Hebrews 13:15 – “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse shifts our focus from the old way of worship (animal sacrifices and temple rituals) to the new way made possible through Jesus. It begins with “Through Jesus, therefore…”—a reminder that everything we now do for God, including worship, is made possible by Christ. We don’t approach God on our own terms or through religious systems. We come through Jesus.
Then it says, “let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” That’s not about animals on an altar—it’s about our hearts, our words, and our devotion. “Praise” becomes our offering. It’s how we show God that we love Him, trust Him, and honor Him.
And this praise isn’t just quiet feelings—it’s expressed out loud. It’s described as “the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” Real praise is spoken. It’s bold. It’s thankful. And it acknowledges God in public, not just in private.
Historical Context
In the Old Testament, sacrifices were central to worship. People brought animals to the altar, and the priests offered them to God as a sign of repentance, thanksgiving, or devotion. But when Jesus came, He fulfilled the entire sacrificial system through His death on the cross. No more animal sacrifices were needed (Hebrews 10:10).
The early Jewish believers, especially, needed this reminder. They were used to associating worship with rituals and offerings. But now, through Jesus, worship was something different—and deeper. It was about offering praise, shaped by the heart and spoken with the mouth.
Hebrews 13:15 shows that while the form of sacrifice changed, the principle of giving something to God remained. But instead of bringing bulls and goats, we bring our praise and our testimony.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that Jesus is our mediator—the only way we can offer anything acceptable to God. All true worship flows through Him. That’s why the verse begins with “Through Jesus…”
It also teaches that worship is ongoing. The word “continually” means this isn’t just for Sunday mornings. Our whole lives should be marked by praise—whether through words, songs, prayers, or everyday conversations that honor God.
The idea of “the fruit of lips” ties back to the heart. What comes out of our mouths reflects what’s in our hearts (Luke 6:45). So real praise isn’t just saying good things about God—it’s saying them because we truly believe them.
Finally, “openly profess his name” reminds us that faith is not private. Christians are called to speak up about Jesus. Praise includes testimony—telling others who God is and what He’s done.
Literary Analysis
Hebrews 13:15 is structured like a call to worship. The phrase “let us continually offer” invites every believer to take part. It’s not for priests only—it’s for all who trust in Jesus.
The language of “sacrifice” echoes the Old Testament, creating a strong contrast between the old and the new. Instead of sacrifices that involve death, this is a living, joyful offering that comes from grateful hearts.
The verse also uses agricultural imagery—“fruit of lips”—to picture something that grows naturally out of us. Just like fruit grows from a healthy tree, praise grows from a heart rooted in Christ.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 34:1 – “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
- Romans 12:1 – “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
- Hosea 14:2 – “Take words with you and return to the Lord… we will offer the fruit of our lips.”
- Matthew 10:32 – “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.”
- 1 Peter 2:5 – “You… are being built into a spiritual house… to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
These verses show that worship is more than rituals—it’s about hearts and lives offered up to God, filled with praise and confession of His name.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For us today, Hebrews 13:15 reminds us that worship isn’t just about music, location, or routine—it’s about a lifestyle. We are called to offer continual praise to God. That means praising Him in good times and hard times. It means speaking about Him openly and giving thanks in all circumstances.
This verse also challenges us to be bold. We live in a world that often stays silent about God—or speaks against Him. But the Christian is called to speak for Him. Our lips should bear fruit—words that glorify God and point others to Him.
And the best part? We don’t do this in our own strength. We praise through Jesus. He gives us access to God and makes our offerings acceptable.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
A loving God doesn’t ask for payment—He asks for praise. He has already provided the ultimate sacrifice through His Son. Now, instead of demanding rituals, He invites us into relationship. He delights in hearing His children give thanks, sing with joy, and speak of His goodness.
This verse shows that God wants to be close to us. He doesn’t stay distant, waiting for formal ceremonies. He welcomes daily, honest, heartfelt praise from those who love Him.
It also shows that God values our words—not because He needs our praise, but because He wants our hearts.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is at the center of this verse. He is the reason we can approach God. He is the one who made the way. Without Him, we have no access to the Father, and our efforts to worship would fall flat.
Because of Jesus, our praise becomes a real offering—holy and pleasing to God. He is the one who transforms our hearts so that our lips can bear good fruit. And when we speak His name, we honor the One who gave everything to save us.
This is not just about singing songs. It’s about praising the One who died and rose again—and doing it out loud, because we belong to Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How often do you think of your words as an offering to God?
- What are some practical ways you can “continually” offer praise in your daily life?
- Are there moments when you’re tempted to stay silent about your faith? What holds you back?
- How does knowing that your praise is accepted through Jesus change how you worship?
- What kind of “fruit” is coming out of your lips—praise, complaint, silence, or something else?