Hebrews 13:21

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 13:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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; to whom [be] the glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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; to whom [be] the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
21make you perfect in every good thing to do his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, etc..] The Alexandrian copy reads, “in every good work and word”; as in (<530217>2 Thessalonians 2:17) every good work is to be done: a good work is what is done in obedience to the command of God, and in faith, and from a principle of love, in the name and strength of Christ, and with a view to the glory of God; and every such work should be diligently attended to; such as concern God, and are of a moral nature, or of positive institution; and such as concern each other, whether as men or Christians: and the will of God is the rule of every good work, both as to matter and manner; whatever is not agreeably to the revealed will of God, let…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Make you perfect--properly said of healing a rent; join you together in perfect harmony [BENGEL]. to do his will, working in you-- (Heb 10:36); rather as Greek, "doing in you." Whatever good we do, God does in us. well-pleasing in his sight-- (Isa 53:10; Eph 5:10). through Jesus Christ--"God doing (working) in you that . . . through Jesus Christ" (Phi 1:11). to whom--to Christ. He closes as he began (Heb 1:1-14), with giving glory to Christ.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Make you perfect - The apostle here does not affirm that they were then perfect, or that they would be in this life. The word used here - καταρτιζω katartizō - means to make fully ready; to put in full order; to make complete. The meaning here is, that Paul prayed that God would fully endow them with whatever grace was necessary to do his will and to keep his commandments; see the word explained in the notes on Hebrews 11:3. It is an appropriate prayer to be offered at all times, and by all who love the church, that God would make all his people perfectly qualified to do all his will. Working in you - Margin, “Doing.” The idea here is, that the only hope that they would do the will of God…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Make: Heb 12:23; Deu 32:4; Psa 138:8; Joh 17:23; Eph 3:16-19; Col 1:9-12, Col 4:12; Th1 3:13, Th1 5:23; Th2 2:17; Pe1 5:10 every: Co2 9:8; Eph 2:10; Phi 1:11; Th2 2:17; Ti1 5:10 to do: Heb 10:36; Mat 7:21, Mat 12:50, Mat 21:31; Joh 7:17; Rom 12:2; Th1 4:3; Pe1 4:2; Jo1 2:17 working: or, doing, Phi 2:13, well pleasing, Heb 13:16; Rom 12:1, Rom 14:17, Rom 14:18; Phi 4:18; Col 3:20; Jo1 3:22 through: Joh 16:23, Joh 16:24; Eph 2:18; Phi 1:11, Phi 4:13; Col 3:17; Pe1 2:5 to whom: Psa 72:18, Psa 72:19; Rom 16:27; Gal 1:5; Phi 2:11; Ti1 1:17, Ti1 6:16; Ti2 4:18; Pe1 5:11; Pe2 3:18; Jde 1:25; Rev 4:6, Rev 5:9, Rev 5:13 Amen: Mat 6:13, Mat 28:20 Hebrews 13:22”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification