Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent, [1886], at sacred-texts.com
Hebrews Chapter 13
Let brotherly love continue (φιλαδελφία μενέτω)
Φιλαδελφία in Paul, Rom 12:10; Th1 4:9. As a proper name, Rev 1:11; Rev 3:7. It is not necessary to suppose that the admonition implies signs of estrangement among those addressed. Comp. Heb 3:13; Heb 6:10; Heb 10:24; Heb 12:12-15.
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers (τῆς φιλοξενίας μὴ ἐπιλανθάνεσθε)
Lit. be not forgetful of hospitality. Φιλοξενία only here and Rom 12:13. olxx. Φιλόξενος hospitable, Ti1 3:2; Tit 1:8; Pe1 4:9. The rendering of Rev. to show love unto strangers, is affected. On the injunction comp. Rom 12:13; Ti1 3:2; Tit 1:8; Pe1 4:9, and see Clem. Rom. Ad Corinth. x., xi., xii. The virtue of hospitality is not distinctively Christian. It appears with the very beginnings of history, largely as the result of nomadic conditions. It was peculiarly an Oriental virtue. In the Egyptian Book of the Dead, commendatory judgment is awarded to him who has fed the hungry and clothed the naked. The O.T. abounds in illustrations, and the practice of hospitality among the Arabs and Bedoueen is familiar through the writings of travelers in the East. Great stress was laid on the duty by the Greeks, as appears constantly in Homer and elsewhere. Hospitality was regarded as a religious duty. The stranger was held to be under the special protection of Zeus, who was called ξένιος, the God of the stranger. The Romans regarded any violation of the rites of hospitality as impiety. Cicero says: "It seems to me eminently becoming that the homes of distinguished men should be open to distinguished guests, and that it is an honor to the Republic that foreigners should not lack this kind of liberality in our city" (De Off. ii. 18).
Have entertained angels unawares (ἔλαθόν τινες ξεσίσαντες ἀγγέλους)
The Greek idiom is, "were not apparent as entertaining angels." The verb ἔλαθον were concealed represents the adverb unawares. For similar instances see Mar 14:8; Act 12:16; Aristoph. Wasps, 517; Hdt. i. 44; Hom. Il. xiii. 273. Ξενίζειν to receive as a guest, mostly in Acts. In lxx only in the apocryphal books. In later Greek, to surprise with a novelty; passive, to be surprised or shocked. So Pe1 4:4, Pe1 4:12; comp. 2 Ep. of Clem. of Rome (so called), xvii.: To be a stranger or to be strange, once in N.T., Act 17:20. Ξενισμός amazement, perplexity, not in N.T. lxx, Pro 15:17. Comp. Ignatius, Eph. xix. The allusion to the unconscious entertainment of angels is probably to Genesis 18, 19, but the idea was familiar in Greek literature. The Greeks thought that any stranger might be a God in disguise. See Hom. Od. i. 96 ff.; iii. 329-370; xvii. 485. Comp. also the beautiful story of Baucis and Philemon as related by Ovid (Metam. viii. 626-724). The thought appears in our Lord's words, Mat 25:34-46.
Them that are in bonds (τῶν δεσμίων)
See on Heb 10:34.
As bound with them (ὡς συνδεδεμένοι)
N.T.o. As if you were fellow-prisoners. Comp. Co1 12:14-26; Co2 11:29. Public intercession for prisoners has formed a part of the service of the church from the earliest times. See the prayer at the close of Clem. Rom Ad Corinth. lix. It also occurs in the daily morning service of the synagogue.
Which suffer adversity (κακουχουμένων)
Rend. are evil entreated. See on Heb 11:37.
As being yourselves also in the body (ὡς καὶ αὐτοὶ ὄντες ἐν σώματι)
As subject like them to bodily sufferings. Not in the body - the church, which would require the article. The expression ἐν σώματι in the sense of being still alive, only in Co2 12:2.
