Hebrews 13 19

Hebrews 13:19 kjv

But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Hebrews 13:19 nkjv

But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Hebrews 13:19 niv

I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.

Hebrews 13:19 esv

I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Hebrews 13:19 nlt

And especially pray that I will be able to come back to you soon.

Hebrews 13 verses

Hebrews 13 19 Meaning

This verse conveys a heartfelt appeal from the author to the believers, earnestly urging them to pray specifically for his swift return to them. This request highlights his profound desire for reunion and his conviction that their intercession has real power to facilitate his speedy rejoining with their community.

Hebrews 13 19 Context

Hebrews 13:19 is part of the concluding section of the Epistle to the Hebrews, which shifts from deep theological exposition to practical exhortations and personal greetings. The preceding verses (13:1-17) include admonitions concerning Christian ethics such as hospitality, honoring marriage, contentment, remembering Christian leaders, obedience to spiritual authority, and offering sacrifices of praise. Verse 18 contains a general request for prayer: "Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly." Verse 19 then sharpens this appeal, specifying what to pray for with greater earnestness: the author's personal restoration to the believers. The historical context suggests the author, possibly Paul or an associate, was physically separated from the readers, perhaps due to imprisonment or ministry restrictions, hence the fervent wish for a speedy return to them for their mutual benefit and edification.

Hebrews 13 19 Word analysis

• "But I beseech you" / "I urge you" (Παρακαλῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς, Parakalō de hymas):
  • Parakalō is a versatile Greek verb meaning to 'urge,' 'exhort,' 'entreat,' 'console,' or 'call alongside.' In this context, it signifies an earnest and heartfelt plea rather than a mere request or command. It reflects the author's deep desire and his humility in seeking the spiritual support of his readers.
  • de serves as a conjunction, here signaling a continuation of the thought from verse 18 with added emphasis or a slightly different nuance—"but" or "moreover."
  • Significance: Despite the author's spiritual authority evident throughout the epistle, he places himself in a position of dependence, relying on the fervent prayers of the believers, exemplifying Christian humility and interdependence within the body of Christ.
• "the rather" / "even more" (περισσοτέρως, perissoterōs):
  • This is a Greek comparative adverb, meaning 'more abundantly,' 'exceedingly,' 'all the more.' It intensifies the appeal, showing a higher degree of urgency and importance for this specific prayer request compared to the general request for prayers in the preceding verse (13:18).
  • Significance: It highlights the author's strong priority for this particular petition—his speedy return—indicating it is of crucial importance to him and likely to their community.
• "to do this" / (τοῦτο ποιῆσαι, touto poiēsai):
  • This phrase refers directly to the act of prayer mentioned implicitly in verse 18 and explicitly in this verse regarding his return. The infinitive poiēsai emphasizes the action of praying.
  • Significance: It makes the author's request for their prayer active and tangible. He is not just wishing for something, but urging them to engage in the specific act of intercession.
• "that I may be restored" / "that I may be given back" (ἵνα ἀποκατασταθῶ, hina apokatastathō):
  • Hina is a Greek conjunction introducing a purpose clause: "in order that," "so that."
  • Apokatastathō is from the verb apokathistēmi, meaning 'to restore to a former state,' 'to give back,' 'to bring back,' or 'to re-establish.' It carries a sense of restitution or rejoining after a period of separation. In many biblical contexts, it can imply release from captivity or sickness, or simply a return from absence.
  • Significance: This is the specific objective of the author's prayer request. It points to a physical separation from the audience, possibly due to imprisonment (a common occurrence for apostolic figures like Paul, who is widely considered a possible author or close associate) or some other ministry-related impediment. The passive voice implies that God is the agent who will do the restoring, but in response to their prayers.
• "to you" / (ὑμῖν, hymin):
  • This dative plural pronoun clearly identifies the specific recipients of the letter as the desired destination of his return.
  • Significance: The longing is not merely for freedom or movement, but specifically for fellowship and continued ministry with the particular group of believers to whom he writes, underscoring the deeply relational aspect of Christian leadership and community.
• "the sooner" / (τάχιον, tachion):
  • This is a Greek comparative adverb, derived from tachy (swift, quick), meaning 'more quickly,' 'speedily,' 'without delay.'
  • Significance: It conveys an earnest sense of urgency and expectation regarding his return. The author desires a rapid rejoining, perhaps because his presence is crucial for their spiritual well-being, for providing comfort amidst persecution, or for further instructing them in the faith.

Hebrews 13 19 Bonus section

The exact identity of the author of Hebrews is not explicitly stated within the letter itself, though theological consensus often leans towards Paul or someone very closely associated with him (such as Barnabas or Apollos), due to the deep theological insight and the personal requests for prayer mirroring Pauline epistles. This request for prayer for his "restoration" (ἀποκατασταθῶ) aligns well with scenarios where Paul found himself under arrest or constrained from travel (e.g., in Acts, or implied in Philippians and Philemon). The phrase itself hints at an impediment or absence, making his presence a matter to be "restored" or "given back" to them, rather than just a general visit. This demonstrates a deep sense of connection and relational investment in the community, characteristic of authentic spiritual leadership, where the leader's physical presence is valued for teaching, encouragement, and communal edification. It reinforces the biblical principle of mutual support in the Church, where even leaders depend on the prayers of the saints for the fulfillment of God's purposes in their lives and ministries.

Hebrews 13 19 Commentary

Hebrews 13:19 reveals a tender and profoundly biblical aspect of leadership and community: the interdependence within the body of Christ. Despite the author's spiritual stature and the depth of his teaching throughout the epistle, he does not stand aloof. Instead, he humbles himself by earnestly "urging" (or "beseeching") the believers to pray for a specific, personal need: his swift return to them. This isn't a mere pleasantry but a serious and deeply held desire, fueled by the conviction that God hears and responds to the collective prayers of His people. The phrase "even more" underscores the particular importance he places on this specific request. His absence seems to be a hindrance, suggesting his return is critical not just for him, but for their spiritual growth and stability, possibly in a time of trial or pressure. It reflects an apostolic pattern seen elsewhere in Scripture, where leaders, though guided by God, also recognize their reliance on the spiritual support and intercession of those they serve. It teaches that earnest prayer by believers can directly influence God's divine timing and the circumstances surrounding His servants, expediting the fulfillment of His will for the mutual benefit of His church.

• Practical Examples:
  • When Christian workers separated by distance earnestly pray for a swift and divinely orchestrated reunion to collaborate on ministry.
  • Believers interceding for missionaries or persecuted pastors to be released from difficulties and return to their flocks for ongoing ministry.
  • Individuals in Christian service asking for prayer for unimpeded travel and opportune timing to arrive for an important teaching engagement or ministry event.