Hebrews 13:18
What does Hebrews 13:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 13:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 13:18 means
“Pray for us,” the writer asks, confident of a good conscience and an intention to live honorably in all things. Leaders need prayer because integrity is both a gift and a fight. A clear conscience does not claim perfection but sincere alignment with God’s will and transparency before people. The request models dependence and invites the church into the labor of ministry through intercession. By tying prayer to honorable living, the author shows how holiness and help go together: God keeps his servants steady as his people pray. The community’s love finds expression not only in material support but also in lifting their shepherds before the Lord.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Pray for us: for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Pray for us: for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Make prayers for us, for we are certain that our hearts are free from the sense of sin, desiring the right way of life in all things.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Pray for us, for we trust that we have a good conscience, in all things willing to behave well,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Pray for us. For we trust we have a good conscience, being willing to behave ourselves well in all things.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Pray for us: for we persuade ourselves that we have a good conscience, in all things desirous to walk rightly.
Context
Following the call to obey leaders (v.17), the writer turns personal, asking for prayer (v.18). This demonstrates humility and shared responsibility. The next verse (v.19) intensifies the request, linking their prayers to his hoped-for restoration to them. These appeals prepare the way for the majestic benediction in verses 20–21, reminding readers that all endurance and fruitfulness ultimately come from God.
v.17Obey 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.
v.18This passage
v.19And I exhortyouthe more exceedingly to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:12
that ye may walk becomingly toward them that are without, and may have need of nothing.
- Romans 12:17
Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.
- Colossians 4:3
withal praying for us also, that God may open unto us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds;
- 1 Peter 3:16
having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:1
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as alsoit iswith you;
- 1 Peter 2:12
having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
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