What does Hebrews 13:21 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 13:21 is a benediction, a form of blessing that concludes a section of the letter to the Hebrews.

The verse highlights God’s role in enabling believers to carry out good works that are pleasing to Him.

It implies that perfection in such works is not achievable through human effort alone but is made possible through the empowerment God provides.

As it refers to doing His will, it suggests that the good works are those aligned with God's intentions and purposes.

The phrase “working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight" suggests that the believer’s ability to please God comes not from their own strength but by the work of God within them, facilitated through Jesus Christ.

The verse ends by ascribing eternal glory to Jesus Christ, affirming His divine role and eternal nature.

Historical Context

The epistle to the Hebrews was written to a community of Jewish Christians in the late first century A.D.

This audience would have had a strong understanding of Old Testament scriptures and Jewish practices.

The letter addresses the superiority of Christ compared to angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood, and it emphasizes the permanence of Jesus as the high priest and the perfect sacrifice for sins.

This was particularly relevant for Jewish Christians who may have faced temptations to revert to Judaism or needed encouragement in the face of persecution.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, Hebrews 13:21 speaks to the doctrine of sanctification, the process by which Christians are made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit.

The verse suggests that God is the primary actor in this process.

The idea of God "making you perfect" indicates an ongoing process that propels the believer toward spiritual maturity.

Different theological traditions may emphasize various aspects of this process, some stress the sovereignty of God in sanctification, while others emphasize the believer’s responsibility to co-operate with God’s grace.

Practical Applications

The teachings of Hebrews 13:21 can be applied in daily life by encouraging believers to rely on God’s strength when undertaking good deeds.

It is a reminder that Christians should seek God’s will in their actions and trust that God will equip them for every task.

The verse can also inspire a sense of humility, as it attributes success in doing good works to God’s work within individuals, not to their own capabilities. In practical terms, this may lead to regular prayer for guidance and sensitivity to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Cross-References

• Philippians 2:13: "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
• Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
• 1 Peter 5:10: "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."

Language Study

The key words in Hebrews 13:21 in the original Greek are:

• "καταρτίσαι" (katartisai) translated as "make you perfect," which means to complete or make perfect, often with the connotation of adjusting or fitting together parts to make a whole.
• "ἔργῳ" (ergo) rendered as "work," conveys the idea of an action or task.
• "εὐάρεστον" (euareston) translates to "well pleasing," indicating something that is pleasing or acceptable, usually to God.

These terms underscore the active work of God in shaping the believer’s life and actions to align with His will.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, the idea of gods working through humans was common, although the relationship and purpose greatly differed from the Christian concept.

In many myths, gods use humans for their own ends or entertainment, while in the Hebrews context, God is shaping believers into His likeness for a mutually beneficial relationship.

In Judaism, there is an emphasis on obedience to the Law and the accomplishment of good deeds or mitzvot. The idea of divine help in performing these actions is present but without the intermediary role of Jesus Christ.

Comparatively in other religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, the notion of divine or cosmic assistance might manifest in the concepts of karma and dharma, where righteous living and duties are aligned with cosmic order, but personal divine intervention is not at the forefront.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse Hebrews 13:21 does not directly intersect with scientific ideas, the notion of transformation and the process of making something perfect may be metaphorically related to concepts of growth and development in living organisms.

The systematic process of achieving an end goal can be seen in biological processes where environmental factors and internal programming lead to maturity.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians propose various interpretations of this verse.

Some suggest it emphasizes the continuity of God's work from justification to sanctification and ultimately to glorification.

Others focus on the communal aspect, where the "you" is seen as a corporate body, indicating that the church collectively is being equipped for good works.

Still, others may highlight the role of Jesus Christ as the mediator who makes this divine-human cooperation possible.

Commentators point out the doxology at the end of the verse as not just a conclusion, but as an affirmation of faith in the eternal lordship and glory of Jesus Christ.