Hebrews 13 7

Hebrews 13:7 kjv

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

Hebrews 13:7 nkjv

Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.

Hebrews 13:7 niv

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

Hebrews 13:7 esv

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

Hebrews 13:7 nlt

Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.

Hebrews 13 verses

Hebrews 13 7 Meaning

Hebrews 13:7 instructs believers to remember their past or present spiritual leaders, particularly those who faithfully proclaimed God's Word. The verse urges careful observation of the consistent integrity and final perseverance demonstrated by these leaders throughout their lives, so that the congregation may emulate their steadfast faith. It highlights the importance of spiritual role models whose lives exemplify true adherence to Christ and His teachings.

Hebrews 13 7 Context

Hebrews 13 is a chapter of practical exhortations that follows the deep theological exposition of Christ's superiority and His priesthood. It shifts from doctrinal instruction to calls for holy living, reflecting the consistent biblical pattern of truth leading to obedience. This particular verse, 13:7, stands within a section emphasizing community responsibilities and ethical conduct, urging believers to uphold mutual love, hospitality, and remembering those in suffering. Specifically, 13:7 addresses the enduring impact of spiritual leadership, serving as a bridge to later exhortations about respecting current leaders (13:17) and remaining steadfast against false doctrines (13:9). For the original audience, likely facing pressures of persecution and temptations to abandon their faith in Christ for the relative security of Judaism, recalling the unwavering faith and ultimate destiny of their deceased or highly exemplary past leaders would have provided strong encouragement and a model for perseverance in a time of wavering commitment. The mention of "the word of God" that these leaders spoke grounds their authority and example in divine revelation, distinguishing them from any contemporary pagan or heretical influences.

Word Analysis

• Remember (μνημονεύετε - mnēmoneuete): Present imperative, active verb. Not just a passive recall but an active, ongoing process of bringing to mind, keeping in mind, and heeding. It implies a mindful respect and recognition of their past instruction and example.
• Your leaders (τῶν ἡγουμένων - tōn hēgoumenōn): Lit. "those who lead/govern." Refers to spiritual authorities, guiding figures. In this context, it often points to those who previously held such roles, perhaps having completed their service or passed away, particularly given the subsequent phrase about the "outcome of their way of life."
• Those who spoke to you (οἵτινες ἐλάλησαν ὑμῖν - hoitines elalēsan hymin): The aorist tense ("spoke") indicates a completed past action. It refers to a definitive body of teaching delivered to the original recipients, rooting the leaders' authority in the transmission of God's revealed truth.
• The word of God (τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ - ton logon tou Theou): Not their own ideas, but the authoritative divine message. This specifies the content of their leadership and underscores its validity and enduring power. Their example is tied directly to the fidelity of their proclamation.
• Consider (ἀναθεωροῦντες - anatheōrountes): Present active participle, implying a continuous, careful, thoughtful examination or contemplation. It's an analytical looking back, dissecting the entirety of their life's journey.
• The outcome (τὴν ἔκβασιν - tēn ekbasin): Lit. "the going out," "the exit." Refers to the end result, the conclusion, the final chapter of their life's story. This can include their death, but more broadly refers to the overall manifested character and spiritual fruit of their journey of faith. It implies seeing the faithfulness even through difficulties or unto martyrdom.
• Of their way of life (τῆς ἀναστροφῆς - tēs anastrophēs): Refers to their conduct, behavior, lifestyle, manner of living. It encompasses the entirety of their public and private actions, showing that true faith is evidenced by a consistent pattern of righteous living.
• And imitate (μιμεῖσθε - mimeisthe): Present imperative, active verb. A direct command to copy, mimic, or replicate. It's a call to active emulation.
• Their faith (τὴν πίστιν - tēn pistin): Not merely their actions or personality, but the inner principle of their trust and conviction in God. It's the core belief system that powered their exemplary life and allowed them to endure to the end. This is the quality truly worthy of imitation.

Words-group analysis:

• "Remember your leaders... who spoke to you the word of God": This phrase ties spiritual authority and worthiness of remembrance directly to the faithful communication of divine truth, not merely human charisma or position. The foundational role of biblical teaching is paramount.
• "Consider the outcome of their way of life": This encourages a holistic assessment of a leader's entire life trajectory, from their start to their finish, highlighting perseverance and consistency as crucial indicators of authentic faith. It's an admonition against superficial judgment and to look at the enduring fruit of their life.
• "And imitate their faith": This is the culmination and practical application. The goal is not just intellectual recall or analytical observation, but transformative emulation of the deep-seated trust in God that enabled these leaders to live and finish well. It is specifically their faith that is to be copied, because faith is the root of genuine spiritual fruit and endurance.

Hebrews 13 7 Bonus section

The term hēgoumenoi (leaders) appears twice in Hebrews 13, here in verse 7 and again in verse 17. Many scholars differentiate between the two, suggesting that 13:7 refers primarily to deceased or past leaders whose earthly journey is complete and whose legacy provides an inspiring "outcome" (ἔκβασιν), whereas 13:17 refers to the contemporary, living leaders whom the congregation is called to obey. However, some interpreters see both verses applying to any leaders whose life exemplifies faith, whether past or present. Regardless, the core message remains that believers should learn from proven spiritual examples whose lives demonstrably glorified God through faithful adherence to His Word. This teaching stands in contrast to the warning in 13:9 about being carried away by "various and strange teachings," highlighting the stability and reliability of the tradition established by faithful, Bible-centered leadership. The emphasis on the "outcome" is also significant because it points to the full span of life, implying that true faith proves itself through consistent endurance, even unto death.

Hebrews 13 7 Commentary

Hebrews 13:7 is a profound instruction on learning from faithful examples in the Christian walk. It beckons believers to look backward, remember, and analyze the lives of those spiritual pioneers who diligently sowed the seeds of God's Word. The phrase "the word of God" grounds their authority and worthiness of emulation, emphasizing that their leadership was derived from and manifested in fidelity to divine truth. The injunction to "consider the outcome of their way of life" signifies a comprehensive assessment of their journey—their conduct, resilience, integrity, and perseverance—especially in the face of challenges. This suggests observing how their faith manifested throughout their entire pilgrimage, concluding in a victorious or steadfast end. The ultimate command, "imitate their faith," points beyond mere admiration of deeds to an assimilation of the deep, unwavering trust in God that empowered their exemplary lives. This is not about copying personalities or methods, but about internalizing the spiritual discipline and conviction that characterized their walk. The verse implies that enduring faith is evident in its ultimate manifestation and serves as a powerful testament and guiding light for those who follow. For example, remembering how martyrs died steadfastly or how missionaries persevered through incredible hardship can inspire fresh resolve in current challenges.