Hebrews 13:17

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The epistle’s author addresses the original Christian community at the conclusion of his letter, immediately following exhortations on generosity and preceding a request for intercessory prayer.

The words — ὑπείκετε (hupeikete) means do be submissive, and ἡγουμένοις (hēgoumenois) translates to leading, establishing the required posture toward those in oversight.

The thread — This theme runs through 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 1 Timothy 5:17, and Hebrews 13:7, which consistently command recognition, honor, and imitation of faithful spiritual oversight.

Why it lands — The text states that leaders watch over souls and must give an account, then commands submission and cooperative leadership so that their work brings joy rather than grief, which would benefit no one.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

1 Thessalonians 5:12 But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.
1 Timothy 5:17 Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Acts 20:28 Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
1 Peter 5:2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
1 Corinthians 16:16 to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.
Jeremiah 13:17 But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride. My eyes will overflow with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive.
Ezekiel 3:17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.
Ezekiel 33:7 As for you, O son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word from My mouth and give them the warning from Me.