The Meaning of Hebrews 13:22 Explained

Hebrews 13:22

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

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

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

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

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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

What does Hebrews 13:22 Mean?

Verse Meaning

The writer urged his readers again to accept the word of exhortation contained in this epistle rather than rejecting it. It Isaiah , after all, a brief word.
"The definite expression "the exhortation" is a synonymous designation for the sermon. It referred specifically to the exposition and application of the Scripture that had been read aloud to the assembled congregation. In a fourth-century description of the liturgy for the consecration of a bishop the homily is designated logous parakleseos, "words of exhortation" (Apost. Const. 85). This appears to be a fixed expression for the sermon in early Christian circles ..." [1]

Context Summary

Hebrews 13:14-25 - Praise, Prayer, And Peace
Notice that though the ancient sacrifices have been abolished, there is one which can never grow old-the sacrifice of praise. This incense must ever ascend from the heart-altar. And to this we must add the sacrifices of doing good and distributing our goods.
Perfection in the closing paragraph, Hebrews 13:21, means adjustment, the setting of a dislocated bone. We may be in the body of which Jesus is the Head, and yet be out of touch with Him. We need setting; and this is work which God will delegate to no angel, however exalted. He will do it Himself as tenderly and gently as possible, because He is the God of peace. Do you doubt it? Did He not bring the Shepherd to glory, and is He not able to bring the sheep also? Never rest until you are in living organic union with Jesus, that He may be able to work His will through you to your own great joy and for the hastening of the Kingdom [source]

Chapter Summary: Hebrews 13

1  Various admonitions as to love;
4  to honest life;
5  to avoid covetousness;
7  to regard God's preachers;
9  to take heed of strange doctrines;
10  to confess Christ;
16  to give alms;
17  to obey governors;
18  to pray for the apostles
20  The conclusion

Greek Commentary for Hebrews 13:22

Bear with [ανεχεστε]
Present middle imperative (some MSS. have ανεχεσται — anechesthai infinitive) of ανεχω — anechō with the ablative, “hold yourselves back from” as in Colossians 3:13. The word of exhortation His description of the entire Epistle. It certainly is that, a powerful appeal in fact. I have written First aorist active indicative (epistolary aorist) of επιστελλω — epistellō old word to send a letter Common Greek idiom, here only in N.T. (from βραχυς — brachus brief, short). Cf. δι ολιγων εγραπσα — di' oligōn egrapsa in 1 Peter 5:12. [source]
Suffer the word of exhortation [ἀνέχεσθε τοῦ λόγου τῆς παρακλήσεως]
For “suffer,” rend. “bear with.” See Acts 18:14; 2 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Timothy 4:3. Do not become impatient at my counsels in this letter. The word of exhortation refers to the entire epistle which he regards as hortatory rather than didactic or consolatory. The phrase only in Acts 13:15. [source]
I have written a letter unto you [ἐπέστειλα ὑμῖν]
A.V. supplies a letter. Rend. “I have written unto you.” The verb only here, Acts 15:20; Acts 21:25. Lit. to send, not letters only. Sometimes with ἐπιστολαὶ or ἐπιστολὰς lettersadded, as Nehemiah 6:19; 1Peter href="/desk/?q=1pe+5:12&sr=1">1 Peter 5:12, and ἐν ὀλίγῳ briefly Ephesians 3:3. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Hebrews 13:22

