Hebrews 13:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

NIV: Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.

NASB: Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

CSB: Marriage is to be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, because God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

NLT: Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.

KJV: Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

NKJV: Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

This passage focuses on specific, practical instructions for Christian believers. Earlier verses included the concept of showing love to fellow Christians (Hebrews 13:1), care for strangers (Hebrews 13:2), and concern for those experiencing persecution and mistreatment (Hebrews 13:3).

This verse presents another common teaching of the New Testament: the critical importance of sexual purity. In the modern world, sexual sins are often brushed aside as minor, or irrelevant. History, however, shows that sex and its consequences are a powerful force in a person's life. Few urges are as universal as sex, and so it is crucial for believers to maintain a godly, healthy approach to sexuality. This includes fidelity within marriage, as well as abstaining from sex until a person is married.

Other Scriptures, such as Romans 1:24–27, explain how sexual sins lead to natural, inevitable consequences. That passage explains how one form of God's judgment is to simply "hand off" a person to the results of these offenses.

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.

Accessed 4/29/2024 6:51:11 AM