Devine Scripture

Hebrews 13:22

What does Hebrews 13:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 13:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 13:22 means

The author urges the brothers to bear with this “word of exhortation,” noting he has written briefly. He asks for patient, receptive hearing because his letter, though concise, has demanded serious attention and decisive response. “Exhortation” signals the pastoral purpose: to comfort, warn, and strengthen, not merely to inform. Inviting them to bear with it acknowledges the weight of change he has called for—the move from old covenant shadows to Christ’s fulfillment and the call to endurance. He wants not just agreement but a persevering embrace of the message, trusting that God’s grace will make the hard words life-giving.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But I exhort you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation: for I have written unto you in few words.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But I exhort you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation: for I have written unto you in few words.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But, brothers, take kindly the words which I have said for your profit; for I have not sent you a long letter.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And I entreat you, brethren, suffer the word of the exhortation, for also through few words I have written to you.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I beseech you, brethren, that you suffer this word of consolation. For I have written to you in a few words.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But I beseech you, brethren, bear the word of exhortation, for it is but in few words that I have written to you.

Context

After the benediction (vv.20–21), the writer appeals to the readers’ receptivity (v.22). This softens and personalizes the letter’s strong arguments. He then shares news about Timothy (v.23) and sends greetings (v.24), ending with a blessing of grace (v.25). The flow from theology to relationship to blessing reflects the letter’s whole purpose: to instruct, bind the community together, and send them out under grace.

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.

v.22This passage

v.23Know ye that our brother Timothy hath been set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.

Cross references

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

  • Hebrews 12:1

    Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

  • Hebrews 12:12

    Wherefore lift up the hands that hang down, and the palsied knees;

  • Hebrews 13:12

    Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:20

    We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God.

  • Hebrews 3:1

    Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, evenJesus;

  • Galatians 6:11

    See with how large letters I write unto you with mine own hand.

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