The Meaning of Hebrews 13:5 Explained

Hebrews 13:5

KJV: 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.

YLT: Without covetousness the behaviour, being content with the things present, for He hath said, 'No, I will not leave, no, nor forsake thee,'

Darby: Let your conversation be without love of money, satisfied with your present circumstances; for he has said, I will not leave thee, neither will I forsake thee.

ASV: Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

[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?

Context Summary

Hebrews 13:1-13 - Sanctify Daily Life
We may not like all the brethren, but there is something in each of them that Christ loves. Let us try to discover it, or love them for His sake. We can love people with our mind and think for them, or with our strength and serve them, even though the heart is somewhat reluctant.
Strangers and captives must never be forgotten, either in our prayers or our ministry. The love within the marriage tie must be unsullied, and we must watch against the insidious lust of gold. Why should we always be thinking of money, when God has promised, with two negatives, never to fail us, Hebrews 13:5? Thrice we are asked to remember those who bear office and rule in the church, Hebrews 13:7; Hebrews 13:17; Hebrews 13:24.
We are called to a holy crusade. It is not for us to linger in circumstances of ease and self-indulgence when our Master suffered without the gate! Let us go forth unto Him, bearing His reproach! Has not the Church tarried in the city long enough, enervated by its fashions and flatteries? [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 13:5

Be ye free from the love of money [απιλαργυρος ο τροπος]
No copula, but supply εστο — esto “Let your manner of life Alpha privative and πιλος — philos and αργυρος — arguros The N.T. is full of the peril of money on the character as modern life is also. Content with such things as ye have Present passive participle of αρκεω — arkeō to suffice, to be content as in Luke 3:14. Cf. αυταρκης — autarkēs in Philemon 4:11. Here in the nominative plural with no substantive or pronoun (anacoluthon, as in 2 Corinthians 1:7) or the participle used as a principal verb as in Romans 12:16. “Contented with the present things” For himself hath said God himself as in Acts 20:33 of Christ. Perfect active indicative as in Hebrews 1:13; Hebrews 4:3.; Hebrews 10:9. The quotation is a free paraphrase of Genesis 28:15; Deuteronomy 31:8; Joshua 1:5; 1 Chronicles 28:20. Philo (de Confus. Ling. 32) has it in this form, “a popular paraphrase” (Moffatt). Note the five negatives strengthening each other A noble promise in times of depression. [source]
Let your conversation be without covetousness [ἀφιλάργυρος ὁ τρόπος]
Τρόπος originally turn or direction. Hence ways manner, fashion; way or manner of life. In this sense N.T.oElsewhere often in the phrase ὅν τρόπον or καθ ' ὅν τρόπον inor according to the way in which. See Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34; Acts 1:11; Acts 15:11; Acts 27:25. The meaning here is character or moral disposition. Ἁφιλάργυρος withoutcovetousness, only here and 1 Timothy 3:3, see note. [source]
Be content with such things as ye have [ἀρκούμενοι τοῖς παροῦσιν]
Lit. being contented with the things which are at hand. For ἀρκεῖν tosuffice, see Luke 3:14; John 6:7; 1 Timothy 6:8. On the compounds αὐτάρκης self-sufficientand αὐτάρκεια self-sufficiencysee on 2 Corinthians 9:8; see on Philemon 4:11. [source]
For he hath said [αὐτὸς γὰρ εἴρηκεν]
Rend. for “he himself.” God himself. For εἴρηκεν hathsaid, see Hebrews 1:13; Hebrews 4:3, Hebrews 4:4; Hebrews 10:9. [source]
I will never leave nor forsake thee [οὐ μή σε ἀνῶ οὐδ ' οὐ μή σε ἐγκαταλίπω]
Comp. Genesis 28:15; Joshua 1:5; Deuteronomy 31:6. None of these, however, give the saying in the form in which it appears here. This appears to be a combination or general adaptation of those passages. For “never,” rend. “by no means” or “in no wise.” Ἀνῶ from ἀνίημι . In Acts 16:26; Acts 27:40, to loosen: Ephesians 6:9, to give up or forbear. Somewhat in this last sense here: “I will in no wise give thee up, or let thee go.” I will not relax my hold on thee. For ἐγκαταλίπω forsakesee on 2 Timothy 4:10. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Hebrews 13:5

