Hebrews 13:3

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 13:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are illtreated, as being yourselves also in the body.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are illtreated, as being yourselves also in the body.
Hebrews 13:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are illtreated, as being yourselves also in the body.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Remember them that are in bonds, etc..] Not for criminal actions, or for debt, though such should be remembered, and pity showed them, especially the latter; but such as are in bonds for the sake of Christ, and the Gospel. This has been often the lot of God's people, who should be remembered, by praying for them, sending comfortable letters to them, personally visiting them, and relieving them under their distresses: as bound with them; as if it were so, as if in the same condition, and circumstances; by sympathizing with them; by considering themselves liable to the same bonds; by dealing with them as it would be desirable to be dealt with in the same case: and them which suffer adversity;…”
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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
“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].”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Remember them that are in bonds - All who are “bound;” whether prisoners of war; captives in dungeons; those detained in custody for trial; those who are imprisoned for righteousness’ sake, or those held in slavery. The word used here will include all instances where “bonds, shackles, chains were ever used.” Perhaps there is an immediate allusion to their fellow-Christians who were suffering imprisonment on account of their religion, of whom there were doubtless many at that time, but the “principle” will apply to every case of those who are imprisoned or oppressed. The word “remember” implies more than that we are merely to “think” of them; compare Exodus 20:8; Ecclesiastes 12:1. It means…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Remember - In your prayers, and by your help. Them that are in bonds, as being bound with them - Seeing ye are members one of another. And them that suffer, as being yourselves in the body - And consequently liable to the same. Hebrews 13:4”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“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).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“them that: Heb 10:34; Gen 40:14, Gen 40:15, Gen 40:23; Jer 38:7-13; Mat 25:36, Mat 25:43; Act 16:29-34; Act 24:23, Act 27:3; Eph 4:1; Phi 4:14-19; Col 4:18; Ti2 1:16-18 which suffer: Neh 1:3, Neh 1:4; Rom 12:15; Co1 12:26; Gal 6:1, Gal 6:2; Pe1 3:8 Hebrews 13:4”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification