Hebrews 13:17New American Standard Bible (NASB ©1995) [2]
— Obey your leaders and submit [to them], for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.
King James Version (KJV 1769) [2]
— Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.
English Revised Version (ERV 1885)
— Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit [to them]: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this [were] unprofitable for you.
American Standard Version (ASV 1901) [2]
— Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit [to them]: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this [were] unprofitable for you.
Webster's Revision of the KJB (WEB 1833)
— Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.
Darby's Translation (DBY 1890)
— Obey your leaders, and be submissive; for *they* watch over your souls as those that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not groaning, for this [would be] unprofitable for you.
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible (EBR 1902)
— Be yielding unto them who are guiding you, and submit yourselves; for they are watching over your souls, as having an account to render, that, with joy the same they may be doing, and not with sighing,—for, unprofitable unto you, were, this.
Young's Literal Translation (YLT 1898)
— Be obedient to those leading you, and be subject, for these do watch for your souls, as about to give account, that with joy they may do this, and not sighing, for this [is] unprofitable to you.
Douay-Rheims Challoner Revision (DR 1750)
— Obey your prelates and be subject to them. For they watch as being to render an account of your souls: that they may do this with joy and not with grief. For this is not expedient for you.
Geneva Bible (GNV 1560)
— Obey them that haue the ouersight of you, and submit your selues: for they watche for your soules, as they that must giue accountes, that they may doe it with ioy, and not with griefe: for that is vnprofitable for you.
Original King James Bible (AV 1611) [2]
— Obey them that haue the rule ouer you, and submit your selues: for they watch for your soules, as they that must giue account, that they may doe it with ioy, and not with griefe: for that is vnprofitable for you.
Lamsa Bible (1957)
— Listen to your spiritual leaders and obey them; for they are watchful guardians of your souls, as one who must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief, for that is unprofitable for you.
John Etheridge Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1849)
— Be persuaded by your leaders, and obey them; for they watch for your souls as men who must render an account of you, that with joy they may do this, and not with groans; for that is not profitable for you.
James Murdock Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1852)
— Confide in your guides, and hearken to them; for they watch for your souls, as men who must give an account of you, that they may do this with joy and not with anguish; for that would not be profitable to you. |
Obey
3982 {3982} Primeπείθωpeitho{pi'-tho}
A primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty).
z5732 <5732> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774) Voice - Middle (See G5785) Mood - Imperative (See G5794) Count - 41
them that have the rule
y2233 [2233] Standardἡγέομαιhegeomai{hayg-eh'-om-ahee}
Middle voice of a (presumed) strengthened form of G0071; to lead, that is, command (with official authority); figuratively to deem, that is, consider.
z5740 <5740> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774) Voice - Middle or Passive Deponent (See G5790) Mood - Participle (See G5796) Count - 544
over
x2233 (2233) Complementἡγέομαιhegeomai{hayg-eh'-om-ahee}
Middle voice of a (presumed) strengthened form of G0071; to lead, that is, command (with official authority); figuratively to deem, that is, consider.
you,
5216 {5216} Primeὑμῶνhumon{hoo-mone'}
Genitive case of G5210; of ( from or concerning) you.
and
2532 {2532} Primeκαίkai{kahee}
Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words.
submit
x5226 (5226) Complementὑπείκωhupeiko{hoop-i'-ko}
From G5259 and εἴκω [[eiko]] (to yield, be 'weak'); to surrender.
yourselves:
y5226 [5226] Standardὑπείκωhupeiko{hoop-i'-ko}
From G5259 and εἴκω [[eiko]] (to yield, be 'weak'); to surrender.
z5720 <5720> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774) Voice - Active (See G5784) Mood - Imperative (See G5794) Count - 592
for
1063 {1063} Primeγάρgar{gar}
A primary particle; properly assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles).
they
846 {0846} Primeαὐτόςautos{ow-tos'}
From the particle αὖ [[au]] (perhaps akin to the base of G0109 through the idea of a baffling wind; backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the compound of G1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons.