Acts 16:26 Were opened [ηνεωιχτησαν]
First aorist passive indicative of ανοιγω — anoigō (or νυμι — ̇numi) with triple augment (η ε ω — ēανετη — e), ανιημι — ōwhile there is no augment in anethē (first aorist passive indicative of aniēmi were loosed), old verb, but in the N.T. only here and Acts 27:40; Ephesians 6:9; Hebrews 13:5. [source]
Acts 16:26 So that the foundations of the prison house were shaken [ωστε σαλευτηναι τα τεμελια του δεσμωτηριου]
Regular construction of the first aorist passive infinitive and the accusative of general reference with ωστε — hōste for actual result just like the indicative. This old word for prison house already in Matthew 11:2; Acts 5:21, Acts 5:23 which see. Τεμελια — Themelia is neuter plural of the adjective τεμελιος — themelios from τεμα — thema (thing laid down from τιτημι — tithēmi). So already in Luke 6:48; Luke 14:29. If the prison was excavated from rocks in the hillside, as was often the case, the earthquake would easily have slipped the bars of the doors loose and the chains would have fallen out of the walls. Were opened First aorist passive indicative of ανοιγω — anoigō (or νυμι — ̇numi) with triple augment (η ε ω — ēανετη — e), ανιημι — ōwhile there is no augment in anethē (first aorist passive indicative of aniēmi were loosed), old verb, but in the N.T. only here and Acts 27:40; Ephesians 6:9; Hebrews 13:5. [source]
Acts 27:40 They left them in the sea [ειων εις την ταλασσαν]
Imperfect active of εαω — eaō either descriptive or inchoative. They let the anchors go and the ropes fell down into the sea. At the same time loosing the bands of the rudders (αμα ανεντες τας ζευκτηριας των πηδαλιων — hama anentes tas zeuktērias tōn pēdaliōn). On the use of αμα — hama with the participle, old Greek idiom see Robertson, Grammar, p. 1139. The second aorist active participle of ανιημι — aniēmi to relax, loosen up. Old verb, in N.T. Acts 16:26; Acts 27:40; Ephesians 6:9; Hebrews 13:5. Thayer notes that ζευκτηριας — zeuktērias (bands) occurs nowhere else, but several papyri use it of yokes and waterwheels (Moulton and Milligan‘s Vocabulary). The word for rudders (πηδαλιον — pēdalion) is an old one (from πηδον — pēdon the blade of an oar), but in the N.T. only here and James 3:4. Page notes that the ancient ships had a pair of paddle rudders like those of the early northmen, one on each quarter. The paddle rudders had been fastened while the ship was anchored. Hoisting up the foresail to the wind Supply αυραι — aurāi (breeze) after πνεουσηι — pneousēi (blowing). It is not clear what “sail” is meant by “αρτεμωνα — artemōna No other example in Greek is known, though the scholiast to Juvenal XII. 68 explains ςελο προρα συο — velo prora suo by artemone solo. Hence “foresail” is probably correct. They made for the beach (κατειχον εις τον αιγιαλον — kateichon eis ton aigialon). Imperfect active of κατεχω — katechō to hold down, perhaps inchoative. “They began to hold the ship steadily for the beach.” [source]
Acts 27:40 At the same time loosing the bands of the rudders [αμα ανεντες τας ζευκτηριας των πηδαλιων]
On the use of αμα — hama with the participle, old Greek idiom see Robertson, Grammar, p. 1139. The second aorist active participle of ανιημι — aniēmi to relax, loosen up. Old verb, in N.T. Acts 16:26; Acts 27:40; Ephesians 6:9; Hebrews 13:5. Thayer notes that ζευκτηριας — zeuktērias (bands) occurs nowhere else, but several papyri use it of yokes and waterwheels (Moulton and Milligan‘s Vocabulary). The word for rudders (πηδαλιον — pēdalion) is an old one (from πηδον — pēdon the blade of an oar), but in the N.T. only here and James 3:4. Page notes that the ancient ships had a pair of paddle rudders like those of the early northmen, one on each quarter. The paddle rudders had been fastened while the ship was anchored. [source]
Colossians 3:16 Admonishing []
See on Colossians 1:28. The participles teaching and admonishing are used as imperatives, as Romans 12:9-13, Romans 12:16-19; Ephesians 4:2, Ephesians 4:3; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 3:7, 1 Peter 3:9, 1 Peter 3:16. [source]
1 Timothy 3:3 Not covetous [ἀφιλάργυρον]
Only here and Hebrews 13:5. olxx, oClass. Φιλάργυρος money-loving Luke 16:14; 2 Timothy 3:2. Rend. not a money-lover. The word for covetous is πλεονέκτης. For the distinction see on Romans 1:29. This admonition is cited by some writers in support of the view that the original ἐπίσκοπος was simply a financial officer. It is assumed that it was prompted by the special temptations which attached to the financial function. Admitting that the episcopal function may have included the financial interests of the church, it could not have been confined to these. It can hardly be supposed that, in associations distinctively moral and religious, one who bore the title of overseer should have been concerned only with the material side of church life. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
[source]

