What does Hebrews 13:20 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 13:20 speaks of the Christian God as a God of peace, in deep contrast to the conceptions of deities who were often associated with war and conflict in various ancient religions.

It mentions a significant Christian belief: the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

In the verse, Jesus is referred to as the "great shepherd of the sheep," drawing an analogy with a shepherd who cares for his flock, speaking to his role in guiding and protecting his followers.

The phrase "through the blood of the everlasting covenant" refers to the Christian concept that Jesus' death and resurrection were part of a divine plan to bring about a new covenant between God and humanity, superseding the old covenant made with the Israelites.

The covenant is deemed "everlasting" as it is meant to be eternal and unbreakable.

Historical Context

Hebrews is a New Testament epistle that was likely composed before the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 AD.

Its intended audience were Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament and were possibly facing persecution or societal pressures due to their faith.

In this epistle, the author extensively argues for the superiority of Christ over the angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood, and the sufficiency of his sacrifice over the old covenant sacrifices.

Theological Insights

This verse is theologically rich, encapsulating several key doctrines of Christian faith:

1. God as a God of Peace: Emphasizes that God's ultimate purpose is peace, not conflict.

2. Resurrection: Affirms the Christian belief in the physical resurrection of Jesus as a historical event that has theological significance.

3. Jesus as the Great Shepherd: Uses pastoral imagery to portray Jesus as a caring and guiding force for those who follow him, a theme found throughout scripture.

4. The Everlasting Covenant: Speaks to the new agreement between God and believers that is made possible through the sacrificial death of Jesus, fulfilling and surpassing Old Testament covenants.

Practical Applications

• Seeking Peace: Believers are encouraged to seek peace in their lives, following the God of peace.
• Faith in the Resurrection: Christians can find hope in the resurrection of Jesus as a cornerstone of their faith.
• Following the Shepherd: Believers can look to Jesus as an example and guide in their personal lives.
• Appreciating the New Covenant: Understanding that their relationship with God is secure through the new covenant can provide comfort and assurance to Christians.

Cross-References

• John 10:11: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
• 1 Peter 2:24: "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."
• Ezekiel 34:11-12: "For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.

As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day."

Language Study

• "God of peace" (Greek: "ho theos tēs eirēnēs"): Refers to God's character being inherently peaceful.
• "Brought again from the dead" (Greek: "anagagōn ek nekrōn"): Implies raising up and is specifically indicative of the resurrection.
• "Shepherd" (Greek: "poimēn"): Traditionally one who herds, tends, and guards sheep, metaphorically used for spiritual leadership and care.
• "Covenant" (Greek: "diathēkē"): Denotes an agreement or testament, often a divine promise.
• "Everlasting" (Greek: "aiōnios"): Pertaining to an age, enduring through, or denoting eternity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The motif of a life-death-rebirth deity is also present in various ancient mythologies, such as the stories of Osiris in Egyptian mythology, Dionysus in Greek mythology, and the Phoenix symbolizing rebirth across cultures.

The concept of a pastoral leader is found in many cultures, representing guidance and nurturance, but the Christian narrative uniquely merges these themes with the unique nature of Jesus's sacrifice and resurrection.

Scientific Perspectives

While the resurrection is a matter of faith and beyond the realm of science to either prove or disprove, the concept of an "everlasting covenant" metaphorically speaks to the desire for permanence and reliability that resonates with the human understanding of contracts and agreements, which are studied in fields such as anthropology and sociology.

Commentaries

Commentaries often note that Hebrews 13:20 is a benediction stressing the work of God in Jesus's resurrection as foundational to Christian faith. Various scholars emphasize the theological depth of the passage:

• William Lane in his commentary mentions this verse as a "liturgical prayer" affirming God's ability to equip believers to do His will.
• Matthew Henry refers to this covenant as the greatest testament that could be left to the church, sealed with the blood of Christ.
• The Expositor's Bible Commentary highlights that the title "great shepherd of the sheep" points to Jesus's ongoing care for his "flock" which is the church.