Luke 6:24 Consolation [παράκλησις]
From παρά , to the side of, and καλέω , to call or summon. Literally, a calling to one's side to help; and therefore entreaty, passing on into the sense of exhortation, and thence into that of consolatory exhortation; and so coming round to mean that which one is summoned to give to a suppliant - consolation. Thus it embodies the call for help, and the response to the call. Its use corresponds with that of the kindred verb παρακαλέω , to exhort or console. In its original sense of calling for aid the noun appears in the New Testament only in 2 Corinthians 8:4: with much entreaty. The verb appears frequently in this sense, rendered beseech, pray (Matthew 8:34; Matthew 14:36; Mark 1:40; Mark 5:12, etc.). In the sense of consolation or comfort the noun occurs in Luke 2:25; Luke 6:24; 2 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 7:4; Philemon 1:7. The verb, in Matthew 2:18; Matthew 5:4:; Luke 16:25; 2 Corinthians 1:4. In some instances, however, the meaning wavers between console and exhort. In the sense of exhortation or counsel, the noun may be found in Acts 13:15; Romans 12:8; Hebrews 13:22. The verb, in Acts 2:40; Acts 11:23; Acts 14:22; Romans 12:8; Titus 2:15. Neither the noun nor the verb appear in the writings of John, but the kindred word παράκλητος the Paraclete, Comforter, or Advocate, is peculiar to him. On this word, see on John 14:16. It should be noted, however, that the word comfort goes deeper than its popular conception of soothing. It is from the later Latin confortare, to make strong. Thus Wycliffe renders Luke 1:80, “the child waxed, and was comforted in spirit” (A. V., waxed strong )and Tyndale, Luke 22:43, “there appeared an angel from heaven comforting him” (A. V., strengthening )The comfort which Christ gives is not always soothing. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, is to convince of sin and ofjudgment. Underlying the word is the sense of a wise counsel or admonition which rouses and braces the moral nature and encourages and strengthens it to do and to endure. When, therefore, Christ says “they that mourn shall be comforted,” he speaks in recognition of the fact that all sorrow is the outcome of sin, and that true comfort is given, not only in pardon for the past, but in strength to fight and resist and overcome sin. The atmosphere of the word, in short, is not the atmosphere of the sick-chamber, but the tonic breath of the open world, of moral struggle and victory; the atmosphere for him that climbs and toils and fights. [source]
Acts 13:15 If ye have any word of exhortation for the people [ει τις εστιν εν υμιν λογος παρακλησεως προς τον λαον]
Literally, if there is among you any word of exhortation for the people. It is a condition of the first class and assumed to be true, a polite invitation. On “exhortation” (παρακλησις — paraklēsis) See note on Acts 9:31. It may be a technical phrase used in the synagogue (Hebrews 13:22; 1 Timothy 4:13). [source]
Acts 15:20 But that we write unto them [αλλα επιστειλαι αυτοις]
By way of contrast First aorist active infinitive of επιστελλω — epistellō old verb to send to one (message, letter, etc.). Our word επιστλε — epistle (επιστολη — epistolē as in Acts 15:30) comes from this verb. In the N.T. only here, Hebrews 13:22, and possibly Acts 21:25. [source]
Acts 24:4 Of thy clemency [τηι σηι επιεικειαι]
Instrumental case of old word from επιεικης — epieikēs and this from επι — epi and εικος — eikos (reasonable, likely, fair). “Sweet Reasonableness” (Matthew Arnold), gentleness, fairness. An επιεικης — epieikēs man is “one who makes reasonable concessions” (Aristotle, Etho4. Acts 24:10), while δικαιος — dikaios is “one who insists on his full rights” (Plato, Leg. 757 D) as translated by Page. A few words (συντομως — suntomōs). Old adverb from συντεμνω — suntemnō to cut together (short), abbreviate. Like δια βραχεων — dia bracheōn in Hebrews 13:22. In N.T. only here and Mark 16 (shorter conclusion). [source]
Acts 24:4 A few words [συντομως]
Old adverb from συντεμνω — suntemnō to cut together (short), abbreviate. Like δια βραχεων — dia bracheōn in Hebrews 13:22. In N.T. only here and Mark 16 (shorter conclusion). [source]
Acts 21:25 We wrote [επεστειλαμεν]
First aorist active of επιστελλω — epistellō to send to and so to write like our epistle Old verb, but in the N.T. only here and Acts 15:20; Hebrews 13:22. It is the very word used by James in this “judgment” at the Conference (Acts 15:20, επιστειλαι — episteilai). B D here read απεστειλαμεν — apesteilamen from αποστελλω — apostellō to send away, to give orders. Wendt and Schuerer object to this as a gloss. Rather is it an explanation by James that he does not refer to the Gentile Christians whose freedom from the Mosaic ceremonial law was guaranteed at the Jerusalem Conference. James himself presided at that Conference and offered the resolution that was unanimously adopted. James stands by that agreement and repeats the main items (four: anything sacrificed to idols, blood, anything strangled, fornication, for discussion see note on Acts 15) from which they are to keep themselves (direct middle πυλασσεσται — phulassesthai of πυλασσω — phulass indirect command after κριναντες — krinantes with accusative, αυτους — autous of general reference). James has thus again cleared the air about the Gentiles who have believed He asks that Paul will stand by the right of Jewish Christians to keep on observing the Mosaic law. He has put the case squarely and fairly. [source]
2 Timothy 4:3 Endure [ἀνέξονται]
Only here in Pastorals. Mostly in Paul. Comp. Acts 18:14; 2 Corinthians 11:4; Hebrews 13:22. [source]
1 Peter 5:12 Briefly [δι ' ὀλίγων]
Lit., through few (words). Compare Hebrews 13:22, where the expression is διὰ βραχέων , through brief words. [source]
1 Peter 5:12 As I account him [ως λογιζομαι]
Peter uses Paul‘s phrase (1 Corinthians 4:1; Romans 8:18) in giving approval to Paul‘s former companion (Acts 15:40).I have written (εγραπσα — egrapsa). Epistolary aorist applying to this Epistle as in 1 Corinthians 5:11 (not 1 Corinthians 5:9); 1 Corinthians 9:15; Galatians 6:11; Romans 15:15; Philemon 1:19, Philemon 1:21.Briefly “By few words,” as Peter looked at it, certainly not a long letter in fact. Cf. Hebrews 13:22.Testifying (επιμαρτυρων — epimarturōn). Present active participle of επιμαρτυρεω — epimartureō to bear witness to, old compound, here alone in N.T., though the double compound συνεπιμαρτυρεω — sunepimartureō in Hebrews 2:4.That this is the true grace of God Infinitive ειναι — einai in indirect assertion and accusative of general reference “In which (grace) take your stand” (ingressive aorist active imperative of ιστημι — histēmi). [source]
1 Peter 5:12 Briefly [δι ολιγων]
“By few words,” as Peter looked at it, certainly not a long letter in fact. Cf. Hebrews 13:22.Testifying (επιμαρτυρων — epimarturōn). Present active participle of επιμαρτυρεω — epimartureō to bear witness to, old compound, here alone in N.T., though the double compound συνεπιμαρτυρεω — sunepimartureō in Hebrews 2:4.That this is the true grace of God Infinitive ειναι — einai in indirect assertion and accusative of general reference “In which (grace) take your stand” (ingressive aorist active imperative of ιστημι — histēmi). [source]

