Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

HEBREWS 13:21KJV
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Hebrews 13:21 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 13:21 mean?

Hebrews 13:21 is a prayer asking God to equip believers with everything they need to do what pleases Him, working within them through Jesus Christ so that their actions align with God’s will. The verse ends by giving glory to Jesus Christ forever.

The writer of Hebrews is closing his letter with a blessing for his audience, who were early Christians facing challenges to their faith. The verse emphasizes that it is God who gives people the ability to do good works and to live in a way that is pleasing to Him, and that this happens through the work of Jesus Christ.

The Greek behind Hebrews 13:21

  • “Make…perfect” (καταρτίζω, katartizō): This Greek word means to equip, prepare, or make complete. It suggests God is not just commanding good works but actively providing what is needed for them.
  • “Working” (ποιέω, poieō): This word means to do, make, or bring about. The verse stresses that God is the one producing what is pleasing to Him in believers, not just leaving them to their own efforts.
  • “Wellpleasing” (εὐάρεστος, euarestos): This word means something that is acceptable or pleasing, especially in God’s eyes. The focus is on God’s perspective, not just human standards.

Why Hebrews 13:21 matters

  • Hebrews 13:21 clarifies that doing good and living according to God’s will is not just about human effort; it is God who equips and works within believers.
  • The verse highlights the central role of Jesus Christ as the means through whom God works in people’s lives, tying the whole letter’s message about Jesus’ unique role together.
  • This verse reassures readers that God’s help is ongoing (“working in you”), offering comfort and encouragement for those who feel inadequate or overwhelmed by the call to live out their faith.

Where else these words appear

“wellpleasing” Greek G2101 · used in 9 verses

  • Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
  • Romans 14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
  • Philippians 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

“Make” Greek G2675 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Romans 9:22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

“will” Greek G2307 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
  • Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
  • Colossians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

“sight” Greek G1799 · used in 89 verses

  • Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
  • Acts 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
  • Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.