Hebrews 13:1
What does Hebrews 13:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 13:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 13:1 means
This opening command calls believers to let family-like love among Christians endure. Affection for fellow disciples is not a passing feeling but a settled commitment that should continue despite pressure, disagreement, or fatigue. In a community tempted to retreat or divide, brotherly love is the glue that holds them together. It reflects God’s love to the world and guards hearts from growing cold. The writer assumes this love already exists and urges its perseverance. Love is the climate where faith matures, burdens are shared, and wounds can heal. To “continue” means to maintain and renew it through practical care, patience, and forgiveness, not merely warm words or fleeting emotions.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Let love of the brethren continue.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Let brotherly love continue.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Let love of the brethren continue.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Go on loving your brothers in the faith.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Let brotherly love remain;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Let the charity of the brotherhood abide in you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Let brotherly love abide.
Context
Having expounded Christ’s superiority and urged endurance, the letter now lands in practical exhortations. Verse 1 sets the keynote—love within the household of faith. The next verses widen love’s expression to hospitality (v.2) and compassion for the suffering (v.3). This progression helps readers see Christian love not as abstraction but as actions that sustain a pressured congregation. Starting with brotherly love frames all that follows as family responsibilities under the better covenant secured by Jesus.
v.1This passage
v.2Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 15:17
These things I command you, that ye may love one another.
- 1 John 3:10
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
- Ephesians 4:3
giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:9
But concerning love of the brethren ye have no need that one write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another;
- 1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is begotten of God, and knoweth God.
- Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
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