Marriage is honorable in all (τίμιος ὁ γάμος ἐν πᾶσιν)
Γάμος everywhere else in N.T. a wedding or wedding feast, often in the plural, as Mat 22:2, Mat 22:3, Mat 22:4; Luk 12:36. Τίμιος honorable or held in honor. Often in N.T. precious, of gold, stones, etc., as Co1 3:12; Rev 17:4; Rev 18:12; of life, Act 20:24; the fruits of the earth, Jam 5:7; the blood of Christ, Pe1 1:19; the divine promises, Pe2 1:4. Rend. "let marriage be had in honor." The statement is hortatory, as suiting the character of the entire context, and especially the γὰρ for; "for whoremongers," etc. Ἑν πᾶσιν in all respects," as Ti1 3:11; Ti2 4:5; Tit 2:9; Col 1:18; Phi 4:12. If as A.V., the more natural expression would be παρὰ πᾶσιν as Mat 19:26; Act 26:8; Rom 2:13; Th2 1:6; Jam 1:27. Ἑν πᾶσιν in all things appears in this chapter, Heb 13:18. There are many points in which marriage is to be honored besides the avoidance of illicit connections. See on Th1 4:6.
God will judge (κρινεῖ ὁ θεός)
Note the emphatic position of ὁ θεός. He will judge and condemn infractions of the marriage-bond, however social sentiment may condone them.
Let your conversation be without covetousness (ἀφιλάργυρος ὁ τρόπος)
Τρόπος originally turn or direction. Hence ways manner, fashion; way or manner of life. In this sense N.T.o. Elsewhere often in the phrase ὅν τρόπον or καθ' ὅν τρόπον in or according to the way in which. See Mat 23:37; Luk 13:34; Act 1:11; Act 15:11; Act 27:25. The meaning here is character or moral disposition. Ἁφιλάργυρος without covetousness, only here and Ti1 3:3, see note.
Be content with such things as ye have (ἀρκούμενοι τοῖς παροῦσιν)
Lit. being contented with the things which are at hand. For ἀρκεῖν to suffice, see Luk 3:14; Joh 6:7; Ti1 6:8. On the compounds αὐτάρκης self-sufficient and αὐτάρκεια self-sufficiency, see on Co2 9:8; see on Phi 4:11.
For he hath said (αὐτὸς γὰρ εἴρηκεν)
Rend. for "he himself." God himself. For εἴρηκεν hath said, see Heb 1:13; Heb 4:3, Heb 4:4; Heb 10:9.
I will never leave nor forsake thee (οὐ μή σε ἀνῶ οὐδ' οὐ μή σε ἐγκαταλίπω)
Comp. Gen 28:15; Jos 1:5; Deu 31:6. None of these, however, give the saying in the form in which it appears here. This appears to be a combination or general adaptation of those passages. For "never," rend. "by no means" or "in no wise." Ἀνῶ from ἀνίημι. In Act 16:26; Act 27:40, to loosen: Eph 6:9, to give up or forbear. Somewhat in this last sense here: "I will in no wise give thee up, or let thee go." I will not relax my hold on thee. For ἐγκαταλίπω forsake, see on Ti2 4:10.
So that we may boldly say (ὥστε θαρροῦντας ἡμᾶς λέγειν)
Lit. so that, being of good courage, we say. Θαρρεῖν to be confident or bold, only here in Hebrews. Elsewhere only in Paul. The kindred form θαρσεῖν is used in N.T. only in the imperative θάρσει or θαρσεῖτε take courage. See Mat 9:2; Mar 6:50; Joh 16:33; Act 23:11.
The Lord is my helper, etc.
From lxx, Psa 107:6 with slight alteration. Here, what shall man do unto me is an independent clause. lxx inserts and: "my helper and I will not fear," and connects the last clause with "fear": "I will not fear what man will do."
Remember them which have the rule over you (μνημονεύετε τῶν ἡγουμένων ὑμῶν)
Remember, with a view to observing their admonitions. For τῶν ἡγουμένων those who lead or rule, see on Th1 5:13. Used of both civil and ecclesiastical rulers. Clement of Rome, among a great variety of names for church functionaries, has both ἡγούμενοι and προηγούμενοι (see Ad Corinth. i, xxi). Comp. Act 15:22. In lxx frequently, of various forms of authority, and in later Greek of bishops and abbots. For "which have the rule," rend. "which had," etc.
Who have spoken (οἵτινες ἐλάλησαν)
Rend. "spake," and comp. Heb 2:3, Heb 2:4.
