Hebrews 13 6

Hebrews 13:6 kjv

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Hebrews 13:6 nkjv

So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

Hebrews 13:6 niv

So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"

Hebrews 13:6 esv

So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"

Hebrews 13:6 nlt

So we can say with confidence, "The LORD is my helper,
so I will have no fear.
What can mere people do to me?"

Hebrews 13 verses

Hebrews 13 6 Meaning

This verse declares a bold confession of faith and security rooted in God's unchanging nature and faithful presence. It asserts that because the Lord Himself is the believer's unfailing helper, there is no need to fear any harm or opposition that human beings might inflict. The statement reflects a profound trust that God's assistance outweighs any worldly threat, enabling a life free from crippling anxiety concerning external pressures.

Hebrews 13 6 Context

Hebrews chapter 13 serves as the concluding practical exhortation of the entire epistle, following the profound theological discussions of Christ's superiority and the nature of enduring faith. Verses 1-5 encourage various Christian virtues such as brotherly love, hospitality, remembrance of those in chains, honorable marriage, and contentment, especially by renouncing the love of money. Verse 5 is particularly foundational to verse 6, stating, "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." The author directly builds on God's inviolable promise of presence and provision (quoted from Deut 31:6 and Josh 1:5) as the very reason believers can confidently declare their freedom from fear. The historical context for the original Jewish Christian audience included facing various forms of social and potential official persecution, ridicule, and economic pressure, which could tempt them to abandon their faith in Christ and revert to more secure (in human terms) societal norms or Jewish practices. The encouragement in Hebrews 13:6, therefore, acts as an anthem of steadfast trust in the face of such adversity, directly contrasting worldly security and power with God's ultimate sovereignty and unwavering help. It subtly polemicizes against any trust placed in human protection, wealth, or worldly acceptance that would undermine faith in God.

Hebrews 13 6 Word analysis

• So that: Indicates consequence or purpose. It links this declaration of confidence directly to the preceding assurance of God's unceasing presence and provision in verse 5. This boldness is a logical outcome of God's promise.

• we may boldly say:

  • boldly (Greek: parrēsia - παρρησία): Implies freedom of speech, confidence, frankness, fearlessness, and open confession. It is not a quiet assurance, but one declared openly and without hesitation. This "boldness" often appears in the New Testament concerning access to God or proclaiming the Gospel (e.g., Eph 3:12; 1 Jn 4:17).
  • say: Denotes an active proclamation or confession. It's an appropriation of God's truth, not merely passive belief.

• The Lord: (Greek: Kyrios - Κύριος): In the context of the New Testament, while often reflecting the Old Testament divine name YHWH (transliterated in the Septuagint as Kyrios), it unequivocally refers to God and often implicitly or explicitly to Jesus Christ, establishing His divine authority and sovereignty as the object of trust.

• is my helper:

  • is: Emphasizes the present, constant, and existing reality of God's help. It's not a past act or a future possibility, but an ongoing truth.
  • my helper (Greek: boēthos - βοηθός): Signifies one who runs to aid, a succourer, an assistant in distress. It speaks of active, immediate, and powerful aid, a divine responder to one's cry for help. It emphasizes God's active involvement in the believer's life.

• and I will not fear:

  • not fear: A resolute denial of intimidation or dread. It's not necessarily the absence of feeling fear, but the refusal to be controlled or overcome by it. It signifies choosing to trust God above the natural human response to threat.

• what man shall do unto me:

  • what man: Specifies the source of potential threat: mortal, limited human beings. It stands in direct contrast to "The Lord," emphasizing God's omnipotence over human fallibility and malice.
  • shall do unto me: Refers to any form of harm, opposition, persecution, or evil intent. The phrasing acknowledges the reality of human actions but denies their ultimate power over a God-protected life.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "So that we may boldly say": This phrase highlights the intentionality and empowerment behind the believer's declaration. It shows that the confidence is not a human effort, but a gift or result of grasping divine truth, enabling a public and fearless stance.
  • "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear": This combination constitutes the core assertion of the verse, directly quoting Psa 118:6. It is a personal confession of God's active, personal assistance (my helper) leading directly to an empowered resolve against fear. The connection between God's presence as Helper and the absence of fear is central.
  • "what man shall do unto me": This specifies the sphere of earthly opposition, whether it be physical harm, social ostracization, or professional ruin. It starkly contrasts limited human agency with God's infinite power and unchanging faithfulness, effectively neutralizing the power of human threats in the believer's mind.

Hebrews 13 6 Bonus section

The quoted phrase from Psalm 118:6 resonates deeply throughout the Scriptures as a core testament to divine sovereignty over human fragility. This particular psalm, an Hallel psalm, was likely sung during significant Jewish festivals and embodies Israel's historical experience of God's miraculous deliverance despite powerful human enemies. By quoting it here, the author of Hebrews connects the contemporary struggles of his audience with the rich heritage of God's faithfulness to His people across generations.

The boldness mentioned in parrēsia is not reckless bravado but a Spirit-empowered conviction born from deep relational trust. It's the confidence that allows one to stand unyielding even when isolated or threatened, knowing that the "Helper" is infinitely stronger than any "man." This concept is particularly important in times of apostasy or compromise, as the assurance directly confronts the temptation to save oneself by caving into worldly demands. The ultimate boundary implied by this verse is that no human action can ever truly thwart God's ultimate purpose or separate the believer from His providential care. It affirms God's perfect sufficiency against all of life's challenges instigated by man.

Hebrews 13 6 Commentary

Hebrews 13:6 functions as a climactic summary of the trust and security that true faith provides, especially as built upon the preceding verse's declaration of God's eternal presence and unceasing support. It is more than just a comforting thought; it's a bold and declarative confession, intended to be articulated by the believer. The use of "boldly say" (parrēsia) suggests a confidence that moves beyond private conviction to public utterance, an open affirmation of faith even in the face of pressure or persecution. This boldness springs directly from the unshakeable truth that "The Lord is my helper." God is not merely a passive observer or a distant benevolent power, but an active boēthos, one who rushes to succour His people in times of need.

This divine assistance completely removes the foundation for fearing any human agency or power. Mortal man, with all his devices, threats, and capacity for harm, is ultimately insignificant when compared to the sovereign, ever-present help of God. This verse therefore encourages a reorientation of perspective: true security is not found in earthly safeguards, wealth, or human approval, but solely in God's reliable and enduring presence. For the early Christians facing social alienation, potential property confiscation, or even martyrdom, this was a vital anchor. It liberates the believer from the paralyzing fear of suffering, rejection, or even death at the hands of others, enabling steadfastness in faith and mission.

• Practical usage example: When faced with a challenging conversation or a potential confrontation for your faith, instead of dreading it, confess: "The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man shall do unto me." This shifts your reliance.
• Practical usage example: If anxiety overwhelms regarding financial instability or career uncertainty caused by human factors, meditate on this verse, choosing to focus on God as your primary source of provision and help, rather than fearing what human circumstances might dictate.
• Practical usage example: When societal pressures demand compromise on Christian principles, affirm this truth aloud, reminding yourself that God's approval is paramount and He will uphold you through any human opposition.