Teks -- Hebrews 13:5 (NET)

13:5 Your conduct must be free from the love of money and you must be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you and I will never abandon you.”

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per frasa)

Robertson: Heb 13:5 - Be ye free from the love of money

Be ye free from the love of money ( aphilarguros ho tropos ).

No copula, but supply esto : "Let your manner of life (tropos , way, Mat 23:37), be without love of money"(aphilarguros , double compound), once found only in the N.T., here and 1Ti 3:3, but now several times - or the adverb aphilargurōs - in papyri and inscriptions (Deissmann, Light , etc., pp. 85f.). Alpha privative and philos and arguros . The N.T. is full of the peril of money on the character as modern life is also.

Robertson: Heb 13:5 - Content with such things as ye have

Content with such things as ye have ( arkoumenoi tois parousin ).

Present passive participle of arkeō , to suffice, to be content as in Luk 3:14. Cf. autarkēs in Phi 4:11. Here in the nominative plural with no substantive or pronoun (anacoluthon, as in 2Co 1:7) or the participle used as a principal verb as in Rom 12:16. "Contented with the present things"(tois parousin , associative instrumental case of ta paronta , present active neuter plural participle of pareimi , to be present or on hand).

Robertson: Heb 13:5 - For himself hath said

For himself hath said ( autos gar eirēken ).

God himself as in Act 20:33 of Christ. Perfect active indicative as in Heb 1:13; Heb 4:3.; Heb 10:9. The quotation is a free paraphrase of Gen 28:15; Deu 31:8; Jos 1:5; 1Ch 28:20. Philo (de Confus. Ling. 32) has it in this form, "a popular paraphrase"(Moffatt). Note the five negatives strengthening each other (ou mē with the second aorist active subjunctive anō from aniēmi , to relate, as in Act 16:26; oud' ou mē with second aorist active subjunctive egkatalipō from egkataleipō , to leave behind, as in Mat 27:46; 2Ti 4:10). A noble promise in times of depression.

Vincent: Heb 13:5 - Let your conversation be without covetousness

Let your conversation be without covetousness ( ἀφιλάργυρος ὁ τρόπος )

Τρόπος originally turn or direction . Hence ways manner , fashion ; way or manner of life . In this sense N.T.o . Elsewhere often in the phrase ὅν τρόπον or καθ ' ὅν τρόπον in or according to the way in which . See Mat 23:37; Luk 13:34; Act 1:11; Act 15:11; Act 27:25. The meaning here is character or moral disposition . Ἁφιλάργυρος without covetousness , only here and 1Ti 3:3, see note.

Vincent: Heb 13:5 - Be content with such things as ye have

Be content with such things as ye have ( ἀρκούμενοι τοῖς παροῦσιν )

Lit. being contented with the things which are at hand . For ἀρκεῖν to suffice , see Luk 3:14; Joh 6:7; 1Ti 6:8. On the compounds αὐτάρκης self-sufficient and αὐτάρκεια self-sufficiency , see on 2Co 9:8; see on Phi 4:11.

Vincent: Heb 13:5 - For he hath said

For he hath said ( αὐτὸς γὰρ εἴρηκεν )

Rend. for " he himself." God himself. For εἴρηκεν hath said , see Heb 1:13; Heb 4:3, Heb 4:4; Heb 10:9.

Vincent: Heb 13:5 - I will never leave nor forsake thee

I will never leave nor forsake thee ( οὐ μή σε ἀνῶ οὐδ ' οὐ μή σε ἐγκαταλίπω )

Comp. Gen 28:15; Jos 1:5; Deu 31:6. None of these, however, give the saying in the form in which it appears here. This appears to be a combination or general adaptation of those passages. For " never," rend. " by no means" or " in no wise." Ἀνῶ from ἀνίημι . In Act 16:26; Act 27:40, to loosen: Eph 6:9, to give up or forbear . Somewhat in this last sense here: " I will in no wise give thee up , or let thee go ." I will not relax my hold on thee. For ἐγκαταλίπω forsake , see on 2Ti 4:10.

Wesley: Heb 13:5 - He

God.

Wesley: Heb 13:5 - Hath said

To all believers, in saying it to Jacob, Joshua, and Solomon. Gen 28:15; Jos 1:5; 1Ch 28:20.

JFB: Heb 13:5 - conversation

"manner of life." The love of filthy lust and the love of filthy lucre follow one another as closely akin, both alienating the heart from the Creator to the creature.

JFB: Heb 13:5 - such things as ye have

Literally, "present things" (Phi 4:11).

JFB: Heb 13:5 - I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee

A promise tantamount to this was given to Jacob (Gen 28:15), to Israel (Deu 31:6, Deu 31:8), to Joshua (Jos 1:5), to Solomon (1Ch 28:20). It is therefore like a divine adage. What was said to them, extends also to us. He will neither withdraw His presence ("never leave thee") nor His help ("nor forsake thee") [BENGEL].

