Hebrews – Chapter 13

New Testament25 Verses

Chapter Summary

"Let the charity of the brotherhood abide in you." — so begins Hebrews 13. Timothy stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 25 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and family and covenant relationships. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1Let the charity of the brotherhood abide in you.

2And hospitality do not forget: for by this some, being not aware of it, have entertained angels.

3Remember them that are in bands, as if you were bound with them: and them that labour, as being yourselves also in the body.

4Marriage honourable in all, and the bed undefiled. For fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

5Let your manners be without covetousness, contented with such things as you have. For he hath said: I will not leave thee: neither will I forsake thee.

6So that we may confidently say: The Lord is my helper: I will not fear what man shall do to me.

7Remember your prelates who have spoken the word of God to you: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation,

8Jesus Christ, yesterday, and today: and the same for ever.

9Be not led away with various and strange doctrines. For it is best that the heart be established with grace, not with meats: which have not profited those that walk in them.

10We have an altar whereof they have no power to eat who serve the tabernacle.

11For the bodies of those beasts whose blood is brought into the holies by the high priest for sin are burned without the camp.

12Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people by his own blood, suffered without the gate.

13Let us go forth therefore to him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

14For, we have not here a lasting city: but we seek one that is to come.

15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise always to God, that is to say, the fruit of lips confessing to his name.

16And do not forget to do good and to impart: for by such sacrifices God's favour is obtained.

17Obey your prelates and be subject to them. For they watch as being to render an account of your souls: that they may do this with joy and not with grief. For this is not expedient for you.

18Pray for us. For we trust we have a good conscience, being willing to behave ourselves well in all things.

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

20And 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,

21Fit you in all goodness, that you may do his will; doing in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom is glory for ever and ever. Amen.

22And I beseech you, brethren, that you suffer this word of consolation. For I have written to you in a few words.

23Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty: with whom (if he come shortly) I will see you.

24Salute all your prelates and all the saints. The brethren from Italy salute you.

25Grace be with you all. Amen.

Important Verses in Hebrews 13

Let the charity of the brotherhood abide in you.

Hebrews 13:1

Remember your prelates who have spoken the word of God to you: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation,

Hebrews 13:7

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,

Hebrews 13:20

Grace be with you all. Amen.

Hebrews 13:25

Historical Context

Hebrews addresses jewish Christians wavering under pressure, urged to hold fast to Christ within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 13 of 13 brings the book to its close, gathering up themes introduced earlier. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 25 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Timothy, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The passage starts with these words: "Let the charity of the brotherhood abide in you." The chapter ends with: "Grace be with you all. Amen. " In terms of historical background, Written to Jewish Christians tempted to drift back to the synagogue, Hebrews argues that Christ is superior to angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood: He is the eternal High Priest who offered Himself once for all. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Before AD 70, while Temple sacrifices still continued.

Who Wrote It

Unknown; the Church receives it as apostolic. Ancient suggestions include Paul, Barnabas, and Apollos

When It Was Written

Before AD 70, while Temple sacrifices still continued

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, this chapter addresses specific questions facing early Christian communities. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Let the charity of the brotherhood abide in you." The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

Catholic exegesis reads Hebrews 13 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. Hebrews grounds Catholic teaching on Christ's priesthood (CIC 1544-1545). St. John Chrysostom and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 2340).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.

People in This Chapter

Timothy1 mention

Reflection for Today

The concluding section of Hebrews—Chapter 13 of 13—opens a particular moment in the story of Christ's superior priesthood and sacrifice.

According to Catholic teaching, Hebrews grounds Catholic teaching on Christ's priesthood (CIC 1544-1545). This chapter especially highlights the fear of the Lord as wisdom, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 1032).

Let Hebrews Chapter 13 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hebrews Chapter 13 about?

Hebrews 13 contains 25 verses. It opens with "Let the charity of the brotherhood abide in you." and closes with "Grace be with you all. Amen. ". The book as a whole is theological homily.

What is a key verse in Hebrews 13?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Let the charity of the brotherhood abide in you." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Hebrews Chapter 13?

This chapter mentions Timothy.

Who wrote Hebrews and when?

Unknown; the Church receives it as apostolic. Ancient suggestions include Paul, Barnabas, and Apollos. Before AD 70, while Temple sacrifices still continued.

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