Follow (μιμεῖσθε)
Rend. "imitate." See on Heb 6:12.
Considering (ἀναθεωροῦντες)
Only here and Act 17:23, see note. The compound verb means to observe attentively. The simple verb θεωρεῖν implies a spiritual or mental interest in the object. See on Joh 1:18.
The end of their conversation (τὴν ἔκβασιν τῆς ἀναστροφῆς)
Ἔκβασις only here and Co1 10:13 (note). It means outcome or issue. See Wisd. 8:8. In Co1 10:13, way out. Comp. Wisd. 2:17. Ἁναστροφή is life in intercourse with men. See on Pe1 1:15. Conversation, in the older sense of that word, is a good rendering, as it is also a nearly literal rendering of the Greek word. The reference is to the end of their life; what kind of an end they made; possibly, but not necessarily, with an allusion to cases of martyrdom. What, now, was the subject of these teachers' faith which is commended to imitation? It is stated in the next verse.
Jesus Christ the same (Ἱησοῦς Χριστὸς ὁ αὐτός)
The A.V. is slipshod, leaving the sentence without connection, or in apparent apposition with the end of their conversation. In translation this is commonly corrected by inserting is: "Jesus Christ is the same," etc. But even thus the real point of the statement is missed. No doubt the old teachers believed in the unchangeableness of Jesus Christ; but that fact is not represented as the subject of their faith, which would be irrelevant and somewhat flat. The emphatic point of the statement is Christ. They lived and died in the faith that Jesus is The Christ - the Messiah. The readers were tempted to surrender this faith and to return to Judaism which denied Jesus's messiahship (comp. Heb 10:29). Hence the writer says, "hold fast and imitate their faith in Jesus as the Christ. He is ever the same. He must be to you, today, what he was to them, yesterday, and will be forever to the heavenly hosts - Christ. Rend. therefore "Jesus is Christ." Observe that our writer rarely uses the formula Jesus Christ. In Heb 10:10 it occurs in a passage in which the messianic mission of Jesus is emphasized (see Heb 10:5, Heb 10:9), and in Heb 13:21, in a liturgical formula. The temptation to forsake Jesus as Messiah is treated in the next verse.
Be not carried about (μὴ παραφέρεσθε)
A.V. follows T.R. περιφέρεσθε. Rend. "carried away." The present tense indicates a present and active danger.
With divers and strange doctrines (διδαχαῖς ποικίλαις καὶ ξέναις)
For "doctrines" rend. "teachings." These teachings represent various phases of one radical error - the denial of Jesus's messiahship and of his messianic economy as superseding Judaism and all other means of salvation. Among them the writer's mind would naturally turn to the prescriptions concerning clean and unclean meats and sacrificial festivals. See next clause. These teachings were various as contrasted with the one teaching of the gospel; they were strange as they differed from that teaching. Comp. Gal 1:6-9. For ποικίλαις see on Ti2 3:16.
That the heart be established (βεβαιοῦσθαι τὴν καρδίαν)
There is an emphasis on heart as well as on grace. These strange teachings all emphasized externalism, in contrast with Christianity, which insisted upon the purification of the heart and conscience. The contrast is strongly stated in Heb 9:9, Heb 9:14, and the Epistle constantly directs the readers to the heart as the true point of contact with God, and the source of all departures from him. See Heb 3:8, Heb 3:10, Heb 3:12, Heb 3:15; Heb 4:7, Heb 4:12; Heb 8:10; especially Heb 10:22. Hence, the writer says, "it is good that the solid basis of your assurance before God be in the heart, purged from an evil conscience, so that you can draw near to God with a firmly-established confidence, with a true heart, in full assurance of faith": Heb 10:22; comp. Th1 3:13; Ti2 2:22.
With grace, not with meats (χάριτι οὐ βρώμασιν)
The heart is the proper seat of the work of grace. Free grace is the motive-power of Christ's sacrifice (Co2 8:9; Gal 1:15); it is behind the blood of the new covenant, and is the energetic principle of its saving operation. See Rom 5:2, Rom 5:15; Co1 15:10; Eph 2:5, Eph 2:7, Eph 2:8; Th2 2:16; Heb 2:9; Heb 4:16; Heb 10:29. With meats stands for the whole system of ceremonial observances, in contrast with grace, working on the heart. See Heb 9:10. This ceremonial system yielded no permanent benefit to those who lived under it. See Heb 7:25; Heb 9:9, Heb 9:13, Heb 9:14; Heb 10:1, Heb 10:2, Heb 10:4.
