Devine Scripture

Hebrews 13:14

What does Hebrews 13:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 13:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 13:14 means

Christians are pilgrims. We do not possess an abiding city here; we seek the city that is to come. This reorients values: present disgrace for Christ is bearable because our enduring homeland is future and heavenly. It loosens our grip on status, comforts, and institutions that cannot last. The verse safeguards the previous call to bear reproach by assuring us that loss now is not ultimate loss. Seeking the coming city shapes choices—how we spend, suffer, and serve—by what endures. This longing does not produce withdrawal but faithful presence, as those who know where true permanence lies.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For we have not here an abiding city, but we seek after the city which is to come.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For we have not here an abiding city, but we seek after the city which is to come.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For here we have no fixed resting-place, but our search is for the one which is to come.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for we have not here an abiding city, but the coming one we seek;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For, we have not here a lasting city: but we seek one that is to come.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for we have not here an abiding city, but we seek the coming one.

Context

Verse 14 explains why believers can leave the camp and bear reproach (v.13): their permanent citizenship lies elsewhere. With hope fixed on the future city, the writer shifts to defining proper worship in the present (vv.15–16): continual praise through Jesus and doing good and sharing. These become the sacrifices that please God in the new covenant, replacing the old system’s ritual focus.

v.13Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

v.14This passage

v.15Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Peter 4:7

    But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer:

  • Micah 2:10

    Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your resting-place; because of uncleanness that destroyeth, even with a grievous destruction.

  • Hebrews 4:9

    There remaineth therefore a sabbath rest for the people of God.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:17

    For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory;

  • 1 Corinthians 7:29

    But this I say, brethren, the time is shortened, that henceforth both those that have wives may be as though they had none;

  • Hebrews 11:12

    wherefore also there sprang of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as the sand, which is by the sea-shore, innumerable.

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