Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

HEBREWS 13:5KJV
Know the Bible

Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 13:5 mean?

Hebrews 13:5 tells readers to live without greed and to be satisfied with what they have, because God has promised never to abandon or desert them. The verse encourages trust in God’s ongoing presence and care, rather than relying on material wealth.

The letter to the Hebrews was written to early Christians, many of whom faced uncertainty and hardship. Here, the writer reminds them that their security does not come from possessions, but from God’s steadfast promise. The verse uses strong language to reassure believers that God’s support is constant and dependable.

The Greek behind Hebrews 13:5

  • "conversation" (τροπος, tropos): This word is often understood as "way of life" or "conduct," not just speech. The verse is about how one lives day to day, not just how one talks.
  • "covetousness" (ἀφιλαργυρία, aphilargyria): This word means "without love of money." The focus is on avoiding a greedy attitude, not simply refraining from theft or dishonesty.
  • "content" (ἀρκέω, arkeo): This word means to be satisfied or to have enough. The verse encourages an attitude of sufficiency, even if circumstances are difficult.
  • "never" (οὐ μή, ou mē): This is a very strong double negative in Greek, emphasizing that God will absolutely never leave or abandon the believer.

Why Hebrews 13:5 matters

  • The verse corrects the idea that security or happiness comes from wealth, pointing instead to God’s unbreakable promise to stay with his people.
  • The strong language in the original Greek highlights just how certain God’s commitment is, offering deep reassurance to those feeling anxious or alone.
  • Hebrews 13:5 ties into the wider chapter’s theme of practical Christian living, showing that trust in God shapes everyday attitudes and choices.

Where else these words appear

“covetousness” Greek G866 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Timothy 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

“leave” Greek G447 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 16:26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
  • Acts 27:40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.
  • Ephesians 6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

“content” Greek G714 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 25:9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
  • John 6:7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

“forsake” Greek G1459 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
  • Acts 2:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
  • 2 Timothy 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.