Hebrews 13:22
I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The author is essentially apologizing for the "tone" of the letter, asking his readers to "bear with" his "word of exhortation." He frames the entire epistle as an "exhortation" and then uses its brevity ("in few words") as a gentle justification for its directness and the possibly challenging counsel it contains.
This is the author's closing appeal, a final word to his readers after a long and complex discussion. He asks them to patiently receive his counsel, framing the entire letter as an "exhortation" or encouragement to stay faithful. He apologizes for not being able to elaborate more fully, suggesting the important truths he’s shared are condensed due to brevity rather than a lack of depth.
When an author asks you to 'bear with' their message, what does that really mean? It’s more than just being polite.
The writer of Hebrews uses the phrase 'suffer the word of exhortation,' which is a strong appeal. It's not just a casual request to listen; it’s a plea to 'bear with' or 'endure' the counsel given.
Why 'Suffer'?
Why would a writer apologize for a letter being 'brief'? It’s not always about the page count, but the weight of the subject matter.
The author concludes by saying, 'for I have written to you briefly.' This isn't necessarily an admission that the letter is short in absolute terms, but rather that it’s concise given the vastness of the topics covered.
The 'Few Words' Principle:
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 uses similar language, describing a synagogue reading where the 'word of exhortation' was offered, highlighting the communal and instructive nature of the message.
1 Peter 5:12This verse also speaks of writing 'briefly' to encourage believers, suggesting a common pastoral practice of conveying important truths concisely in letters.
2 Timothy 4:3This verse describes the need to 'endure sound teaching' when people reject it, echoing the Hebrews author's plea for his 'word of exhortation' to be received patiently.
Galatians 6:6This passage encourages those being taught to share generously with their instructors, reflecting the idea of supporting and valuing the 'word' and its messengers, which is implicit in Hebrews 13:22.
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 is essentially apologizing for the "tone" of the letter, asking his readers to "bear with" his "word of exhortation." He frames the entire epistle as an "exhortation" and then uses its brevity ("in few words") as a gentle justification for its directness and the possibly challenging counsel it contains.
This is the author's closing appeal, a final word to his readers after a long and complex discussion. He asks them to patiently receive his counsel, framing the entire letter as an "exhortation" or encouragement to stay faithful. He apologizes for not being able to elaborate more fully, suggesting the important truths he’s shared are condensed due to brevity rather than a lack of depth.
This is the author's closing appeal, a final word to his readers after a long and complex discussion. He asks them to patiently receive his counsel, framing the entire letter as an "exhortation" or encouragement to stay faithful. He apologizes for not being able to elaborate more fully, suggesting the important truths he’s shared are condensed due to brevity rather than a lack of depth.
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"I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly." — The author is essentially apologizing for the "tone" of the letter, asking his readers to "bear with" his "word of exhortation." He frames the entire epistle as an "exhortation" and then uses its bre…
