17 For ye know that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. [1]
18 For ye are not come to the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor to blackness, and to darkness, and tempest,
19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
20 For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with an arrow:
21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and tremble:)
22 But ye are come to mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, who are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, [2]
24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. [3]
25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. [4]
28 Therefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: [5]
29 For our God is a consuming fire.
CHAP. 13.
Let brotherly love continue.
2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for by this some have entertained angels unawares.
3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them who suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
5 Let your manner of life be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me.
7 Remember them who have the rule over you, who have spoken to you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their manner of life. [6]
8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
9 Be not carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied in them.
10 We have an altar, of which they have no right to eat who serve the tabernacle.
11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp.
12 Therefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate.
13 Let us go forth therefore to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach.
14 For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. [7]
16 But to do good and to share forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. [8]
18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
19 But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, [9]
21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. [10]
22 And I beseech you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation: for I have written a letter to you in few words.
23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.
24 Greet all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy greet you.
25 Grace be with you all. Amen.
Written to the Hebrews from Italy, by Timothy.
