Hebrews 13:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.

NIV: Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

NASB: Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are badly treated, since you yourselves also are in the body.

CSB: Remember those in prison, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily.

NLT: Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.

KJV: Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

NKJV: Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.

Prior verses listed practical instructions for Christian believers. These included demonstrating brotherly love (Hebrews 13:1) and care for strangers (Hebrews 13:2). Love for fellow Christians is consistently mentioned in the Bible as proof of one's faith (John 15:12; 1 John 4:20). Scripture not only contains Jesus' teaching that our attitude toward strangers reflects our attitude towards Him (Matthew 25:35–40), it also includes stories where those strangers were actually angels (Genesis 19:1–3).

This verse completes a series closely resembling Jesus' words in Matthew 25. There, He indicated the need for Christians to care for the needy, strangers, and those in prison. Prior verses mentioned fellow believers and strangers, and here Christians are commanded to care for those in prison. This letter was written to persecuted Jewish Christians, though it pointedly notes that those originally reading the letter have not suffered as much as have other believers (Hebrews 12:4). Those who are actually being deprived of freedom, rights, or property deserve the support and sympathy of believers.

The writer of Hebrews also includes those who are "mistreated" in his commands. This is from the Greek term kakouchoumenōn, used only twice in the New Testament. The other occurrence is in Hebrews 11:37; it applies to examples of those with godly faith suffering persecution and martyrdom. This meshes well with a major theme of the book of Hebrews: that believers ought to "hold fast" through suffering, while keeping in mind the sufferings of others for the sake of Christ.

Hebrews 13:1–6 contains practical, real-world instructions for Christian believers. These mirror some of the more common themes in the New Testament. Brotherly love, hospitality, care for the abused, sexual morality, and contentment are all commended. The writer ties the ability to be content, and faithful, to our trust in Christ to be there with us, and for us, in all of our circumstances. This grounding is strengthened in the following passage.

Chapters 1—9 explained how the new covenant in Jesus Christ is superior to the old covenant of animal sacrifices. This comparison drew on extensive use of Old Testament Scripture. Chapters 10––12 applied that evidence to encourage Christians to ''hold fast'' despite persecution. The summary of these applications was that believers ought to trust in their faith, and choose to obey God, during times of struggle. Chapter 13 adds a few specific reminders about Christian conduct. This passage also reiterates the idea that Christ is meant to be our ultimate example. The letter concludes with a request for prayer and words of blessing.

The last chapter of the book of Hebrews follows a pattern common in New Testament books, especially those written by Paul. The writer gave extensive evidence in chapters 1––9 to support a central idea. This concept was that the new covenant, in Jesus Christ, is superior to the old covenant, composed of the Levitical laws. Chapters 10¬-––12 applied this knowledge to the need for persecuted Christians to maintain their faith. Here, in chapter 13, the writer offers a few specific encouragements for the reader, before signing off with a request for prayer and a benediction.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.