1 Timothy 3:3 No striker [μη πληκτην]
Late word from πλησσω — plēssō to strike. In N.T. only here and Titus 1:3. Gentle (επιεικη — epieikē). See note on Philippians 4:5 for this interesting word. Not contentious Old word (from α — a privative and μαχη — machē), not a fighter. In N.T. only here and Titus 3:2. No lover of money (απιλαργυρον — aphilarguron). Late word (α — a privative and compound πιλαργυρος — phil̇arguros) in inscriptions and papyri (Nageli; also Deissmann, Light, etc., pp. 85f.). In N.T. only here and Hebrews 13:5. [source]
1 Timothy 3:3 Not contentious [αμαχον]
Old word (from α — a privative and μαχη — machē), not a fighter. In N.T. only here and Titus 3:2. No lover of money (απιλαργυρον — aphilarguron). Late word (α — a privative and compound πιλαργυρος — phil̇arguros) in inscriptions and papyri (Nageli; also Deissmann, Light, etc., pp. 85f.). In N.T. only here and Hebrews 13:5. [source]
1 Timothy 3:3 No lover of money [απιλαργυρον]
Late word In N.T. only here and Hebrews 13:5. [source]
Hebrews 9:6 Always [διὰ παντὸς]
Rend. continually. The phrase is usually found in connection with matters involving relations to God - worship, sacrifice, etc. See Matthew 18:10; Luke 24:53; Acts 2:25; Acts 10:2; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Hebrews 13:5. [source]
Hebrews 4:3 Do enter [εισερχομετα]
Emphatic futuristic present middle indicative of εισερχομαι — eiserchomai We are sure to enter in, we who believe. He hath said Perfect active indicative for the permanent value of God‘s word as in Hebrews 1:13; Hebrews 4:4; Hebrews 10:9, Hebrews 10:13; Hebrews 13:5; Acts 13:34. God has spoken. That is enough for us. So he quotes again what he has in Hebrews 4:11 from Psalm 95:1-11. Although the works were finished Genitive absolute with concessive use of the participle. Old particle, in N.T. only here and Acts 14:17 (with verb). From the foundation of the world Καταβολη — Katabolē late word from καταβαλλω — kataballō usually laying the foundation of a house in the literal sense. In the N.T. usually with απο — apo (Matthew 25:44) or προ — pro (John 17:24) about the foundation of the world. [source]
3 John 1:10 I will bring to remembrance [υπομνησω]
Future active indicative of υπομιμνησκω — hupomimnēskō old compound (John 14:26; 2 Peter 1:12). The aged apostle is not afraid of Diotrephes and here defies him.Which he doeth (α ποιει — ha poiei). Present active indicative, “which he keeps on doing.”Prating against us Present active participle of old verb (from πλυαρος — phluaros babbling 1 Timothy 5:13), to accuse idly and so falsely, here only in N.T. with accusative ημας — hēmās (us).With wicked words (λογοις πονηροις — logois ponērois). Instrumental case. Not simply foolish chatter, but malevolent words.Not content Present passive participle of αρκεω — arkeō with usual negative μη — mē For this verb in this sense see 1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5, only there επι — epi is absent. John knows that the conduct of Diotrephes will not stand the light. See Paul‘s threats of exposure (1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Corinthians 13:1-3). And John is the apostle of love all the same.He himself (αυτος — autos). That was bad enough.Them that would “Those willing or wishing or receive the brethren” from John.He forbiddeth (κωλυει — kōluei). “He hinders.” Present active indicative of κωλυω — kōluō and means either actual success in one case (punctiliar use of the present indicative) or repetition in several instances (linear action) or conative action attempted, but not successful as in Matthew 3:14 (this same verb) and John 10:32.Casteth them out of the church Here again εκβαλλει — ekballei can be understood in various ways, like κωλυει — kōluei This verb occurs in John 2:15 for casting out of the temple the profaners of it and for casting the blind man out of the synagogue (John 9:34.). If this ancient “church-boss” did not succeed in expelling John‘s adherents from the church, he certainly tried to do it. [source]
3 John 1:10 Prating against us [πλυαρων ημας]
Present active participle of old verb (from πλυαρος — phluaros babbling 1 Timothy 5:13), to accuse idly and so falsely, here only in N.T. with accusative ημας — hēmās (us).With wicked words (λογοις πονηροις — logois ponērois). Instrumental case. Not simply foolish chatter, but malevolent words.Not content Present passive participle of αρκεω — arkeō with usual negative μη — mē For this verb in this sense see 1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5, only there επι — epi is absent. John knows that the conduct of Diotrephes will not stand the light. See Paul‘s threats of exposure (1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Corinthians 13:1-3). And John is the apostle of love all the same.He himself (αυτος — autos). That was bad enough.Them that would “Those willing or wishing or receive the brethren” from John.He forbiddeth (κωλυει — kōluei). “He hinders.” Present active indicative of κωλυω — kōluō and means either actual success in one case (punctiliar use of the present indicative) or repetition in several instances (linear action) or conative action attempted, but not successful as in Matthew 3:14 (this same verb) and John 10:32.Casteth them out of the church Here again εκβαλλει — ekballei can be understood in various ways, like κωλυει — kōluei This verb occurs in John 2:15 for casting out of the temple the profaners of it and for casting the blind man out of the synagogue (John 9:34.). If this ancient “church-boss” did not succeed in expelling John‘s adherents from the church, he certainly tried to do it. [source]
3 John 1:10 Not content [μη αρκουμενος]
Present passive participle of αρκεω — arkeō with usual negative μη — mē For this verb in this sense see 1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5, only there επι — epi is absent. John knows that the conduct of Diotrephes will not stand the light. See Paul‘s threats of exposure (1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Corinthians 13:1-3). And John is the apostle of love all the same.He himself (αυτος — autos). That was bad enough.Them that would “Those willing or wishing or receive the brethren” from John.He forbiddeth (κωλυει — kōluei). “He hinders.” Present active indicative of κωλυω — kōluō and means either actual success in one case (punctiliar use of the present indicative) or repetition in several instances (linear action) or conative action attempted, but not successful as in Matthew 3:14 (this same verb) and John 10:32.Casteth them out of the church Here again εκβαλλει — ekballei can be understood in various ways, like κωλυει — kōluei This verb occurs in John 2:15 for casting out of the temple the profaners of it and for casting the blind man out of the synagogue (John 9:34.). If this ancient “church-boss” did not succeed in expelling John‘s adherents from the church, he certainly tried to do it. [source]

