Devine Scripture

Hebrews 13:20

What does Hebrews 13:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 13:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 13:20 means

This benediction looks to the “God of peace” who raised “the great shepherd of the sheep,” our Lord Jesus, by the blood of an eternal covenant. Peace here is wholeness restored through Christ’s death and resurrection. Jesus is the shepherd who leads, protects, and lays down his life for the flock; God validated his work by bringing him from the dead. The covenant sealed in his blood is eternal—unfading, effective, and superior to the old. Addressing God in these terms readies the heart to expect real help: the One who secured salvation is able to supply all that his people need for obedience and endurance.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now may the God of peace, who made that great keeper of his flock, even our Lord Jesus, come back from the dead through the blood of the eternal agreement,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the God of the peace, who did bring up out of the dead the great shepherd of the sheep--in the blood of an age-during covenant--our Lord Jesus,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great pastor of the sheep, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the blood of the everlasting testament,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But theGod of peace, who brought again from among [the] dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, in [the power of the] blood of [the] eternal covenant,

Context

After asking for prayer and restoration (vv.18–19), the writer lifts a doxological prayer (vv.20–21). Verse 20 names God as the God of peace and celebrates Jesus’ resurrection, shepherding, and covenant blood. This theological preface grounds the specific petition of verse 21—that God would equip the readers to do his will. The benediction binds all exhortations to God’s enabling grace in Christ.

v.19And I exhortyouthe more exceedingly to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

v.20This passage

v.21make you perfect in every good thing to do his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 23:1

    Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want.

  • Romans 8:11

    But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

  • Jeremiah 32:40

    and I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from following them, to do them good; and I will put my fear in their hearts, that they may not depart from me.

  • 2 Samuel 23:5

    Verily my house is not so with God; Yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, Ordered in all things, and sure: For it is all my salvation, and allmydesire, Although he maketh it not to grow.

  • 1 Peter 1:21

    who through him are believers in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God.

  • Luke 22:20

    And the cup in like manner after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, even that which is poured out for you.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Hebrews 13

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Hebrews 13.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Hebrews 13:20.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary