I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author isn't just saying he wrote briefly, but he's essentially apologizing for the intensity and directness of his message. He views the whole letter as "exhortation," a passionate plea for steadfastness, and he's asking them to patiently "bear with" it because he compressed profound truths into a short form.
I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author is bringing his letter to a close and asking his readers to graciously receive his final words of counsel. He acknowledges that the letter contains many exhortations and appeals, and he wants them to bear with his message, especially since he's tried to be concise given the weighty topics he's covered.
The author isn't just ending a letter; he's making a personal plea. What does it mean to 'bear with' his words, and why is it so important?
The phrase "bear with my word of exhortation" isn't about tolerating something unpleasant. It's a call to graciously receive and internalize the message of the entire letter.
A Humble Request
The author understands he's been direct, perhaps even stern, in his counsel throughout Hebrews. He knows that receiving such a message can be challenging, especially for a community facing pressures to abandon their faith. So, he asks them not to become impatient or close their hearts to his warnings and encouragement.
The Whole Letter is Exhortation
This "word of exhortation" refers to the entire epistle. It wasn't just a few scattered warnings; the whole letter is designed to encourage, strengthen, and urge the readers toward perseverance in their Christian walk.
The author mentions writing 'briefly.' Does that mean the letter is short and simple, or is there more to it?
When the author says he has written "in few words," he's not apologizing for a lack of content. Instead, he's highlighting the incredible density of thought and the profound significance of the topics covered.
Compressed Truth
The subjects discussed—Christ's superiority, the new covenant, perseverance through faith—are monumental. The author has managed to convey deep theological truths and practical exhortations with remarkable conciseness. Think of it like a powerful, distilled essence rather than a lengthy, diluted explanation.
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An Apology for Tone
This brevity also serves as a gentle apology for the directness of his tone. He hasn't expanded on every point or softened every warning, but has gotten straight to the heart of the matter. He hopes this concise, direct approach will be received all the more readily because it doesn't drag on.
Understand the original words
adelphoi · Greek Noun
A term used by the apostles to address fellow believers, emphasizing the spiritual bond, equality, and shared faith within the family of God.
paraklēsis · Greek Noun
A noun referring to a formal message of encouragement, instruction, or warning intended to urge the recipients toward righteous living and perseverance in faith.
This passage describes a synagogue reading where 'the rulers of the synagogue sent to them' asking if there was a 'word of exhortation' for the people, highlighting the common use of 'exhortation' in communal spiritual teaching.
1 Peter 5:12Peter uses a similar phrase, 'I have written to you briefly,' to conclude his letter, reinforcing the idea that brevity in writing doesn't diminish the weight or importance of the message.
2 Corinthians 11:1Paul, in a moment of intense spiritual concern, asks the Corinthians to 'bear with me in a little foolishness,' demonstrating a similar plea for patience and understanding from spiritual leaders to their congregations.
Romans 12:8This verse speaks of the importance of 'exhortation' as a spiritual gift, showing that encouraging and urging believers forward was a vital part of early Christian ministry, just as the author of Hebrews has done.
vincentHebrews 13:22: "And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words."
Suffer the word of exhortation (ἀνέχεσθε τοῦ λόγου τῆς παρακλήσεως)For "suffer," rend. "bear with." See Acts 18:14; 2 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Timothy 4:3. Do not become impatient at my counsels in this letter. The word of exhortation refers to the entire epistle which he regards as hortatory rather than didactic or consolatory. The phrase only in Acts 13:15.I have w…
meyerHebrews 13:22: "And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words."
Hebrews 13:22 . Request for friendly reception of the epistle. ἀνέχεσθε τοῦ λόγου τῆς παρακλήσεως ] bear with the word of the exhortation , grant it entrance with you, close not your hearts against it. Mistakenly do the Vulgate, Stein, and Kluge make παράκλησις here have the signification of “consolation.” Neither the verb ἀνέχεσθε nor the tenor of the epistle is in k…
The author isn't just saying he wrote briefly, but he's essentially apologizing for the intensity and directness of his message. He views the whole letter as "exhortation," a passionate plea for steadfastness, and he's asking them to patiently "bear with" it because he compressed profound truths into a short form.
The author is bringing his letter to a close and asking his readers to graciously receive his final words of counsel. He acknowledges that the letter contains many exhortations and appeals, and he wants them to bear with his message, especially since he's tried to be concise given the weighty topics he's covered.
The author is bringing his letter to a close and asking his readers to graciously receive his final words of counsel. He acknowledges that the letter contains many exhortations and appeals, and he wants them to bear with his message, especially since he's tried to be concise given the weighty topics he's covered.
"I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly." — The author isn't just saying he wrote briefly, but he's essentially apologizing for the intensity and directness of his message. He views the whole letter as "exhortation," a passionate plea for stea…
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Last reviewed October 2026