What do the individual words in Hebrews 13:5 mean?

[Let be] without covetousness [your] manner of life being satisfied with the present He Himself for has said Never not you will I leave nor will I forsake
Ἀφιλάργυρος τρόπος ἀρκούμενοι τοῖς παροῦσιν αὐτὸς γὰρ εἴρηκεν Οὐ μή σε ἀνῶ οὐδ’ ἐγκαταλίπω

Ἀφιλάργυρος  [Let  be]  without  covetousness 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἀφιλάργυρος  
Sense: not loving money, not avaricious.
  [your] 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
τρόπος  manner  of  life 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: τρόπος  
Sense: a manner, way, fashion.
ἀρκούμενοι  being  satisfied 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀρκέω  
Sense: to be possessed of unfailing strength.
τοῖς  with  the 
Parse: Article, Dative Neuter Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
παροῦσιν  present 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Dative Neuter Plural
Root: πάρειμι  
Sense: to be by, be at hand, to have arrived, to be present.
αὐτὸς  He  Himself 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
εἴρηκεν  has  said 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: λέγω  
Sense: to utter, speak, say.
Οὐ  Never 
Parse: Adverb
Root: οὐ  
Sense: no, not; in direct questions expecting an affirmative answer.
ἀνῶ  will  I  leave 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ἀνίημι  
Sense: to send back, relax, loosen.
οὐδ’  nor 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: οὐδέ  
Sense: but not, neither, nor, not even.
ἐγκαταλίπω  will  I  forsake 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐγκαταλείπω  
Sense: abandon, desert.