Hebrews 13 15

Hebrews 13:15 kjv

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Hebrews 13:15 nkjv

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

Hebrews 13:15 niv

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise?the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.

Hebrews 13:15 esv

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

Hebrews 13:15 nlt

Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.

Hebrews 13 verses

Hebrews 13 15 Meaning

Hebrews 13:15 calls believers to continually offer a spiritual sacrifice of praise to God, enabled and mediated through Jesus Christ. This praise is specifically defined as the vocal expression of gratitude, a "fruit of lips" that acknowledge and give thanks to God's divine character and actions. It marks a foundational shift from the Old Covenant's physical animal sacrifices to a New Covenant worship characterized by ongoing, heartfelt, verbal thanksgiving in response to Christ's definitive sacrifice.

Hebrews 13 15 Context

Hebrews 13:15 stands as a concluding exhortation in the epistle to the Hebrews, building upon the extensive theological arguments preceding it. The letter has meticulously established the superiority of Jesus Christ and His New Covenant sacrifice over the Old Covenant priesthood and temple rituals. The original audience, primarily Jewish believers facing persecution or temptation to revert to Judaism, are reminded that Christ's single, definitive sacrifice (Heb 9-10) has rendered all former blood sacrifices obsolete. In Hebrews 13, the author shifts from deep doctrine to practical Christian living, including brotherly love (v. 1), hospitality (v. 2), care for the afflicted (v. 3), marital fidelity (v. 4), contentment (v. 5-6), and obedience to leaders (v. 7, 17). Verses 9-14 explicitly contrast "diverse and strange teachings" and the old altar with "the altar" believers now have, which is Christ Himself, who suffered "outside the gate." The call in verse 15 to offer a "sacrifice of praise through Him" is thus the direct and logical New Covenant response to Christ's completed work, establishing the form of worship now acceptable to God: a continuous, spiritual offering that is distinct from and superior to the animal sacrifices that many of the Jewish Christians might have been tempted to return to.

Hebrews 13 15 Word analysis

• Through Him (δι᾽ αὐτοῦ - di' autou): This phrase emphasizes the unique mediation of Jesus Christ. Access to God, worship, and the acceptance of any offering are only possible "through" Jesus. He is the ultimate High Priest and the "way" (Jn 14:6). This directly contrasts the former dependence on a Levitical priest or temple rituals for approaching God. Our praise is efficacious because of His worth, not our own.
• then: This is a logical connector, indicating that what follows is a direct consequence or conclusion derived from the preceding arguments, especially concerning Christ's perfect sacrifice and identification with Him outside the camp (Heb 13:12-14).
• let us continually offer up (ἀναφέρωμεν διὰ παντὸς - anapherōmen dia pantos):
  • Anapherōmen (ἀναφέρωμεν): A cultic term meaning "to offer up, bring up (to an altar)." It's the same word used in the Septuagint (LXX) for offering sacrifices. Its active imperative form indicates a conscious, willed act by believers.
  • dia pantos (διὰ παντός): Means "at all times, continually, perpetually." This emphasizes the unbroken, ongoing nature of New Covenant worship, differing dramatically from the Old Testament's prescribed times for sacrifice. It speaks to a life lived in constant acknowledgment and adoration of God.
• a sacrifice of praise (θυσίαν αἰνέσεως - thysian aineseōs):
  • Thysian (θυσίαν): "Sacrifice." The author consciously redefines what a "sacrifice" means in the New Covenant era. It is no longer blood or animal, but spiritual.
  • Aineseōs (αἰνέσεως): "Praise, thanksgiving." This specific type of "sacrifice" comes directly from the Old Testament tradition, where "sacrifices of thanksgiving" (Ps 107:22; 116:17) were offered. This demonstrates continuity with true OT piety while recontextualizing it in Christ.
• to God (τῷ Θεῷ - tō Theō): The ultimate recipient and object of all true worship and thanksgiving.
• that is, the fruit of lips (τοῦτ᾽ ἔστιν καρπὸν χειλέων - tout' estin karpon cheileōn):
  • This phrase is an explanatory gloss, defining "sacrifice of praise." It is a direct quote or strong allusion to the Septuagint translation of Hosea 14:2, where the prophet urges Israel to return to God, offering not "calves" but "the calves of our lips," implying verbal praise. This highlights the verbal, declarative nature of this sacrifice.
  • "Fruit" (καρπὸν - karpon): Just as trees bear fruit, so do our lips bear the fruit of praise. It implies a natural outgrowth of a heart rooted in Christ.
• that give thanks (ὁμολογούντων - homologountōn): "Confessing," "acknowledging," "professing," "giving thanks." This implies not merely empty words but a verbal declaration that flows from a heartfelt acknowledgment and affirmation of God's character, goodness, and redemptive work in Christ. It connects the praise to a conscious act of faith and gratitude.
• to His name (τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ - tō onomati autou): "God's name" in biblical thought represents His revealed character, attributes, and entire being. Praising "His name" means giving thanks for who God is and all that He has done, particularly through Jesus.

Hebrews 13 15 Bonus section

The concept of "spiritual sacrifices" was not entirely foreign to Old Testament thought (e.g., Ps 51:17: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise."). However, Hebrews decisively places these spiritual sacrifices within the framework of the finished work of Christ. While the Old Testament could foreshadow or yearn for such expressions, it is only "through Him" (Jesus) that these "sacrifices of praise" become truly efficacious and acceptable to God under the New Covenant. The "fruit of lips" implies a life where every aspect, from words to deeds, is transformed and dedicated to God, linking this verse inherently with the command to "do good and to share" in the very next verse (Heb 13:16). Thus, our verbal praise and our practical deeds of love become two sides of the same spiritual offering, demonstrating our full consecration to the Lord who gave Himself for us "outside the camp."

Hebrews 13 15 Commentary

Hebrews 13:15 stands as a profound summary of New Covenant worship. It commands a radical shift from the physical and temporary animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant to a spiritual, continuous offering of praise to God, entirely mediated by Jesus Christ. Having demonstrated Christ's supreme and all-sufficient sacrifice, the author then reveals the fitting response from believers: an ongoing, grateful declaration of God's worth through their spoken words. This "fruit of lips" signifies that authentic thanksgiving springs from a heart transformed by Christ and is expressed outwardly. It means living a life where praise isn't relegated to a ritual but is a constant posture, flowing naturally from our confession of who God is and what He has done for us through His Son. This praise, rendered acceptable by Christ, truly pleases God and demonstrates our active participation in the New Covenant, reflecting our identity as His people who have drawn near to Him.