Hebrews 13:21
equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
equip you
The Greek word for "equip" is "katartizō," which means to complete, prepare, or restore. This term is often used in the context of mending nets or setting a bone, suggesting a process of making something whole or fit for purpose. In the Christian life, this implies that God is actively working to prepare believers for His service, restoring them to spiritual health and equipping them with the necessary tools to fulfill His will. This equipping is not a one-time event but a continual process of growth and sanctification.

with every good thing
The phrase "with every good thing" emphasizes the completeness and sufficiency of God's provision. The Greek word "agathos" for "good" denotes that which is beneficial, excellent, and morally upright. This suggests that God provides not just material needs but also spiritual and moral resources. Historically, this reflects the biblical theme that God is the source of all goodness, as seen in James 1:17, which states that every good and perfect gift is from above.

to do His will
The phrase "to do His will" underscores the purpose of God's equipping. The Greek word "thelēma" for "will" refers to God's desired purpose or plan. This aligns with the biblical teaching that believers are called to live in accordance with God's will, as seen in Romans 12:2, which encourages believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds to discern God's will. The historical context of Hebrews, written to Jewish Christians facing persecution, highlights the importance of aligning one's life with God's purposes, even amidst trials.

working in us
The phrase "working in us" uses the Greek word "energeō," which means to be active or effective. This indicates that God is not passive but actively involved in the lives of believers. The concept of God working within His people is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in Philippians 2:13, where it states that God works in believers to will and to act according to His good purpose. This divine activity assures believers that they are not left to their own devices but are empowered by God to live out their faith.

what is pleasing in His sight
The phrase "what is pleasing in His sight" highlights the goal of God's work in believers. The Greek word "euarestos" for "pleasing" conveys the idea of being acceptable or well-pleasing. This reflects the biblical principle that believers are to live lives that are pleasing to God, as seen in Colossians 1:10, which encourages believers to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him. The historical context of the early church, striving to maintain faithfulness amidst external pressures, underscores the importance of living in a way that honors God.

through Jesus Christ
The phrase "through Jesus Christ" emphasizes the means by which believers are equipped and enabled to do God's will. The preposition "dia" in Greek indicates that Jesus is the channel through which God's work is accomplished. This aligns with the central Christian doctrine that Jesus is the mediator between God and humanity, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:5. The historical context of Hebrews, which presents Jesus as the superior High Priest, reinforces the idea that all spiritual blessings and empowerment come through Him.

to whom be glory forever and ever
The phrase "to whom be glory forever and ever" is a doxology, a short hymn of praise to God. The Greek word "doxa" for "glory" refers to honor, splendor, and majesty. This reflects the biblical theme that all glory belongs to God, as seen in Romans 11:36, which declares that all things are from Him, through Him, and to Him. The historical context of the early church, which often faced opposition and misunderstanding, highlights the importance of ascribing glory to God as the ultimate source of strength and hope.

Amen
The word "Amen" is a transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning "truly" or "so be it." It is used to affirm the truthfulness and certainty of what has been said. In the context of this verse, it serves as a strong affirmation of the prayer and praise offered to God. The use of "Amen" in both Jewish and Christian liturgical traditions underscores its role as a communal affirmation of faith and trust in God's promises.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
Central to this verse, Jesus is the one through whom God accomplishes His will in us. He is the mediator and the one who empowers believers to live a life pleasing to God.

2. The Author of Hebrews
While the exact identity is unknown, the author is writing to Jewish Christians, encouraging them to remain faithful to Christ and His teachings.

3. Jewish Christians
The original audience of the letter, who were facing persecution and were tempted to revert to Judaism.

4. God
The one who equips believers with everything good to do His will, working through Jesus Christ.

5. The Church
The collective body of believers who are being equipped and transformed to do God's will.
Teaching Points
God's Equipping
God provides believers with the necessary tools and resources to fulfill His will. This equipping is not just for personal benefit but for the advancement of His kingdom.

Pleasing God
Our actions should be aimed at pleasing God, not just fulfilling religious duties. This requires a heart aligned with His purposes.

Role of Jesus Christ
Jesus is the means through which we are equipped and empowered. Our relationship with Him is crucial for living a life that pleases God.

Continuous Transformation
The Christian life is a journey of continuous growth and transformation, as God works in us to accomplish His purposes.

Glory to God
Ultimately, all our efforts and accomplishments should point back to the glory of God, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding that God equips us change the way you approach challenges in your life?

2. In what ways can you actively seek to discern and do God's will in your daily activities?

3. How does your relationship with Jesus Christ empower you to live a life pleasing to God?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt God working in you to accomplish something for His glory. How did that experience impact your faith?

