Hebrews 13:3
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Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Remember--in prayers and acts of kindness. bound with them--by virtue of the unity of the members in the body under one Head, Christ (Co1 12:26). suffer adversity--Greek, "are in evil state." being yourselves also in the body--and so liable to the adversities incident to the natural body, which ought to dispose you the more to sympathize with them, not knowing how soon your own turn of suffering may come. "One experiences adversity almost his whole life, as Jacob; another in youth, as Joseph; another in manhood, as Job; another in old age" [BENGEL].
Open source ↗The apostle, having treated largely of Christ, and faith, and free grace, and gospel privileges, and warned the Hebrews against apostasy, now, in the close of all, recommends several excellent duties to them, as the proper fruits of faith (v. 1-17); he then bespeaks their prayers for him, and offers up his prayers to God for them, gives them some hope of seeing himself and Timothy, and ends with the general salutation and benediction (Heb 13:18 to the end).
Open source ↗13:3 Remember those in prison: Prisoners often depended on family members and friends for their most basic needs. Christians were challenged to provide comfort, food, prayer, and other necessities for those imprisoned because of their faith (13:18-19; Matt 25:36; Col 4:18; 2 Tim 1:16).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’
You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.
I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’
He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard, but to allow him some freedom and permit his friends to minister to his needs.
The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot all about him.
As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: