A.T. Robertson Commentary Hebrews 13

Brotherly love (φιλαδελφια). Late word from φιλαδελφος (1 Peter 3:8). See 1 Thessalonians 4:9. It is always in order in a church.

To show love unto strangers (της φιλοξενιας). Old word for hospitality, from φιλοξενος (1 Timothy 3:2), in N.T. only here and Ro 12:3. In genitive case with επιλανθανεσθε (present middle imperative, cf. Hebrews 6:10).

Have entertained angels unawares (ελαθον ξενισαντες αγγελους). Second aorist active indicative of λανθανω, old verb to escape notice and first aorist active participle of ξενιζω, old verb to entertain a guest (ξενος, stranger), according to a classic idiom seen with λανθανω, τυγχανω, φθανω, by which the chief idea is expressed by the participle (supplementary participle), here meaning, "some escaped notice when entertaining angels." The reference is to Ge 18; 19 (Abraham and Sarah did this very thing).

As bound with them (ως συνδεδεμενο). Perfect passive participle of συνδεω, old verb, here only in N.T. For sympathy with prisoners see 10:34.

As being yourselves also in the body (ως κα αυτο οντες εν σωματ). And so subject to evil treatment. See 11:37 for κακουχεω and 11:25 for συνκακουχεω.

Let marriage be (ο γαμος). No verb in the Greek. The copula can be supplied either εστιν (is) or εστω (let be, imperative).

Had in honour (τιμιος). Old adjective from τιμη (honour) as in Ac 5:34. Γαμος elsewhere in the N.T., means the wedding or wedding feast (Matthew 22:29; John 2:1).

Undefiled (αμιαντος). Old compound word (alpha privative and verbal of μιαινω, to defile), already in Heb 7:26. Μιαινω την κοιτην is a common expression for adultery.

Fornicators (πορνους). Unmarried and impure.

Adulterers (μοιχους). Impure married persons. God will judge both classes whether men do or not.

Be ye free from the love of money (αφιλαργυρος ο τροπος). No copula, but supply εστο: "Let your manner of life (τροπος, way, Matthew 23:37), be without love of money" (αφιλαργυρος, double compound), once found only in the N.T., here and 1 Timothy 3:3, but now several times--or the adverb αφιλαργυρως --in papyri and inscriptions (Deissmann, Light, etc., pp. 85f.). Alpha privative and φιλος and αργυρος. The N.T. is full of the peril of money on the character as modern life is also.

Content with such things as ye have (αρκουμενο τοις παρουσιν). Present passive participle of αρκεω, to suffice, to be content as in Lu 3:14. Cf. αυταρκης in Php 4:11. Here in the nominative plural with no substantive or pronoun (anacoluthon, as in 2 Corinthians 1:7) or the participle used as a principal verb as in Ro 12:16. "Contented with the present things" (τοις παρουσιν, associative instrumental case of τα παροντα, present active neuter plural participle of παρειμ, to be present or on hand).

For himself hath said (αυτος γαρ ειρηκεν). God himself as in Ac 20:33 of Christ. Perfect active indicative as in 1:13; 4:3f.; 10:9. The quotation is a free paraphrase of Ge 28:15; Deuteronomy 31:8; Joshua 1:5; 1 Chronicles 28:20. Philo (de Confus. Ling. 32) has it in this form, "a popular paraphrase" (Moffatt). Note the five negatives strengthening each other (ου μη with the second aorist active subjunctive ανω from ανιημ, to relate, as in Ac 16:26; ουδ' ου μη with second aorist active subjunctive εγκαταλιπω from εγκαταλειπω, to leave behind, as in Mt 27:46; 2 Timothy 4:10). A noble promise in times of depression.

So that we say (ωστε ημας λεγειν). The usual construction (the infinitive) with ωστε in the Koine even when the idea is result instead of purpose. The accusative ημας is that of general reference.

With good courage (θαρρουντας). Present active participle of θαρρεω (Ionic and early Attic θαρσεω, Matthew 9:2) as in 2 Corinthians 5:6,8. The accusative agreeing with ημας, "being of good courage." The quotation is from Ps 118:6.

My helper (εμο βοηθος). "Helper to me" (ethical dative εμο). Βοηθος is old adjective (cf. βοηθεω, to help, 2:18), often in LXX as substantive, here only in N.T.

I will not fear (ου φοβηθησομα). Volitive first future passive of φοβεομα.