5. How can you ensure that your actions and decisions bring glory to God, as mentioned in Hebrews 13:21? Consider connections to Romans 12:1-2 in your response.
Connections to Other Scriptures
Philippians 2:13
This verse speaks about God working in believers to will and to act according to His good purpose, similar to the equipping mentioned in Hebrews 13:21.

2 Timothy 3:17
Discusses how Scripture equips believers for every good work, aligning with the theme of being equipped to do God's will.

Ephesians 2:10
Highlights that believers are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for them to do.

Romans 12:1-2
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, transformed by the renewing of their minds to discern God's will.
A Most Comprehensive WishD. Young Hebrews 13:20, 21
AmenHebrews 13:20-21
Apostolic Prayer for the HebrewsAndrew Arthur.Hebrews 13:20-21
Christ Brought from the DeadHebrews 13:20-21
Concluding Prayer and DoxologyW. Jones Hebrews 13:20, 21
Conscientious Discharge of DutyBaxendale's AnecdotesHebrews 13:20-21
God the Originator of Good WorkChristian Armour.Hebrews 13:20-21
God Working in His PeopleLyman Abbott, D. D.Hebrews 13:20-21
GraceA. Saphir.Hebrews 13:20-21
Importance of ServiceJ. Alison, D. D.Hebrews 13:20-21
Man Divinely EquippedR. W. Dale, LL. D.Hebrews 13:20-21
Only a ChiselGeneral Gordon.Hebrews 13:20-21
Peace from God Through ChristA. Saphir.Hebrews 13:20-21
Perfect in Every Good Work Through the Holy SpiritJohn Smith.Hebrews 13:20-21
The Blood of the CovenantC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 13:20-21
The Blood of the Everlasting CovenantC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 13:20-21
The Blood of the Everlasting CovenantA. Raleigh, D. D.Hebrews 13:20-21
The Closing PrayerF. B. Meyer, B. A.Hebrews 13:20-21
The God of Peace and Our SanctificationC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 13:20-21
The Great Pleas of a Great PrayerA. Maclaren, D. D.Hebrews 13:20-21
The Great Prayer Based on Great PleasA. Maclaren, D. D.Hebrews 13:20-21
The Great Shepherd of the SheepHebrews 13:20-21
The Names of the SaviourA. Maclaren, D. D.Hebrews 13:20-21
The Work of GodT. Guthrie, D. D.Hebrews 13:20-21
Workers NeededProctor's Gems of ThoughtHebrews 13:20-21
People
Christians, Hebrews, Italians, Timotheus, Timothy
Places
Italy, Jerusalem
Topics
Ages, Amen, Christ, Complete, Desires, Equip, Forever, Full, Fully, Glory, Grace, Perfect, Please, Pleasing, Producing, Ready, Sight, Truly, Wellpleasing, Well-pleasing, Whatever, Working
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Hebrews 13:21

     1175   God, will of
     1512   Trinity, equality of
     2024   Christ, glory of
     2354   Christ, mission
     8422   equipping, spiritual

Hebrews 13:20-21

     1461   truth, nature of
     2560   Christ, resurrection
     6704   peace, divine NT
     8126   guidance, need for

Library
The Unchangeable Christ
Eversley. 1845. Hebrews xiii. 8. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever." Let me first briefly remind you, as the truth upon which my whole explanation of this text is built, that man is not meant either for solitude or independence. He is meant to live WITH his fellow-men, to live BY them, and to live FOR them. He is healthy and godly, only when he knows all men for his brothers; and himself, in some way or other, as the servant of all, and bound in ties of love and
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

February 26. "Make You Perfect in Every Good Work" (Heb. xiii. 21).
"Make you perfect in every good work" (Heb. xiii. 21). In that beautiful prayer at the close of the Epistle to the Hebrews, "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead, our Lord Jesus Christ, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will," the phrase, "make you perfect in every good work," literally means, it is said, "adjust you in every good work." It is a great thing to be adjusted, adjusted to our
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

September 16. "I Will Never Leave Thee nor Forsake Thee" (Heb. xiii. 5).
"I will never leave Thee nor forsake Thee" (Heb. xiii. 5). It is most cheering thus to know that although we err and bring upon ourselves many troubles that might have been easily averted, yet God does not forsake even His mistaken child, but on his humble repentance and supplication is ever really both to pardon and deliver. Let us not give up our faith because we have perhaps stepped out of the path in which He would have led us. The Israelites did not follow when He called them into the Land of
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Doctrine of Arbitrary Scriptural Accommodation Considered.
"But the Righteousness which is of Faith speaketh on this wise,--Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into Heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, Who shall descend into the deep?' (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth; and in thine heart:' that is, the word of Faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation

The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed.
"Now she that is a Widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day." * * Preached at the house of one made a widow by her husband's desertion; who left her in straitened circumstances to provide for a young family. Timothy was ordained a bishop of the church at Ephesus; and this epistle was written to him by St. Paul, his spiritual father, to teach him "how to behave himself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God." The former
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

The Blood of the Covenant
The subject of the Epistle to the Hebrews is deep, for it passes on from the superficial rudiments to those underlying truths which are more mysterious and profound. It is a book for the higher classes in Christ's school; and hence this prayer is not for babes, but for men of understanding. We could not say to all the saints, "after this manner pray ye," for they would not know what they were asking; they have need to begin with something simpler, such as that sweet "Our Father, which art in heaven,"
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 20: 1874

The Immutability of Christ
But greater things have changed than we; for kingdoms have trembled in the balances. We have seen a peninsula deluged with blood, and mutiny raising its bloody war whoop. Nay, the whole world hath changed; earth hath doffed its green, and put on its somber garment of Autumn, and soon expects to wear its ermine robe of snow. All things have changed. We believe that not only in appearance but in reality, the world is growing old. The sun itself must soon grow dim with age; the folding up of the worn-out
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

The Unchangeable Christ
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."--Hebrews 13:8. LET me read to you the verse that comes before our text. It is a good habit always to look at texts in their connection. It is wrong, I think, to lay hold of small portions of God's Word, and take them out of their connection as you might pluck feathers from a bird; it is an injury to the Word; and, sometimes, a passage of Scripture loses much of its beauty, its true teaching, and its real meaning, by being taken from the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 40: 1894

The Blood of the Everlasting Covenant
I. First of all, then, I have to speak this morning of THE COVENANT mentioned in the text; and I observe that we can readily discover at first sight what the covenant is not. We see at once that this is not the covenant of works, for the simple reason that this is an everlasting covenant. Now the covenant of works was not everlasting in any sense whatever. It was not eternal; it was first made in the garden of Eden. It had a beginning, it has been broken; it will be violated continually and will
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

A New Year's Benediction
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."--Hebrews 13:5. OBSERVE the way in which the apostles were accustomed to incite believers in Christ to the performance of their duties. They did not tell them, "You must do this or that, or you will be punished; you must do this, and then you shall obtain a reward for it." They never cracked the whip of the law in the ears of the child of God. They
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 60: 1914

Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!
Hence, let us learn, my brethren, the extreme value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you might be free; but if you will not look for it you may remain a prisoner still, though liberty is near at hand. There may be a potent medicine in the great pharmacopia of Scripture,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

Twenty-Second Day for all who are in Suffering
WHAT TO PRAY.--For all who are in Suffering "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are evil entreated, as being yourselves in the body."--HEB. xiii. 3. What a world of suffering we live in! How Jesus sacrificed all and identified Himself with it! Let us in our measure do so too. The persecuted Stundists and Armenians and Jews, the famine-stricken millions of India, the hidden slavery of Africa, the poverty and wretchedness of our great cities--and so much more: what suffering
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ
John Calvin was born in 1509, at Noyon, France. He has been called the greatest of Protestant commentators and theologians, and the inspirer of the Puritan exodus. He often preached every day for weeks in succession. He possest two of the greatest elements in successful pulpit oratory, self-reliance and authority. It was said of him, as it was afterward said of Webster, that "every word weighed a pound." His style was simple, direct, and convincing. He made men think. His splendid contributions to
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume I

The Action of Jesus Christ in the Souls of Men.
The divine action continues to write in the hearts of men the work begun by the holy Scriptures, but the characters made use of in this writing will not be visible till the day of judgment. "Jesus Christ yesterday, to-day, and for ever" (Heb. xiii, 8), says the Apostle. From the beginning of the world He was, as God, the first cause of the existence of souls. He has participated as man from the first instant of His incarnation, in this prerogative of His divinity. During the whole course of our life
Jean-Pierre de Caussade—Abandonment to Divine Providence

Paul and his Requests for Prayer (Continued)
We announce the law of prayer as follows: A Christian's prayer is a joint agreement of the will and his cabinet, the emotions, the conscience, the intellect, working in harmony at white heat, while the body co-operates under certain hygienic conditions to make the prayer long enough sustained at high voltage to insure tremendous results, supernatural and unearthly.--Rev. Homer W. Hodge We come to the request of Paul made to the Church at Ephesus, found in the latter part of Ephes. 6 of the Epistle
Edward M. Bounds—Prayer and Praying Men

Carey's College
1761-1785 The Heart of England--The Weaver Carey who became a Peer, and the weaver who was father of William Carey--Early training in Paulerspury--Impressions made by him on his sister--On his companions and the villagers--His experience as son of the parish clerk--Apprenticed to a shoemaker of Hackleton--Poverty--Famous shoemakers from Annianus and Crispin to Hans Sachs and Whittier--From Pharisaism to Christ--The last shall be first--The dissenting preacher in the parish clerk's home--He studies
George Smith—The Life of William Carey

The Never Changing One.
"JESUS Christ the same yesterday, and to-day and forever" (Heb. xiii:8). Blessed truth and precious assurance for us poor, weak creatures, yea, among all His creatures the most changing; He changeth not. "For I am the Lord, I change not" (Mal. iii:6). "Of old hast Thou laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Thy hands. They shall all perish, but Thou shalt endure: yea all of them shall wax old like a garment, as a vesture shalt Thou change them, and they shall be changed;
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
The duty of Covenanting is founded on the law of nature; but it also stands among the arrangements of Divine mercy made from everlasting. The promulgation of the law, enjoining it on man in innocence as a duty, was due to God's necessary dominion over the creatures of his power. The revelation of it as a service obligatory on men in a state of sin, arose from his unmerited grace. In the one display, we contemplate the authority of the righteous moral Governor of the universe; in the other, we see
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer.
1. If, when thou art about to pray, Satan shall suggest that thy prayers are too long, and that therefore it were better either to omit prayers, or else to cut them shorter, meditate that prayer is thy spiritual sacrifice, wherewith God is well pleased (Heb. xiii. 15, 16;) and therefore it is so displeasing to the devil, and so irksome to the flesh. Bend therefore thy affections (will they, nill they) to so holy an exercise; assuring thyself, that it doth by so much the more please God, by how much
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Two Covenants: the Transition
"Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, in the blood of the everlasting covenant, even our Lord Jesus, make you perfect in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ."--HEB. xiii. 20, 21. THE transition from the Old Covenant to the New was not slow or gradual, but by a tremendous crisis. Nothing less than the death of Christ was the close of the Old. Nothing less than His resurrection
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

Discourse viii. The Help of Religion.
THE HELP OF RELIGION. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.--HEBREWS xiii, 14. There are a good many people who, apparently, are never troubled by any speculations arising out of a comprehensive view of things. They are keenly alive to all objects within their sphere; but their eyes are close to the surface, and their experience comes in shocks of sensation, and shreds of perception. They know the superficial features of the world and its conventional expressions; are conversant
E. H. Chapin—Humanity in the City

Kallihirua the Esquimaux.
Kallihirua, notwithstanding the disadvantages of person (for he was plain, and short of stature, and looked what he was,--an Esquimaux), excited a feeling of interest and regard in those who were acquainted with his history, and who knew his docile mind, and the sweetness of his disposition. Compliance with the precept in the Old Testament, "Love ye the stranger[1]," becomes a delight as well as a duty in such an instance as that about to be recorded, especially when we consider the affecting injunction
Thomas Boyles Murray—Kalli, the Esquimaux Christian,

"Honorable," Therefore, "Is Marriage in All, and the Bed Undefiled. ...
8. "Honorable," therefore, "is marriage in all, and the bed undefiled." [1954] And this we do not so call a good, as that it is a good in comparison of fornication: otherwise there will be two evils, of which the second is worse: or fornication will also be a good, because adultery is worse: for it is worse to violate the marriage of another, than to cleave unto an harlot: and adultery will be a good, because incest is worse; for it is worse to lie with a mother than with the wife of another: and,
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

Memorandum. --On Other Letters Ascribed to Athanasius.
The above Collection of Letters is complete upon the principle stated in the Introduction (supr., p. 495). But one or two fragments have been excluded which may be specified here. (1.) Fragment of a letter to Eupsychius;' probably the Nicene Father referred to Ep. Æg. 8, (cf. D.C.B. ii. 299 (4)). The Greek is given by Montf. in Ath. Opp. 1. p. 1293 (Latin, ib. p. 1287). It was cited in Conc. Nic. II. Act vi., but although it has affinities with Orat. ii. 8 (high-priestly dress'), it has the
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Links
Hebrews 13:21 NIV
Hebrews 13:21 NLT
Hebrews 13:21 ESV
Hebrews 13:21 NASB
Hebrews 13:21 KJV

Hebrews 13:21 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Hebrews 13:20
Top of Page
Top of Page