Hebrews 13:17
What does Hebrews 13:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 13:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 13:17 means
Believers are to obey and submit to their leaders, not as mere authorities but as watchmen for their souls who will give account to God. Proper response enables them to shepherd with joy rather than groaning. Making their task burdensome harms the whole church; it is “unprofitable” for the people themselves. This verse dignifies pastoral work and protects congregations by urging a humble, teachable spirit. Leaders’ accountability restrains abuse; members’ responsiveness fosters health. The goal is mutual joy under Christ’s headship, where instruction is heeded, admonition received, and care offered freely. Such order supports endurance in trial and guards against the fragmentation warned about earlier in the letter.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this were unprofitable for you.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this were unprofitable for you.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give ear to those who are rulers over you, and do as they say: for they keep watch over your souls, ready to give an account of them; let them be able to do this with joy and not with grief, because that would be of no profit to you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Be obedient to those leading you, and be subject, for these do watch for your souls, as about to give account, that with joy they may do this, and not sighing, for this <FI>is<Fi> unprofitable to you.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Obey your prelates and be subject to them. For they watch as being to render an account of your souls: that they may do this with joy and not with grief. For this is not expedient for you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Obey your leaders, and be submissive; for they watch over your souls as those that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not groaning, for this [would be] unprofitable for you.
Context
After describing sacrifices pleasing to God (vv.15–16), the author addresses church order (v.17). In a community tempted by instability (v.9), cooperative relationships with accountable leaders are vital. The next verses (vv.18–19) show the writer practicing humility by asking for prayer and restoration, modeling the very mutuality and transparency he commends. Then comes the benediction (vv.20–21) anchoring all in God’s work.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 20:24
But I hold not my life of any account as dear unto myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
- Philippians 3:18
For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
- Ezekiel 33:2
Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from among them, and set him for their watchman;
- Acts 20:28
Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood.
- Genesis 16:9
And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.
- Ezekiel 33:7
So thou, son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
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