Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you."
Keep your lives free from the love of money
The phrase "keep your lives free" suggests an active, ongoing effort to guard against the influence of materialism. The Greek word for "love of money" is "philarguria," which combines "philos" (love) and "arguros" (silver or money). This term warns against an excessive attachment to wealth, which can lead to spiritual distraction and moral compromise. Historically, the early Christian community faced the temptation of wealth, as it often led to social status and power. The admonition here is to prioritize spiritual riches over material wealth, echoing Jesus' teachings in the Gospels.

and be content with what you have
The call to "be content" is rooted in the Greek word "arkeo," meaning to be satisfied or sufficient. Contentment is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing reliance on God's provision rather than worldly possessions. In a historical context, early Christians often faced persecution and loss of property, making this exhortation particularly poignant. The call to contentment is a reminder that true satisfaction comes from a relationship with God, not from accumulating wealth or possessions.

for God has said
This phrase introduces a divine promise, underscoring the authority and reliability of God's word. The assurance that follows is not merely a human sentiment but a declaration from God Himself. This reflects the broader biblical narrative where God's promises are central to the faith and hope of His people. The historical context of the early church, which often faced uncertainty and hardship, makes this divine assurance especially comforting.

'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'
This promise is a direct quotation from the Old Testament, echoing God's assurances to His people in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Joshua 1:5. The repetition of "never" (Greek "ou me") is emphatic, reinforcing the certainty and permanence of God's presence. In the historical context of Hebrews, where believers faced trials and persecution, this promise served as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering support. Theologically, it underscores the covenantal faithfulness of God, who remains with His people through all circumstances. This assurance invites believers to trust in God's presence and provision, fostering a sense of peace and security amidst life's challenges.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Author of Hebrews
Traditionally attributed to Paul, though the exact authorship is uncertain. The author writes to Jewish Christians, encouraging them to remain faithful to Christ.

2. Jewish Christians
The primary audience of the letter, who were facing persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism.

3. God
The ultimate promise-maker, whose assurance of presence and provision is central to this verse.

4. Old Testament References
The promise "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you" echoes God's assurances to Joshua (Joshua 1:5) and the Israelites.

5. The Love of Money
A common temptation and spiritual pitfall, addressed throughout Scripture as a distraction from reliance on God.
Teaching Points
Contentment in Christ
True contentment is found not in material wealth but in the assurance of God's presence and provision.

Trust in God's Promises
God's promise to never leave or forsake us is a source of comfort and strength, encouraging us to rely on Him rather than material possessions.

Guarding Against Materialism
Believers are called to examine their hearts and ensure that their love for God surpasses any desire for wealth.

Faith in Action
Living out this verse involves practical steps of generosity, stewardship, and prioritizing spiritual over material wealth.

Spiritual Security
The assurance of God's unchanging presence provides a foundation for spiritual security, regardless of external circumstances.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the promise "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you" provide comfort in times of financial uncertainty?

2. In what ways can you actively cultivate contentment in your life, according to Hebrews 13:5 and related scriptures?

3. Reflect on a time when the love of money may have distracted you from your faith. How can you guard against this in the future?

4. How does understanding the original Greek word for "content" (autarkes) deepen your understanding of this verse?

5. How can you apply the teachings of Hebrews 13:5 to encourage others in your community who may be struggling with materialism or financial anxiety?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 6:24
Jesus teaches that one cannot serve both God and money, highlighting the conflict between materialism and spiritual devotion.

1 Timothy 6:10
Paul warns that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, emphasizing the dangers of prioritizing wealth over faith.

Philippians 4:11-13
Paul speaks of learning to be content in all circumstances, drawing strength from Christ.

