Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

HEBREWS 13:20KJV
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Hebrews 13:20 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 13:20 mean?

Hebrews 13:20 describes God as the God of peace who raised Jesus from the dead, calling Jesus the great shepherd of the sheep, and says this was accomplished through the blood of the everlasting covenant. The verse highlights God’s power to bring life from death and points to Jesus’ unique role as a caring leader for his people, secured by a lasting agreement between God and humanity.

The writer of Hebrews is closing the letter with a blessing for the readers, reminding them of who God is and what He has done through Jesus. The phrase “great shepherd of the sheep” draws on familiar imagery from the Hebrew Scriptures, where leaders and especially God are called shepherds. The mention of Jesus’ resurrection and the “everlasting covenant” connects the readers to the core message of hope and security found in Jesus’ sacrifice and ongoing care.

The Greek behind Hebrews 13:20

  • εἰρήνης (eirēnēs, “peace”): This word for “peace” often means more than just the absence of conflict; it carries the sense of wholeness and well-being, showing that God’s work through Jesus brings deep, lasting harmony.
  • ποιμένα (poimena, “shepherd”): Calling Jesus the “great shepherd” emphasizes his active, ongoing care and leadership for his followers, not just a title but a role of protection and guidance.
  • αἵματος (haimatos, “blood”): The reference to “blood” points to Jesus’ sacrificial death, which in the context of a covenant, means the binding and sealing of a relationship with God that cannot be broken.
  • διαθήκης αἰωνίου (diathēkēs aiōniou, “everlasting covenant”): This phrase stresses that the agreement made through Jesus’ sacrifice is not temporary or limited, but permanent and unending.

Why Hebrews 13:20 matters

  • Hebrews 13:20 clarifies that Jesus’ resurrection is central to the Christian understanding of God’s power and faithfulness, not just his death.
  • The verse connects Jesus’ role as shepherd directly to his sacrificial death and resurrection, showing that his care for his people is grounded in what he has done for them.
  • By mentioning the “everlasting covenant,” the verse reassures readers that their relationship with God is secure and based on something that will not change or fade away.

Where else these words appear

“shepherd” Greek G4166 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
  • Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
  • John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

“again” Greek G321 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
  • Acts 12:4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
  • Acts 21:2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

“covenant” Greek G1242 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
  • Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

“sheep” Greek G4263 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
  • Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
  • John 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.