Hebrews 13 23

Hebrews 13:23 kjv

Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.

Hebrews 13:23 nkjv

Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.

Hebrews 13:23 niv

I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.

Hebrews 13:23 esv

You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon.

Hebrews 13:23 nlt

I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released from jail. If he comes here soon, I will bring him with me to see you.

Hebrews 13 verses

Hebrews 13 23 Meaning

Hebrews 13:23 conveys an important piece of news and a future travel plan. It informs the recipients that their beloved brother, Timothy, has been released from his confinement or task. The author, who identifies intimately with Timothy ("our brother"), expresses a strong desire and conditional intention to visit the Christian community receiving the letter, hoping to do so accompanied by Timothy if he arrives quickly. This news would serve as encouragement and affirm the author's continued connection and pastoral concern for the audience.

Hebrews 13 23 Context

Hebrews chapter 13 serves as a concluding section of the epistle, transitioning from deep theological exposition to practical exhortations for Christian living. The chapter emphasizes continuous brotherly love (13:1), hospitality (13:2), care for prisoners and the persecuted (13:3), fidelity in marriage (13:4), contentment and trust in God (13:5-6), and remembering spiritual leaders (13:7). It reinforces Christian duties, calls for endurance in the face of suffering (13:9-14), praises and sacrifices to God (13:15-16), and obedience to church leaders (13:17).

Verse 23 fits within the personal postscript (13:18-25), where the author seeks prayer, conveys personal news, and sends greetings. This specific verse reveals the author's personal connection to Timothy and provides concrete news, which would have been relevant and potentially encouraging to an audience enduring various trials, including potential imprisonment or persecution themselves, as hinted in 13:3. It adds a touch of personal warmth and a hopeful expectation of a future visit, which would strengthen the bond between the author and the recipient community.

Hebrews 13 23 Word analysis

• Know ye (Γινώσκετε - Ginōskete):

  • This is an imperative verb, specifically "know" or "recognize." It signifies a directive, urging the readers to take notice of, or to be well-informed about, the ensuing news. It's not a suggestion but a clear announcement for them to grasp and internalize this important development. Its plural form addresses the entire community.

• that our brother (τὸν ἀδελφὸν ἡμῶν - ton adelphon hēmōn):

  • that (τὸν - ton): The accusative definite article, introducing the direct object of the verb "know."
  • our brother (ἀδελφὸν ἡμῶν - adelphon hēmōn): The term "brother" (ἀδελφός - adelphos) is commonly used in the New Testament to denote a fellow believer in Christ, signifying a spiritual kinship that transcends mere familial ties. This deepens the bond and communal identity among Christians. "Our" (ἡμῶν - hēmōn) emphasizes the shared spiritual relationship not just between the author and Timothy, but implicitly, with the entire community receiving the letter. This shows a collective understanding and affection for Timothy.

• Timothy (Τιμόθεον - Timotheon):

  • A prominent figure in the early church, known as a trusted companion, co-worker, and protégé of the Apostle Paul (as seen in Acts and Paul's epistles to Timothy). His mention here implies he was well-known and respected by the recipients, adding weight and immediacy to the news of his status.

• is set at liberty (ἀπολελυμένον - apolelymenon):

  • This is a perfect passive participle of the verb ἀπολύω (apolyo), which means "to release," "to set free," "to discharge," or "to send away." In the context of "brother Timothy" and the broader Christian experience of persecution (Heb 13:3; Phil 1:7; Col 4:18; Acts 12:5-11), the most natural and widely accepted interpretation is release from imprisonment or custody for his faith. This news would be a great source of encouragement, showing God's deliverance in times of suffering for the Gospel. Some interpret it as "sent away" from a specific assignment or journey, but the language of "liberty" suggests release from restraint.

• with whom (μεθ᾽ οὗ - meth' hou):

  • This phrase indicates accompaniment. The author intends for Timothy to be their travel companion if the proposed visit materializes. It further underscores the close relationship and unity between the author and Timothy.

• if he come shortly (ἐὰν τάχιον ἔρχηται - ean tachion erchētai):

  • if (ἐὰν - ean): Introduces a condition or contingency, signifying that the visit is dependent on Timothy's timely arrival.
  • shortly (τάχιον - tachion): This is a comparative adverb, meaning "more quickly," "sooner," or "without delay." It indicates the author's desire for an expeditious reunion with Timothy.
  • he come (ἔρχηται - erchētai): The present subjunctive verb, meaning "he might come" or "he should come." It conveys anticipation and a degree of uncertainty regarding the exact timing.

• I will see you (ὄψομαι ὑμᾶς - opsomai hymas):

  • I will see (ὄψομαι - opsomai): A future tense verb from the root ὁράω (horao), indicating a strong intention or promise of a future meeting. This reinforces the pastoral connection and desire for personal fellowship with the readers.
  • you (ὑμᾶς - hymas): Refers directly to the recipients of the letter, underscoring the personal nature of the concluding remarks and the author's concern for them.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty": This phrase functions as a significant piece of vital news. It is not just an update, but an encouragement to a struggling community. Timothy's known stature would make his liberation from captivity a beacon of hope and a testament to divine care, countering despair in persecution.
  • "with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you": This shows the author's personal desire for fellowship and indicates a specific travel plan that hinges on Timothy's arrival. It adds an authentic, personal touch to the letter, confirming the author's active interest and genuine love for the community. It sets up an anticipation for a future face-to-face encounter, providing concrete hope to the audience beyond the written word.

Hebrews 13 23 Bonus section

The mention of Timothy in Hebrews 13:23 has historically been one of the data points scholars use to consider the dating and authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews. While the author remains anonymous, the strong connection with Timothy places the letter firmly within the Pauline apostolic circle or those closely associated with it. This implies a date prior to the probable end of Timothy's life and certainly during a period when Paul’s co-worker was active and his situation (imprisonment or release) would be of interest to various Christian communities. This personal detail strengthens the argument for Hebrews being written during the lifetime of prominent first-generation Christian figures, providing a tangible link to the apostles' broader ministry network.

Hebrews 13 23 Commentary

Hebrews 13:23 is a deeply personal closing remark, providing a glimpse into the relational dynamics within the early Christian community. The announcement of Timothy's "liberation" likely refers to his release from prison, a significant piece of news that would resonate powerfully with an audience (as implied by Heb 13:3) themselves experiencing persecution or hardship for their faith. Such news would serve as a practical encouragement, demonstrating God's continued intervention and care for His servants even amidst trials. The identity of the "brother Timothy" signals a widely recognized and respected figure, confirming the authenticity and interconnectedness of Christian leaders across geographical divides.

The author's expressed desire to visit the recipients "with whom," referring to Timothy, highlights a common ministry bond and joint pastoral intention. This conditional visit—"if he come shortly"—underscores the real-world constraints and travel challenges faced by early Christian leaders. This detail also adds a sense of immediacy and anticipation, making the readers feel more directly connected to the author's future plans. Far from being a mere logistical note, this verse functions as a concluding affirmation of the author's genuine love and care for the community, promising a future reunion that would undoubtedly provide further teaching, comfort, and mutual encouragement in the faith. It roots the theological exposition of the letter in practical Christian fellowship and a hopeful future.