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Hebrews 13

Heb. 13:17 KJV (With Strong’s)

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17
Obey
peitho (Greek #3982)
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)
KJV usage: agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) conflent, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield.
Pronounce: pi'-tho
Origin: a primary verb
i them that κhave the rule over
hegeomai (Greek #2233)
to lead, i.e. command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e. consider
KJV usage: account, (be) chief, count, esteem, governor, judge, have the rule over, suppose, think.
Pronounce: hayg-eh'-om-ahee
Origin: middle voice of a (presumed) strengthened form of 71
you
humon (Greek #5216)
of (from or concerning) you
KJV usage: ye, you, your (own, -selves).
Pronounce: hoo-mone'
Origin: genitive case of 5210
, and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
submit yourselves
hipeiko (Greek #5226)
to surrender
KJV usage: submit self.
Pronounce: hoop-i'-ko
Origin: from 5259 and εἴκω (to yield, be "weak")
: for
gar (Greek #1063)
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
KJV usage: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
Pronounce: gar
Origin: a primary particle
they
autos (Greek #846)
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
KJV usage: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.
Pronounce: ow-tos'
Origin: from the particle αὖ (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward)
watch
agrupneo (Greek #69)
to be sleepless, i.e. keep awake
KJV usage: watch.
Pronounce: ag-roop-neh'-o
Origin: ultimately from 1 (as negative particle) and 5258
m for
huper (Greek #5228)
"over", i.e. (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
KJV usage: (+ exceeding, abundantly) above, in (on) behalf of, beyond, by, + very chiefest, concerning, exceeding (above, -ly), for, + very highly, more (than), of, over, on the part of, for sake of, in stead, than, to(-ward), very. In the comparative, it retains many of the above applications.
Pronounce: hoop-er'
Origin: a primary preposition
your
humon (Greek #5216)
of (from or concerning) you
KJV usage: ye, you, your (own, -selves).
Pronounce: hoo-mone'
Origin: genitive case of 5210
souls
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
psuche (Greek #5590)
breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from 4151, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from 2222, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Hebrew 05315, 07307 and 02416)
KJV usage: heart (+ -ily), life, mind, soul, + us, + you.
Pronounce: psoo-khay'
Origin: from 5594
, as
hos (Greek #5613)
which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
KJV usage: about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed.
Pronounce: hoce
Origin: probably adverb of comparative from 3739
they that must give
apodidomi (Greek #591)
to give away, i.e. up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
KJV usage: deliver (again), give (again), (re-)pay(-ment be made), perform, recompense, render, requite, restore, reward, sell, yield.
Pronounce: ap-od-eed'-o-mee
Origin: from 575 and 1325
account
logos (Greek #3056)
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ)
KJV usage: account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say(-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.
Pronounce: log'-os
Origin: from 3004
, that
hina (Greek #2443)
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
KJV usage: albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to. Compare 3363.
Pronounce: hin'-ah
Origin: probably from the same as the former part of 1438 (through the demonstrative idea; compare 3588)
they may do
poieo (Greek #4160)
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
KJV usage: abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do(-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, X secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield. Compare 4238.
Pronounce: poy-eh'-o
Origin: apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary
it
touto (Greek #5124)
that thing
KJV usage: here (-unto), it, partly, self(-same), so, that (intent), the same, there(-fore, -unto), this, thus, where(-fore).
Pronounce: too'-to
Origin: neuter singular nominative or accusative case of 3778
with
meta (Greek #3326)
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession) with which it is joined; occupying an intermediate position between 575 or 1537 and 1519 or 4314; less intimate than 1722 and less close than 4862)
KJV usage: after(-ward), X that he again, against, among, X and, + follow, hence, hereafter, in, of, (up-)on, + our, X and setting, since, (un-)to, + together, when, with (+ -out). Often used in composition, in substantially the same relations of participation or proximity, and transfer or sequence.
Pronounce: met-ah'
Origin: a primary preposition (often used adverbially)
joy
chara (Greek #5479)
cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight
KJV usage: gladness, X greatly, (X be exceeding) joy(-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous).
Pronounce: khar-ah'
Origin: from 5463
, and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
not
me (Greek #3361)
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas 3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
KJV usage: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations. See also 3362, 3363, 3364, 3372, 3373, 3375, 3378.
Pronounce: may
Origin: a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas 3756 expresses an absolute denial)
with grief
stenazo (Greek #4727)
to make (intransitively, be) in straits, i.e. (by implication) to sigh, murmur, pray inaudibly
KJV usage: with grief, groan, grudge, sigh.
Pronounce: sten-ad'-zo
Origin: from 4728
: for
gar (Greek #1063)
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
KJV usage: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
Pronounce: gar
Origin: a primary particle
that
touto (Greek #5124)
that thing
KJV usage: here (-unto), it, partly, self(-same), so, that (intent), the same, there(-fore, -unto), this, thus, where(-fore).
Pronounce: too'-to
Origin: neuter singular nominative or accusative case of 3778
is unprofitable
alusiteles (Greek #255)
gainless, i.e. (by implication) pernicious
KJV usage: unprofitable.
Pronounce: al-oo-sit-el-ace'
Origin: from 1 (as a negative particle) and the base of 3081
for you
humin (Greek #5213)
to (with or by) you
KJV usage: ye, you, your(-selves).
Pronounce: hoo-min'
Origin: irregular dative case of 5210
.*
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
i
1 Thess. 5:12‑13• 12But we beg you, brethren, to know those who labour among you, and take the lead among you in the Lord, and admonish you,
 13and to regard them exceedingly in love on account of their work. Be in peace among yourselves. (1 Thess. 5:12‑13)
κ
or, guide.
m
Ezek. 3:17• 17Son of man, I have appointed thee a watchman unto the house of Israel, and thou shalt hear the word from my mouth, and give them warning from me. (Ezek. 3:17)