Which have not profited them that have been occupied therein (ἐν οἶς οὐκ ὠφελήθησαν οἱ περιπατοῦντες)
Lit. in the which they who walked were not profited. Περιπατεῖν to walk about is often used to express habitual practice or general conduct of life. See Rom 6:4; Co2 10:3; Eph 2:10; Col 3:7; Col 4:5.
Those who persist in adhering to the Jewish economy can have no part in the blessing of the new covenant. The two are mutually exclusive. The statement is cast in the mould of the Jewish sacrificial ritual, and in the figure of eating a sacrificial meal.
We have an altar (ἔχομεν θυσιαστήριον)
It is a mistake to try to find in the Christian economy some specific object answering to altar - either the cross, or the eucharistic table, or Christ himself. Rather the ideas of approach to God, - sacrifice, atonement, pardon and acceptance, salvation, - are gathered up and generally represented in the figure of an altar, even as the Jewish altar was the point at which all these ideas converged. The application in this broader and more general sense is illustrated by Ignatius: "If one be not within the altar (ἐντὸς τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου the sacred precinct), he lacketh the bread of God.... Whosoever, therefore, cometh not to the congregation (ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ), he doth thereby show his pride, and hath separated himself," Eph. v. Ignatius here uses the word, not of a literal altar, but of the church. Comp. Trall. vii. Again: "Hasten to come together as to one temple, even God; to one altar, even to one Jesus Christ," Magn. vii.
Of which - to eat (εξ οὗ - φαγεῖν)
The foundation of the figure is the sacrifice of the peace or thank-offering, in which the worshippers partook of the sacrifice. See Lev 7:29-35; Deu 12:6; Deu 27:7. The peace-offerings were either public or private. The two lambs offered every year at Pentecost (Lev 23:19) were a public offering, and their flesh was eaten only by the officiating priests, and within the holy place. The other public peace-offerings, after the priests had received their share, were eaten by the offerers themselves. Jehovah thus condescended to be the guest of his worshippers. The large scale on which such festivals were sometimes celebrated is illustrated in Kg1 8:63. In private peace-offerings, the breast of the victim belonged to the Lord, who gave it to the priests (Lev 7:30), and the right shoulder was given directly to the priests by Israel (Lev 7:32). After the ritual of waving, the entrails were consumed, and the rest was eaten by the priest or the worshippers and their invited guests, among whom were specially included the poor and the Levites.
Right (ἐξουσίαν)
See on Joh 1:12.
Which serve the tabernacle (οἱ τῇ σκηνῇ λατρεύοντες)
This does not mean the priests only, but the worshippers also. Σκηνή tabernacle is used figuratively for the whole ceremonial economy. A reference to the priests alone is entirely foreign to the context, and to the whole drift of the discussion which contrasts the privileges of Christians at large (we) with those of Israel at large. The writer is speaking in the present tense, of institutions in operation in his own time, to which tabernacle, in any other than a figurative sense, would be inappropriate. Moreover, λατρεύειν to serve is used throughout the N.T., with the single exception of Heb 8:5, of the service of the worshipper and not of the priest.
The statement that the adherents of the old economy are excluded from the privileges of the new is justified by an illustrative argument drawn from the ceremonies of the Great Day of Atonement. See Leviticus 16, and comp. Heb 9:7. Of the victims offered on that occasion neither people nor priest were allowed to eat. The blood of the bullock and of one of the goats was carried into the sanctuary and sprinkled upon the mercy-seat, and afterward on the horns of the great altar outside; and the bodies of the slain animals were burned in a clean place outside of the camp or city.
Beasts (ζώων)
Lit. living creatures. The victims for the Day of Atonement were a bullock and two young goats for sin-offerings, and two rams for burnt-offerings. Only one goat, chosen by lot, was slain; the other served as the scape-goat. Ζῶον animal is not used elsewhere of a sacrificial victim, either in N.T. or lxx. The word in N.T. mostly in Revelation. See on Rev 1:16; see on Rev 4:6.
