network of early Christian leaders, emphasizing continuity and authority. The closing benediction, 'to whom be the glory forever,' aligns with Jewish doxological traditions, affirming God's eternal sovereignty.
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How other translations render this
HEB 13:20
- KJV
- Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
- BSB
- Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,
- Koinōnos
- Now may the God of peace — the one who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of an eternal covenant, our Lord Jesus —
HEB 13:21
- KJV
- 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.
- BSB
- equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
- Koinōnos
- equip you in every good thing to do his will, working in us what is pleasing before him through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
HEB 13:22
- KJV
- And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
- BSB
- I urge you, brothers, to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have only written to you briefly.
- Koinōnos
- And I urge you, brothers — bear with the word of appeal, for in fact I have written to you briefly.
HEB 13:23
- KJV
- Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.
- BSB
- Be aware that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.
- Koinōnos
- Know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom — if he comes soon — I will see you.
HEB 13:24
- KJV
- Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
- BSB
- Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy send you greetings.
- Koinōnos
- Greet all those who lead you and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.
HEB 13:25
- KJV
- Grace be with you all. Amen.
- BSB
- Grace be with all of you.
- Koinōnos
- Grace be with all of you.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
HEB 13:20
- having brought:The word translated 'having brought' often referred to leading someone up from a lower place to a higher one, or bringing something out into the open, suggesting a significant, purposeful action.
HEB 13:21
- would he equip:The term translated 'would he equip' carried the sense of restoring something to its proper condition, mending what is broken, or setting a dislocated limb, implying thorough and complete preparation.
HEB 13:22
- of exhortation;:The word translated 'of exhortation' encompassed a range of meanings from calling someone to one's aid, to imploring, appealing, or offering strong encouragement and comfort.
HEB 13:24
- leading:The word translated 'leading' referred to those who held positions of authority, guided others, or were considered leaders in a community, often implying a role of governance or command.