Hebrews 13:22 – “Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, the writer of Hebrews is wrapping up his letter and makes a humble and heartfelt request. He calls the readers “brothers and sisters,” showing warmth and connection—this is family talk among believers.
Then he says, “I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation.” The word “exhortation” means encouragement, instruction, challenge, and comfort all wrapped into one. He’s asking them to receive what he wrote—not just to read it, but to take it seriously, let it sink in, and apply it.
And then he adds, “for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.” That may sound surprising—especially after thirteen chapters—but from the writer’s view, he kept it short and to the point, given the importance of the topics. He knew there was more that could be said, but he focused on what mattered most.
This verse is like a final appeal: “Please listen. Don’t dismiss this. I know I’ve written a lot, but it’s for your good.”
Historical Context
The early Jewish believers this letter was written to were going through a hard time. They were tempted to turn back to their old religious system. Some were discouraged, confused, or drifting. The letter of Hebrews was written to call them back—to remind them that Jesus is better than anything they left behind, and that He alone is the way to God.
This final plea in verse 22 shows that the writer knew the message might be hard to hear. He was challenging their comfort zones, correcting wrong thinking, and calling for perseverance. That’s why he says, “bear with it.” He knew that truth can be hard—but it’s necessary.
He also emphasizes that his message, though strong, was written with care and was actually “brief” compared to all that could be said about Christ and the gospel.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us something important about how we should handle God’s Word:
- Truth requires patience and humility. Sometimes the Bible confronts us, stretches us, or says things we don’t want to hear—but we’re called to “bear with it.”
- Exhortation is a part of God’s love. God doesn’t just comfort us—He corrects us, teaches us, and calls us to grow.
- The Word is sufficient and intentional. Even a “brief” message can be life-changing when it’s centered on God’s truth.
This verse shows us the heart of someone who loves the church enough to say hard things in love and to urge them not to ignore it.
Literary Analysis
This verse serves as a transition from the rich theology and exhortation of the letter to the final closing remarks. It softens the tone while still urging seriousness.
The use of “brothers and sisters” is warm and inclusive, reminding the readers of their shared faith. The phrase “bear with my word of exhortation” acknowledges that some parts may have been challenging to hear but were necessary.
Finally, the comment “I have written to you quite briefly” shows humility. The writer knows the message was weighty but wants the readers to understand it was delivered with restraint and focus on what matters most.
Biblical Cross-References
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…”
- Acts 13:15 – Paul is invited to give a “word of exhortation” in the synagogue.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:13 – Paul commends the Thessalonians for receiving the Word “not as a human word, but as it actually is, the Word of God.”
- Hebrews 3:13 – “Encourage one another daily, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
- Proverbs 3:11-12 – “Do not despise the Lord’s discipline… because the Lord disciplines those He loves.”
These verses show how exhortation is meant to build us up, correct us, and help us stay on the right path.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse is a reminder that God’s Word is sometimes tough—but always good. We shouldn’t expect every message from Scripture to be easy or comfortable. Sometimes God uses His Word to stretch us, correct us, or call us to greater faithfulness. That’s what exhortation does.
When you’re reading your Bible or hearing a sermon and it challenges your thinking or behavior, don’t reject it. Bear with it. Listen with an open heart. Let God work through it.
This verse also teaches us to be thankful for faithful Bible teachers and preachers who speak the truth in love—even when it’s not popular or easy.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love doesn’t mean He stays silent when we go off course. It means He speaks—sometimes with comfort, sometimes with correction. His Word exhorts us because He wants what’s best for us. He urges us to grow, to stay on track, and to hold fast to Jesus.
The fact that God gives us His Word at all shows His love. He doesn’t leave us in the dark. He speaks, warns, encourages, and strengthens us through it.
This verse reminds us that even hard truths are gifts from a loving Father.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the center of the entire letter to the Hebrews. Every exhortation in the book flows from who He is and what He has done. The call to “bear with” the message is really a call to hold fast to Jesus—to not give up on Him, to trust Him above everything else.
Jesus Himself gave many “words of exhortation” in His teachings—some that comforted and some that confronted. But they were all rooted in love.
And through His Spirit, He continues to speak today through Scripture, calling us to trust Him, follow Him, and remain faithful.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever found parts of God’s Word hard to accept or apply? How did you respond?
- What does it look like to “bear with” the hard parts of biblical teaching?
- How can you develop a heart that’s open to exhortation, not just encouragement?
- Are you more likely to avoid hard truths or lean into them with faith?
- How can you encourage others to listen patiently and obediently to God’s Word?