More on:

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Soul; Spirit

Cross References

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Ministry on This Verse

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Obey.
Heb. 13:7• 7Remember your leaders who have spoken to you the word of God; and considering the issue of their conversation, imitate their faith. (Heb. 13:7)
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1 Sam. 8:19• 19And the people refused to hearken to the voice of Samuel; and they said, No, but there shall be a king over us, (1 Sam. 8:19)
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1 Sam. 15:19‑20• 19Why then didst thou not hearken to the voice of Jehovah, but didst fall upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of Jehovah?
 20And Saul said to Samuel, I have indeed hearkened to the voice of Jehovah, and have gone the way which Jehovah sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. (1 Sam. 15:19‑20)
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Prov. 5:13• 13and I have not hearkened unto the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to those that instructed me; (Prov. 5:13)
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Phil. 2:12,29• 12So that, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much rather in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
 29Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and hold such in honour; (Phil. 2:12,29)
;
1 Thess. 5:12‑13• 12But we beg you, brethren, to know those who labour among you, and take the lead among you in the Lord, and admonish you,
 13and to regard them exceedingly in love on account of their work. Be in peace among yourselves. (1 Thess. 5:12‑13)
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2 Thess. 3:14• 14But if any one obey not our word by the letter, mark that man, and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed of himself; (2 Thess. 3:14)
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1 Tim. 5:17• 17Let the elders who take the lead among the saints well be esteemed worthy of double honour, specially those labouring in word and teaching; (1 Tim. 5:17)
have the rule over.
or, guide.
submit.
Gen. 16:9• 9And the Angel of Jehovah said to her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands. (Gen. 16:9)
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1 Cor. 16:16• 16that *ye* should also be subject to such, and to every one joined in the work and labouring. (1 Cor. 16:16)
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Eph. 5:21• 21submitting yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ. (Eph. 5:21)
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James 4:7• 7Subject yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
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1 Peter 5:5• 5Likewise ye younger, be subject to the elder, and all of you bind on humility towards one another; for God sets himself against the proud, but to the humble gives grace. (1 Peter 5:5)
watch.
Ezek. 3:17‑21• 17Son of man, I have appointed thee a watchman unto the house of Israel, and thou shalt hear the word from my mouth, and give them warning from me.
 18When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt certainly die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, that he may live: the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thy hand.
 19But if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
 20And when a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and do what is wrong, and I lay a stumbling-block before him, he shall die; because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteous acts which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thy hand.
 21And if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall certainly live, for he hath taken warning; and thou hast delivered thy soul. (Ezek. 3:17‑21)
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Ezek. 33:2,7‑9• 2Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take one man from among them all, and set him for their watchman:
 7So thou, son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; and thou shalt hear the word from my mouth, and warn them from me.
 8When I say unto the wicked, Wicked man, thou shalt certainly die; and thou speakest not to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thy hand.
 9But if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, and he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. (Ezek. 33:2,7‑9)
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Acts 20:24‑26,28• 24But I make no account of my life as dear to myself, so that I finish my course, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the glad tidings of the grace of God.
 25And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
 26Wherefore I witness to you this day, that I am clean from the blood of all,
 28Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, wherein the Holy Spirit has set you as overseers, to shepherd the assembly of God, which he has purchased with the blood of his own. (Acts 20:24‑26,28)