watch
69 {0069} Primeἀγρυπνέωagrupneo{ag-roop-neh'-o}
Ultimately from G0001 (as negative particle) and G5258; to be sleepless, that is, keep awake.
z5719 <5719> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774) Voice - Active (See G5784) Mood - Indicative (See G5791) Count - 3019
for
5228 {5228} Primeὑπέρhuper{hoop-er'}
A primary preposition; 'over', that is, (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case superior to, more than. In compounds it retains many of the listed applications.
your
5216 {5216} Primeὑμῶνhumon{hoo-mone'}
Genitive case of G5210; of ( from or concerning) you.
souls,
5590 {5590} Primeψυχήpsuche{psoo-khay'}
From G5594; breath, that is, (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from G4151, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from G2222, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Hebrew [ H5315], [ H7307] and [ H2416].
as
5613 {5613} Primeὡςhos{hoce}
Probably adverb of comparative from G3739; which how, that is, in that manner (very variously used as shown).
they that must give
591 {0591} Primeἀποδίδωμιapodidomi{ap-od-eed'-o-mee}
From G0575 and G1325; to give away, that is, up, over, back, etc. (in various applications).
z5694 <5694> Grammar
Tense - Future (See G5776) Voice - Active (See G5784) Mood - Participle (See G5796) Count - 11
account,
3056 {3056} Primeλόγοςlogos{log'-os}
From G3004; something said (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension a computation; specifically (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (that is, Christ).
that
2443 {2443} Primeἵναhina{hin'-ah}
Probably from the same as the former part of G1438 (through the demonstrative idea; compare G3588); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result).
they may do
4160 {4160} Primeποιέωpoieo{poy-eh'-o}
Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct).
z5725 <5725> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774) Voice - Active (See G5784) Mood - Subjunctive (See G5792) Count - 352
it
5124 {5124} Primeτοῦτοtouto{too'-to}
Neuter, singular, nomitive or accusative of G3778; that thing.
with
3326 {3326} Primeμετάmeta{met-ah'}
A primary preposition (often used adverbially); properly denoting accompaniment; 'amid' (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive case association, or accusative case succession) with which it is joined; occupying an intermediate position between G0575 or G1537 and G1519 or G4314; less intimate than G1722, and less close than G4862).
joy,
5479 {5479} Primeχαράchara{khar-ah'}
From G5463; cheerfulness, that is, calm delight.
and
2532 {2532} Primeκαίkai{kahee}
Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words.
not
3361 {3361} Primeμήme{may}
A primary particle of qualified negation (whereas G3756 expresses an absolute denial); (adverbially) not, (conjugationally) lest; also (as interrogitive implying a negative answer [whereas G3756 expects an affirmative one]); whether.
with grief:
4727 {4727} Primeστενάζωstenazo{sten-ad'-zo}
From G4728; to make (intransitively be) in straits, that is, (by implication) to sigh, murmur, pray inaudibly.
z5723 <5723> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774) Voice - Active (See G5784) Mood - Participle (See G5796) Count - 2549
for
1063 {1063} Primeγάρgar{gar}
A primary particle; properly assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles).
that
5124 {5124} Primeτοῦτοtouto{too'-to}
Neuter, singular, nomitive or accusative of G3778; that thing.
[ is] unprofitable
255 {0255} Primeἀλυσιτελήςalusiteles{al-oo-sit-el-ace'}
From G0001 (as a negative particle) and the base of G3081; gainless, that is, (by implication) pernicious.
for you.
5213 {5213} Primeὑμῖνhumin{hoo-min'}
Irregular dative case of G5210; to ( with or by) you. |
Hebrews 13:17
_ _ Obey them that have the rule over you — (Compare Hebrews 13:7, Hebrews 13:24). This threefold mention of the rulers is peculiar to this Epistle. In other Epistles Paul includes the rulers in his exhortations. But here the address is limited to the general body of the Church, in contrast to the rulers to whom they are charged to yield reverent submission. Now this is just what might be expected when the apostle of the Gentiles was writing to the Palestine Christians, among whom James and the eleven apostles had exercised a more immediate authority. It was important he should not seem to set himself in opposition to their guides, but rather strengthen their hands; he claims no authority directly or indirectly over these rulers themselves [Birks]. “Remember” your deceased rulers (Hebrews 13:7). “Obey” your living rulers; nay, more, not only obey in cases where no sacrifice of self is required, and where you are persuaded they are right (so the Greek, for “obey”), but “submit yourselves” as a matter of dutiful yielding, when your judgment and natural will incline you in an opposite direction.
