Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just say marriage is honorable; it specifically states "in all," urging us to recognize marriage's value in every circumstance and for all people, pushing back against any idea that it's less worthy or suitable for certain individuals or situations. This includes valuing the marriage bed as undefiled, meaning faithfulness is the standard for everyone, because God's judgment awaits those who violate this sacred trust.
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author is concluding a series of practical exhortations to believers, moving from community life and hospitality to personal conduct. This verse addresses the importance of sexual purity, speaking directly against both fornication and adultery, likely because these sins were prevalent in the surrounding Roman culture and potentially among believers. The immediate follow-up discusses contentment and warns against the love of money, showing a broader concern for ethical living in all areas of life.
Some voices throughout history have tried to elevate celibacy above marriage, even calling marriage somehow impure. This verse cuts through that noise with a clear, bold statement.
Marriage is Honorable
The author of Hebrews doesn't just state that marriage is honorable; he insists that it be held in honor. This isn't a suggestion, but a command.
This honor extends to the 'marriage bed' – the intimacy shared between husband and wife. It's meant to be a sacred space, free from defilement.
The sanctity of marriage isn't just about the ceremony; it's about the daily reality of faithfulness. This verse makes it clear where the line is drawn.
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Undefiled Intimacy
The call for the 'marriage bed' to be undefiled is a direct command for sexual purity within marriage.
Human systems of justice often fail, especially when it comes to hidden sins. But God's justice is perfect and final.
God's Final Word
The verse concludes with a stark reminder of God's role as judge. This isn't a threat, but a solemn declaration of ultimate accountability.
This isn't about living in fear, but in the reverent awe of a God who upholds justice and expects His people to reflect His character.
Understand the original words
gamos · Greek Noun
The divinely instituted union between a man and a woman, regarded as a sacred covenant that mirrors the relationship between Christ and His church and must be maintained with sanctity.
amiantos · Greek Adjective
Free from pollution, corruption, or moral stain; it refers to the state of being kept pure and holy in accordance with God's commandments.
krinei · Greek Verb
The judicial act of God where He evaluates the thoughts, words, and actions of humanity, upholding His righteousness and bringing consequences for sin.
pornous · Greek Noun
Those who engage in sexual relations outside the bounds of the marriage covenant, which is defined by God as the exclusive union of one man and one woman.
moichous · Greek Noun
Someone who engages in sexual relations with a person other than their spouse, thereby breaking the marriage covenant and acting in violation of God's holiness.
The author of Hebrews penned these words during a time of intense pressure and persecution, urging believers to maintain the sanctity of marriage as a counter-cultural witness against the moral laxity of the surrounding world and the potential for ascetic extremism.
c. 49 AD
Council of Jerusalem
The Council of Jerusalem addressed issues faced by early Gentile Christians, including abstaining from sexual immorality, which was prevalent in the surrounding Greco-Roman culture.
c. 50-60 AD
Paul's Epistles Address Sexual Immorality
Apostolic writings like 1 Corinthians and 1 Thessalonians repeatedly warn against fornication and adultery, reflecting the ongoing struggle with these sins in the early church.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome
While not directly related to the verse's content, the turbulent period of Nero's reign and subsequent persecution of Christians created a climate of uncertainty and distress for believers.
c. 67-69 AD— this verse
Likely Authorship of Hebrews
The Epistle to the Hebrews was likely written during a period of intense persecution, possibly around the time of Nero's reign or just before the fall of Jerusalem.
70 AD
Destruction of Jerusalem
The catastrophic fall of Jerusalem and the Second Temple marked a profound turning point for Judaism and the nascent Christian movement, intensifying the need for spiritual resilience.
This passage lays the foundation for marriage as God's design, stating it is not good for man to be alone, which directly underpins the honor due to marriage mentioned in Hebrews.
1 Corinthians 6:18This verse acts as a strong parallel, urging believers to flee from sexual immorality and highlighting that any sexual sin is against the body and ultimately God, resonating with the judgment mentioned in Hebrews.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5Paul directly addresses sexual purity here, echoing the sentiment of Hebrews by stating God's will is for believers to be sanctified and to avoid sexual immorality, as He will punish those who disregard His commands.
Proverbs 7:6-27This vivid narrative illustrates the destructive path of sexual sin and its deceitful allure, serving as a cautionary tale that underscores the importance of remaining undefiled and respecting the marriage bed.
Matthew 5:27-28Jesus elevates the standard of purity by explaining that even lustful thoughts are a violation of God's law, reinforcing the call in Hebrews for an undefiled marriage bed by addressing the heart's intentions.
ellicottHebrews 13:4: "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."
(4) Marriage is honourable in all. —Rather, Let marriage be held in honour among all, and let the bed be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. The precept is directed against impurity ( Hebrews 12:16 ), and also against the false asceticism of men “forbidding to marry” ( 1Timothy 4:3 ). The laxity of morals among Gentiles (Note on Acts 15:20 ) and the prevale…
barnesHebrews 13:4: "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."
Marriage is honorable in all - The object here is to state that "honor" is to be shown to the marriage relation. It is not to be undervalued by the pretence of the superior purity of a state of celibacy, as if marriage were improper for any class of people or any condition of life; and it should not be dishonored by any violation of the marriage contract. The course of things ha…
The verse doesn't just say marriage is honorable; it specifically states "in all," urging us to recognize marriage's value in every circumstance and for all people, pushing back against any idea that it's less worthy or suitable for certain individuals or situations. This includes valuing the marriage bed as undefiled, meaning faithfulness is the standard for everyone, because God's judgment awaits those who violate this sacred trust.
The author is concluding a series of practical exhortations to believers, moving from community life and hospitality to personal conduct. This verse addresses the importance of sexual purity, speaking directly against both fornication and adultery, likely because these sins were prevalent in the surrounding Roman culture and potentially among believers. The immediate follow-up discusses contentment and warns against the love of money, showing a broader concern for ethical living in all areas of life.
The author is concluding a series of practical exhortations to believers, moving from community life and hospitality to personal conduct. This verse addresses the importance of sexual purity, speaking directly against both fornication and adultery, likely because these sins were prevalent in the surrounding Roman culture and potentially among believers. The immediate follow-up discusses contentment and warns against the love of money, showing a broader concern for ethical living in all areas of life.
"Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous." — The verse doesn't just say marriage is honorable; it specifically states "in all," urging us to recognize marriage's value in every circumstance and for all people, pushing back against any idea…
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Last reviewed October 2026