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1 Cor. 4:1‑2• 1Let a man so account of us as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
 2Here, further, it is sought in stewards, that a man be found faithful. (1 Cor. 4:1‑2)
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1 Peter 5:2‑3• 2shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising oversight, not by necessity, but willingly; not for base gain, but readily;
 3not as lording it over your possessions, but being models for the flock. (1 Peter 5:2‑3)
give account.
Luke 16:2• 2And having called him, he said to him, What is this that I hear of thee? give the reckoning of thy stewardship, for thou canst be no longer steward. (Luke 16:2)
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Rom. 14:12• 12So then each of us shall give an account concerning himself to God. (Rom. 14:12)
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2 Cor. 5:10‑11• 10For we must all be manifested before the judgment-seat of the Christ, that each may receive the things done in the body, according to those he has done, whether it be good or evil.
 11Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men, but have been manifested to God, and I hope also that we have been manifested in your consciences. (2 Cor. 5:10‑11)
with joy.
Phil. 1:4• 4constantly in my every supplication, making the supplication for you all with joy, (Phil. 1:4)
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Phil. 2:16• 16holding forth the word of life, so as to be a boast for me in Christ's day, that I have not run in vain nor laboured in vain. (Phil. 2:16)
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Phil. 4:1• 1So that, my brethren, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, thus stand fast in the Lord, beloved. (Phil. 4:1)
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1 Thess. 2:19‑20• 19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of boasting? are not *ye* also before our Lord Jesus at his coming?
 20for ye are our glory and joy. (1 Thess. 2:19‑20)
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1 Thess. 3:9‑10• 9For what thanksgiving can we render to God for you, for all the joy wherewith we rejoice on account of you before our God,
 10night and day beseeching exceedingly to the end that we may see your face, and perfect what is lacking in your faith? (1 Thess. 3:9‑10)
with grief.
Ex. 32:31• 31And Moses returned to Jehovah, and said, Alas, this people has sinned a great sin, and they have made themselves a god of gold! (Ex. 32:31)
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Jer. 13:17• 17And 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 Jehovah's flock is gone into captivity. (Jer. 13:17)
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Phil. 3:18• 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: (Phil. 3:18)
• they are told to cultivate a gracious readiness to obey and submit, that the guides might do their watchful work with joy, and not with groans over their refractoriness, which would be profitless for the saints. (“The Early Chapters of Genesis: Chapter 5:3-5” by W. Kelly)
• the attitude which becomes the saints to their living guides. And this is shown by an obedient and submissive spirit. (“Hebrews 13:17-19” by W. Kelly)
• Elsewhere, as in Rom. 12, 1 Tim. 3, Titus 1, those called to preside or take the lead, elders or not, are exhorted how to fulfill their work in the Lord. Here, as in 1 Cor. 16 and 1 Thess. 5, the saints are reminded of what God looks for on their part. Scripture sanctions neither assertion of human right nor arbitrary claim of divine authority in the church of God. (“Hebrews 13:17-19” by W. Kelly)
• How often a real guide can point out what a perplexed saint saw not before it was set before him, but, when so set, at once perceives to be of God! For if there be a word of wisdom given to the one through the Spirit, the same Spirit dwelling in the other appreciates the true and the right (“Hebrews 13:17-19” by W. Kelly)
• It is a proof of that humble spirit of grace which seeks only to please the Lord. (“Hebrews 13” by J.N. Darby)

J. N. Darby Translation

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17
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.

W. Kelly Translation

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17
Obey your leaders, and be submissive, for they watch overa your souls, as those that shall give accountb; that they may do thisc with joy, and not groaning, for this [were] unprofitable for you.

WK Translation Notes

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a
Or, "in behalf of."
b
The overwhelming testimony in favour of the ancient copies as well as of the T. R. which speak of the guides exercising their wakeful care on behalf of the souls of the saints, as having to render an account of their own supervision, not of the souls under their supervision.
c
The right punctuation is needed. "That they may do this" refers to the watching. The chiefs or leaders are to give account of their own duty, not of others’ souls