Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
What does Hebrews 13:5 mean?
The design of Christ in giving himself for us, is, that he may purchase to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works; and true religion is the strongest bond of friendship.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Hebrews 13:5-6 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation - Your "conduct" - for so the word "conversation" is used in the Scriptures; notes, Philippians 1:27 . Be without covetousness - Ephesians 5:3 note; Colossians 3:5 note. And be content with such things as ye have - see the Philippians 4:11-12 notes; Matthew 6:25-34 notes. The particular reason here given for contentment is, that God has promised never to leave his people. Compare with this the beautiful argument of the Saviour in Matthew 6:25 ff. For he hath said - That is, God has said. I will never leave thee nor forsake thee - see Deuteronomy 31:6 ; Joshua 1:5 ; 1 Chronicles 28:20 .
Key words
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Let your conversation be without covetousness,.
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Let your conversation be without covetousness,.
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Let your conversation be without covetousness,.
Context in Hebrews 13
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Hebrews 13 belongs to the closing movement of the book, especially the section often described as faith, endurance, and final exhortation. Hebrews presents Jesus as the final revelation of God, the great high priest, the once-for-all sacrifice, and the mediator of the better covenant. Read this chapter with the wider themes of Christology, priesthood, and sacrifice in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Passages on isolation, God's presence in solitude, the ache of being alone, and the promise that God does not abandon his people.
Passages on trusting God, receiving Christ, persevering without sight, and the relation between faith and lived obedience.
Passages on the nature of truth, honesty, deception, the word of God as truth, and Jesus' claim to be the truth.