Without the camp (ἔξω τῆς παρεμβολῆς)
Burning without the camp was also required in the case of victims offered at the consecration of the priests, Exo 29:14; at the sin-offering for the priest, Lev 4:11, Lev 4:12; and at the sin-offering for the congregation, Lev 4:21. For παρεμβολή camp, see on Act 21:34.
That he might sanctify the people (ἵνα ἁγιάσῃ τὸν λαόν)
Ἁγιάζειν to sanctify had a peculiar significance to Jews. It meant to set them apart as holy. Hence, the Israelites were called ἅγιοι, as separated from other nations and consecrated to God. Our writer extends the application of the word to Christians. For Christ's work he claims the same efficacy which the Jew claimed for the special call of God to Israel, and for the operation of the Jewish sacrificial system. The office of his atoning work is to sanctify; to make for himself a holy nation (ἔθνος ἅγιον), a people "prepared for the Lord" (Luk 1:17); a true Israel of God. Ὁ λαός the people, or λαός my people, occurs constantly in O.T. as a designation of Israel, and also in N.T. See, in this epistle, Heb 5:3; Heb 7:5, Heb 7:11, Heb 7:27; Heb 9:7, Heb 9:19. The N.T. extends the title to all who, under the new dispensation, occupy the position of Israel. See Pe1 2:10; Mat 1:21; Luk 2:10; Heb 4:9; Heb 8:10; Heb 10:30; Heb 11:25.
With his own blood (διὰ τοῦ ἰδίου αἵματος)
In contrast with the blood of animal-sacrifices. Comp. Heb 9:12, Heb 9:28.
Suffered (ἔπαθεν)
Used of Christ in Hebrews, 1st Peter, and Acts, but not in Paul, who, however, has παθήματα τοῦ Χριστοῦ sufferings of Christ, Co2 1:5; Phi 3:10 (αὐτοῦ).
Without the gate (ἔξω τῆς πύλης)
Gate is substituted for camp (Heb 13:11), as more appropriate to a city.
Bearing his reproach (τὸν ὀνειδισμὸν αὐτοῦ φέροντες)
The reproach of exclusion from the Jewish commonwealth.
For here have we no continuing city (οὐ γὰρ ἔχομεν ὧδε μένουσαν πόλιν)
Here, on earth. Continuing city. Let us go forth without the gate to Jesus; for the system which has its center in Jerusalem, the Holy City, is no more ours. We are excluded from its religious fellowship by embracing the faith of him who suffered without the gate. The city itself is not abiding. As a holy city, it is the center and representative of a system of shadows and figures (Heb 8:5; Heb 9:9, Heb 9:23, Heb 9:24; Heb 10:1), which is to be shaken and removed, even as is the city itself (Heb 12:27); Heb 8:13; Heb 9:10; Heb 10:9, Heb 10:18. If the epistle had been written after the destruction of Jerusalem a reference to that event could hardly have been avoided here.
One to come (τὴν μέλλουσαν)
Rend. "that which is to come." The heavenly Jerusalem. Comp. Heb 11:10, Heb 11:13-16.
The course of thought in Heb 13:9-14 is as follows: Be not carried away with divers and strange teachings, for example, those concerning meats and drinks and sacrificial feasts. It is good that the heart be established, rather than that the body should be ceremonially pure; and that the heart be established by the grace of God in Christ, which alone can give inward peace, a pure conscience, an established rest and security - rather than by the consciousness of having partaken of meats ceremonially clean: for those whose religious life was under the regimen of this ceremonial system derived no permanent profit from it. Not only so, the two systems exclude each other. You cannot hold by the Levitical system and enjoy the blessings of Christian salvation. It is the sacrifice of Christ through which you become partakers of grace. It is impossible to obtain grace through meats; for meats represent the economy which denies Christ; and, by seeking establishment through meats, you exclude yourselves from the economy which is the only vehicle of grace.