Deuteronomy 31:6
God’s promise to never leave nor forsake His people, providing a foundation for trust and contentment.
A Lesson and a Fortune for Christian Men of BusinessC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 13:5
A New Year's BenedictionCharles Haddon Spurgeon Hebrews 13:5
A Satisfied SpiritT. De Witt Talmage.Hebrews 13:5
A Vile Weed and a Fair FlowerC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 13:5
An Unwritten Word of GodJ. Parker, D. D.Hebrews 13:5
Christian ContentmentEssex RemembrancerHebrews 13:5
Christian Contentment Enjoined and EncouragedW. Jones Hebrews 13:5
Christian Contentment: its Hindrance and its HelpC. New.Hebrews 13:5
Content with LittleHebrews 13:5
Contented Without ContentmentNew Cyclopedia of IllustrationsHebrews 13:5
ContentmentP. Houghton.Hebrews 13:5
ContentmentShakspere.Hebrews 13:5
ContentmentJeremy Taylor.Hebrews 13:5
Contentment and DutyHebrews 13:5
Contentment in VicissitudesThe National Baptist.Hebrews 13:5
Contentment not Hostile to AspirationsHebrews 13:5
Contentment Under LossG. C. Grubb, M. A.Hebrews 13:5
CovetousnessHomilistHebrews 13:5
Covetousness -- an Insidious SinC. H. SpurgeonHebrews 13:5
Covetousness a Sign of DeathHebrews 13:5
Covetousness Destructive of ReligionT. Watson.Hebrews 13:5
DiscontentScottish PulpitHebrews 13:5
Dying Testimony to God's FaithfulnessC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 13:5
God Does not Forsake His PeopleHebrews 13:5
God's Friendship All-SufficientHebrews 13:5
God's Presence DesirableS. Martin.Hebrews 13:5
God's Presence EnoughF. W. Krummacher.Hebrews 13:5
God's Presence OperativeS. Martin.Hebrews 13:5
Never ForsakenC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 13:5
Never ForsakenJ. Cumming, D. D.Hebrews 13:5
Never SatisfiedG. Whitfield.Hebrews 13:5
Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!Charles Haddon Spurgeon Hebrews 13:5
Never, no Never, no NeverC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 13:5
No Place Where God Cannot be FoundT. Brooks.Hebrews 13:5
No, Never!D. Davies.Hebrews 13:5
Polish the Dark SideHebrews 13:5
Providence -- God Never Leaves Things or PersonsCaleb Morris.Hebrews 13:5
Remedies Against CovetousnessW. Gouge.Hebrews 13:5
The Bible Warning Against DiscontentR. Newton, D. D.Hebrews 13:5
The Character and Supports of Widows IndeedAndrew Lee et al Hebrews 13:5
The Discontented CharacterScientific Illustrations and SymbolsHebrews 13:5
The Heinousness of CovetousnessW. Gouge.Hebrews 13:5
The Love of MoneyD. Young Hebrews 13:5
The Saint Never ForsakenJohn Jardine.Hebrews 13:5
The Unreasonableness of DiscontentThos. S. Hardie, D. D.Hebrews 13:5
True ContentmentHebrews 13:5
People
Christians, Hebrews, Italians, Timotheus, Timothy
Places
Italy, Jerusalem
Topics
Behaviour, Character, Circumstances, Content, Conversation, Covetousness, Desert, Fail, Forsake, Free, Leave, Love, Manner, Money, Pleased, Present, Satisfied, Sure, Untainted, Wise
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Hebrews 13:5

     1030   God, compassion
     2227   Immanuel
     5413   money, attitudes
     5467   promises, divine
     5480   protection
     5569   suffering, hardship
     5770   abandonment
     5871   greed, response to
     5929   resentment, against people
     5939   satisfaction
     6135   coveting, and sin
     6249   temptation, universal
     7115   children of God
     8105   assurance, basis of
     8122   friendship, with God
     8203   character
     8348   spiritual growth, nature of
     8780   materialism, and sin

Hebrews 13:5-6

     5901   loneliness
     5942   security
     7125   elect, the
     8797   persecution, attitudes

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

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