Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

HEBREWS 13:18KJV
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Hebrews 13:18 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 13:18 mean?

Hebrews 13:18 is a request from the writer asking the readers to pray for him and his companions, expressing confidence that they have acted with a clear conscience and have tried to live honestly in everything. The verse highlights both a need for prayer and a reassurance about the integrity of the writer’s conduct.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing a group of believers, likely a church, at the end of his letter. He asks for their prayers, which shows humility and a sense of shared spiritual responsibility. By mentioning a "good conscience" and a willingness to live "honestly," the writer assures the readers that he and his companions have tried to do what is right in all situations, reinforcing trust and transparency in their leadership.

The Greek behind Hebrews 13:18

  • "Conscience" (συνείδησις, syneidēsis): This word means an inner sense of right and wrong. The writer is not just claiming innocence, but that he has thoughtfully tried to do what is right before God and people.
  • "Honestly" (καλῶς, kalōs): The Greek word here is often understood as "well" or "honorably." The writer is emphasizing not just honesty in a narrow sense, but a broader commitment to living in a way that is good and respectable.
  • "Willing" (θέλω, thelō): This word means to desire or choose. The writer is saying that living honestly is not just something they have done by accident, but something they have intentionally chosen.

Why Hebrews 13:18 matters

  • This verse shows that even respected spiritual leaders ask for prayer and do not see themselves as above needing support from others.
  • The emphasis on a "good conscience" and living "honestly" highlights the importance of integrity and transparency in leadership, especially when guiding others in matters of faith.
  • By connecting this request to the wider context of Hebrews 13, the verse helps underline the practical, relational side of faith—leaders and followers are meant to support and trust each other.

Where else these words appear

“live” Greek G390 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 17:22 And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:
  • Acts 15:16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
  • 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

“conscience” Greek G4893 · used in 30 verses

  • John 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
  • 1 Timothy 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

“honestly” Greek G2573 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 20:39 Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
  • Galatians 4:17 They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.

“trust” Greek G3982 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 27:20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
  • Acts 21:14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
  • Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?