_ _ they — on their part; so the Greek. As they do their part, so do you yours. So Paul exhorts, 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:13.
_ _ watch — “are vigilant” (Greek).
_ _ for — Greek, “in behalf of.”
_ _ must give account — The strongest stimulus to watchfulness (Mark 13:34-37). Chrysostom was deeply struck with these words, as he tells us [On the Priesthood, 6], “The fear of this threat continually agitates my soul.”
_ _ do it — “watch for your soul’s eternal salvation.” It is a perilous responsibility for a man to have to give account for others’ deeds, who is not sufficient for his own [Estius, from Aquinas]. I wonder whether it be possible that any of the rulers should be saved [Chrysostom]. Compare Paul’s address to the elders, Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, where also he connects ministers’ responsibility with the account to be hereafter given (compare 1 Peter 5:4).
_ _ with joy — at your obedience; anticipating, too, that you shall be their “joy” in the day of giving account (Philippians 4:1).
_ _ not with grief — at your disobedience; apprehending also that in the day of account you may be among the lost, instead of being their crown of rejoicing. In giving account, the stewards are liable to blame if aught be lost to the Master. “Mitigate their toil by every office of attention and respect, that with alacrity, rather than with grief, they may fulfil their duty, arduous enough in itself, even though no unpleasantness be added on your part” [Grotius].
_ _ that — Grief in your pastors is unprofitable for you, for it weakens their spiritual power; nay, more, “the groans (so the Greek for ‘grief’) of other creatures are heard; how much more of pastors!” [Bengel]. So God will be provoked to avenge on you their “groaning” (Greek). If they must render God an account of their negligence, so must you for your ingratitude to them [Grotius]. |
Hebrews 13:17
Obey them that have the rule over you — The word implies also, that lead or guide you; namely, in truth and holiness. And submit yourselves — Give up (not your conscience or judgment, but) your own will, in all things purely indifferent. For they watch over your souls — With all zeal and diligence, they guard and caution you against all danger. As they that must give account — To the great Shepherd, for every part of their behaviour toward you. How vigilant then ought every pastor to be! How careful of every soul committed to his charge! That they may do this — Watch over you. With joy and not with groans — He is not a good shepherd, who does not either rejoice over them, or groan for them. The groans of other creatures are heard: how much more shall these come up in the ears of God ! Whoever answers this character of a Christian pastor may undoubtedly demand this obedience. |
Hebrews 13:17
(10) Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.
(10) We must obey the warnings and admonitions of our ministers and elders, who watch for the salvation of the souls that are committed to them. |
- Obey:
Hebrews 13:7 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.
1 Samuel 8:19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;
1 Samuel 15:19-20 Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD? ... And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.
Proverbs 5:13 And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Philippians 2:29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; ... And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves.
2 Thessalonians 3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
|
- have the rule over:
- or, guide
|
- submit:
Genesis 16:9 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.
1 Corinthians 16:16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with [us], and laboureth.
Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
|
- watch:
Ezekiel 3:17-21 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. ... Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous [man], that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.
Ezekiel 33:2 Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:
Ezekiel 33:7-9 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. ... Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
Acts 20:24-26 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. ... Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I [am] pure from the blood of all [men].
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. ... Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
1 Peter 5:2-3 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; ... Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
|
- give account:
Luke 16:2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
2 Corinthians 5:10-11 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad. ... Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
|
- with joy:
Philippians 1:4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
Philippians 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, [my] dearly beloved.
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? [Are] not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? ... For ye are our glory and joy.
1 Thessalonians 3:9-10 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; ... Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
|
- with grief:
Exodus 32:31 And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.
Jeremiah 13:17 But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for [your] pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.
Philippians 3:18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ:
|
  |
|
|