Accordingly, we have an altar and a sacrifice from which the votary of Leviticalism is excluded. By the Levitical law it was forbidden to eat the flesh of the victim offered on the Great Day of Atonement; so that, if the Levitical law still holds for you, you cannot partake of the Christian's atoning victim. The law under which you are prohibits you. According to that law, there is nothing to eat of in an atoning sacrifice, since the body of the victim is burned. Neither priest nor people have anything more to do with it, and, therefore, it is carried outside of the camp or city, outside of the region of O.T. covenant-fellowship. Similarly, so long as you hold by Judaism, participation in Christ's atoning sacrifice is impossible for you. It is outside your religious sphere, like the body of the victim outside the gate. You cannot eat of our altar.
The blood of the Levitical victim was carried into the holy of holies and remained there. If you seek the benefit of that blood, it must be within the camp, at the Levitical tabernacle or temple. And you cannot have the benefit of Christ's blood, for that compels you to go outside the gate, where he suffered. According to the O.T. law, you could partake of the benefit of the blood, but you could not eat of the body. Christ's sacrifice gives you both body and blood as spiritual food; but these you must seek outside of Judaism. Thus, by means of the O.T. ritual itself, it is shown that the Jewish and the Christian systems exclude each other. Christ must be sought outside of the Jewish pale.
By him therefore (δἰ αὐτοῦ)
Rend. "through him." Omit therefore. A.V. follows T.R. οὖν. Through Jesus, and not through the Jewish ritual.
Let us offer (ἀναφέρωμεν)
Lit. bring up the offering to the altar. See Jam 2:21, where the full phrase occurs. For the phrase offer up through Jesus Christ, comp. Pe1 2:5.
The sacrifice of praise (θυσίαν αἰνέσεως)
The Levitical term for a thank-offering. See lxx, Lev 7:2, Lev 7:3, Lev 7:5; Ch2 29:31; Ch2 33:16; Psa 50:14, Psa 50:23; Psa 106:22; Psa 115:8. Ἄινεσις praise, N.T.o. Often in lxx, oClass. For "the sacrifice" rend. "a sacrifice." The sacrifice of thanksgiving is to take the place of the animal sacrifice. For the emphasis on thanksgiving in N.T. see Eph 5:20; Col 1:12; Th1 5:18. The Rabbins had a saying, "in the future time all sacrifices shall cease; but praises shall not cease." Philo says: "They offer the best sacrifice who glorify with hymns the savior and benefactor, God."
That is the fruit of our lips (τουτέστιν καρπὸν χειλέων)
Omit our. From lxx of Hos 14:3, where the Hebrew reads, "we will account our lips as calves" (offered in sacrifice). Comp. Isa 57:19.
Giving thanks to his name (ὁμολογούντων τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ)
The phrase N.T.o , olxx. Rend. "of lips which make confession to his name."
But to do good and to communicate forget (τῆς δὲ εὐποιΐ̀ας καὶ κοινωνίας μὴ ἐπιλανθάνεσθε)
Lit. but be not forgetful of doing good and communicating. Ἑυποιΐ̀α beneficence, N.T.o, olxx, oClass. For κοινωνία communication, of alms, etc., see on Luk 5:10; see on Act 2:42. See also Rom 15:26; Co2 8:4; Co2 9:13. Comp. the verb κοινωνεῖν to impart, Rom 12:13; Rom 15:27; Phi 4:15.
They watch (ἀγρυπνοῦσιν)
See on Mar 13:33, and comp. Luk 21:36; Eph 6:18.
With grief (στενάζοντες)
Lit. groaning. See Rom 8:23, Co2 5:2, Co2 5:4; Jam 5:9.
Unprofitable (ἀλυσιτελὲς)
N.T.o, olxx. From ἀ not, and λυσιτελής paying for expenses. Hence, what does not pay; unprofitable.
I may be restored to you (ἀποκατασταθῶ ὑμῖν)
Not implying imprisonment, but enforced absence through sickness or other cause.
The God of peace
Not an O.T. phrase, and found only in Paul and Hebrews. See Rom 15:33; Rom 16:20; Co1 14:33; Phi 4:9, Th1 5:23; Th2 3:16. The phrase signifies God who is the author and giver of peace.
Who brought again from the dead (ὁ ἀναγαγὼν ἐκ νεκρῶν)
The only direct reference in the epistle to the resurrection of Christ. Heb 6:2 refers to the resurrection of the dead generally. Ἁνάγειν of raising the dead, only Rom 10:7. Rend. "brought up," and comp. Wisd. 16:13. Ἁνά in this compound, never in N.T. in the sense of again. See on Luk 8:22; see on Act 12:4; see on Act 16:34; see on Act 27:3. The verb often as a nautical term, to bring a vessel up from the land to the deep water; to put to sea.