What do the individual words in Hebrews 13:22 mean?

I exhort now you brothers bear with the word - of exhortation only for in few words I have written to you
Παρακαλῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς ἀδελφοί ἀνέχεσθε τοῦ λόγου τῆς παρακλήσεως καὶ γὰρ διὰ βραχέων ἐπέστειλα ὑμῖν

Παρακαλῶ  I  exhort 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: παρακαλέω  
Sense: to call to one’s side, call for, summon.
δὲ  now 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
ἀδελφοί  brothers 
Parse: Noun, Vocative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀδελφός  
Sense: a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother.
ἀνέχεσθε  bear  with 
Parse: Verb, Present Imperative Middle or Passive, 2nd Person Plural
Root: ἀνέχομαι  
Sense: to hold up.
λόγου  word 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: λόγος  
Sense: of speech.
τῆς  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
παρακλήσεως  of  exhortation 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: παράκλησις  
Sense: a calling near, summons, (esp.
καὶ  only 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: καί  
Sense: and, also, even, indeed, but.
βραχέων  few  words 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: βραχύς  
Sense: short, small, little.
ἐπέστειλα  I  have  written 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐπιστέλλω  
Sense: to send one a message, command.
ὑμῖν  to  you 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 2nd Person Plural
Root: σύ  
Sense: you.