That great shepherd of the sheep (τὸν ποιμένα τῶν προβάτων τὸν μέγαν)
The Greek order is, "the shepherd of the sheep the great (shepherd)." Comp. Joh 10:2, Joh 10:11, Joh 10:14; Pe1 2:25, and see Isa 63:11. Of God, Ezekiel 34.
Through the blood of the everlasting covenant (ἐν αἵματι διαθήκης αἰωνίου)
Rend. "in the blood of an eternal covenant." See Zac 9:11. The phrase eternal covenant N.T.o. Common in lxx; see Gen 9:16; Gen 17:19; Lev 24:8; Sa2 23:5; Jer 32:40; Eze 16:60. Const. with the great shepherd of the sheep. It may be granted that the raising of Christ from the dead, viewed as the consummation of the plan of salvation, was in the sphere of the blood of the covenant; nevertheless, the covenant is nowhere in the N.T. associated with the resurrection, but frequently with death, especially in this epistle. See Mat 26:28; Luk 22:20; Heb 9:15, Heb 9:16, Heb 9:17, Heb 9:20. The connection of the blood of the covenant with Christ's pastoral office gives a thoroughly scriptural sense, and one which exactly fits into the context. Christ becomes the great shepherd solely through the blood of the covenant. Comp. Act 20:28. Through this is brought about the new relation of the church with God described in Heb 8:10 ff. This tallies perfectly with the conception of "the God of peace"; and the great Shepherd will assert the power of the eternal covenant of reconciliation and peace by perfecting his flock in every good work to do his will, working in them that which is well pleasing in his sight. With this agree Jer 50:5, Jer 50:19; Eze 34:25, and the entire chapter, see especially Eze 34:12-15, Eze 34:23, Eze 34:31. In these verses the Shepherd of the Covenant appears as guiding, tending his flock, and leading them into fair and safe pastures. Comp. Isa 63:11-14, and Rev 7:17, see note on ποιμανεῖ shall shepherd. Ἑν αἵματι "in the blood," is in virtue of, or in the power of the blood.
Suffer the word of exhortation (ἀνέχεσθε τοῦ λόγου τῆς παρακλήσεως)
For "suffer," rend. "bear with." See Act 18:14; Co2 11:1; Ti2 4:3. Do not become impatient at my counsels in this letter. The word of exhortation refers to the entire epistle which he regards as hortatory rather than didactic or consolatory. The phrase only in Act 13:15.
I have written a letter unto you (ἐπέστειλα ὑμῖν)
A.V. supplies a letter. Rend. "I have written unto you." The verb only here, Act 15:20; Act 21:25. Lit. to send, not letters only. Sometimes with ἐπιστολαὶ or ἐπιστολὰς letters added, as Neh 6:19; 1 Macc. 12:7. In N.T. always of sending a letter.
In a few words (διὰ βραχέων)
There is a suggestion of apology. Do not grow impatient. The letter is short. The phrase N.T.o , but comp. δἰ ὀλίγων, Pe1 5:12, and ἐν ὀλίγῳ briefly, Eph 3:3.
Our brother Timothy (τὸν ἀδελφὸν ἡμῶν Τιμόθεον)
Paul's habit, when using ὁ ἀδελφός brother with a proper name, is to put the proper name first. See Rom 16:23; Co1 1:1; Co1 16:12; Co2 1:1; Co2 2:13; Phi 2:25.
Set at liberty (ἀπολελυμένον)
Nothing is known of the fact referred to. Ἁπολύειν of releasing from confinement, Mat 27:15; Joh 19:10; Act 3:13; Act 4:21, Act 4:23; Act 5:40.
They of Italy (οἱ ἀπὸ τῆς Ἱταλίας)
This may mean, "those who are in Italy send greeting from Italy"; or, "those of Italy (Italian Christians with the writer at the time) send greeting' from the place at which the letter is being written. See Introduction. The phrase affords no reliable indication as to the residence of the persons addressed.