Clarke: Heb 13:5 - Let your conversation

Let your conversation - That is, the whole tenor of your conduct, τροπος, the manner of your life, or rather the disposition of your hearts in reference to all your secular transactions; for in this sense the original is used by the best Greek writers

Clarke: Heb 13:5 - Be without covetousness

Be without covetousness - Desire nothing more than what God has given you; and especially covet nothing which the Divine Providence has given to another man, for this is the very spirit of robbery

Clarke: Heb 13:5 - Content with such things as ye have

Content with such things as ye have - Αρκουμενοι τοις παρουσιν· Being satisfied with present things. In one of the sentences of Phocylides we have a sentiment in nearly the same words as that of the apostle: Αρκεισθαι παρεουσι, και αλλοτριων απεχεσθαι· Be content with present things, and abstain from others. The covetous man is ever running out into futurity with insatiable desires after secular good; and, if this disposition be not checked, it increases as the subject of it increases in years. Covetousness is the vice of old age

Clarke: Heb 13:5 - I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee - These words were, in sum, spoken to Joshua, Jos 1:5 : "As I was with Moses, so will I be with thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."They were spoken also by David to Solomon, 1Ch 28:20 : "David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed; for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."The apostle, in referring to the same promises, feels authorized to strengthen the expressions, as the Christian dispensation affords more consolation and confidence in matters of this kind than the old covenant did. The words are peculiarly emphatic: Ου μη σε ανω, ουδ ’ ου μη σε εγκαταλιπω . There are no less than five negatives in this short sentence, and these connected with two verbs and one pronoun twice repeated. To give a literal translation is scarcely possible; it would run in this way: "No, I will not leave thee; no, neither will I not utterly forsake thee."Those who understand the genius of the Greek language, and look at the manner in which these negatives are placed in the sentence, will perceive at once how much the meaning is strengthened by them, and to what an emphatic and energetic affirmative they amount

This promise is made to those who are patiently bearing affliction or persecution for Christ’ s sake; and may be applied to any faithful soul in affliction, temptation, or adversity of any kind. Trust in the Lord with thy whole heart, and never lean to thy own understanding; for he hath said, "No, I will never leave thee; not I: I will never, never cast thee off."

Calvin: Heb 13:5 - NO PHRASE

5.=== Let your conversation be without covetousness, === etc. While he seeks to correct covetousness, he rightly and wisely bids us at the same time to be content with our present things; for it is the true contempt of money, or at least a true greatness of mind in the right and moderate use of it, when we are content with what the Lord has given us, whether it be much or little; for certainly it rarely happens that anything satisfies an avaricious man; but on the contrary they who are not content with a moderate portion, always seek more even when they enjoy the greatest affluence. It was a doctrine which Paul had declared, that he had learned, so as to know how to abound and how to suffer need. Then he who has set limits to his desire so as to acquiesce resignedly in his lot, has expelled from his heart the love of money. ²⁷⁸

===For he has said, === etc. Here he quotes two testimonies; the first is taken, as some think, from the Jos 1:5 of Joshua, but I am rather of the opinion that it is a sentence drawn from the common doctrine of Scripture, as though he had said, “The Lord everywhere promises that he will never be wanting to us.” He infers from this promise what is found in Psa 118:6, that we have the power to overcome fear when we feel assured of God’s help. ²⁷⁹

Here indeed he plucks up the evil by the very roots, as it is necessary when we seek to free from it the minds of men. It is certain that the source of covetousness is mistrust; for whosoever has this fixed in his heart, that he will never be forsaken by the Lord, will not be immoderately solicitous about present things, because he will depend on God’s providence. When therefore the Apostle is seeking to cure us of the disease of covetousness, he wisely calls our attention to God’s promises, in which he testifies that he will ever be present with us. He hence infers afterwards that as long as we have such a helper there is no cause to fear. For in this way it can be that no depraved desires will importune us; for faith alone is that which can quiet the minds of men, whose disquietude without it is too well known.

Defender: Heb 13:5 - he hath said

This is quoted from Deu 31:6. In the Greek, the promise is very emphatic, "I will never, never, never leave thee ....""

TSK: Heb 13:5 - conversation // and be // I will

conversation : Exo 20:17; Jos 7:21; Psa 10:3, Psa 119:36; Jer 6:13; Eze 33:31; Mar 7:22; Luk 8:14, Luk 12:15-21, Luk 16:13, Luk 16:14; Rom 1:29; 1Co 5:11, 1Co 6:10; Eph 5:3, Eph 5:5; Col 3:5; 1Ti 3:3, 1Ti 6:9, 1Ti 6:10; 2Pe 2:3, 2Pe 2:14; Jud 1:11

and be : Exo 2:21; Mat 6:25, Mat 6:34; Luk 3:14; Phi 4:11, Phi 4:12; 1Ti 6:6-8

I will : Gen 28:15; Deu 31:6, Deu 31:8; Jos 1:5; 1Sa 12:22; 1Ch 28:20; Psa 37:25, Psa 37:28; Isa 41:10,Isa 41:17

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per Ayat)

Poole: Heb 13:5 - 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

Contentation with our state and condition is a fifth duty charged on the subjects of Christ’ s kingdom, and this is expressed privatively and positively, yet both propositions without a verb, which is best supplied by an imperative.

Let your conversation be without covetousness: O tropov strictly signifieth a turning, but here it sets out the motion or turning of a man up and down in the actions of this life, which in common speech is called conversation; not any motion of the heart, nor turn of the eye, nor action of any member, after money or riches, with a sinful, inordinate love to them, or pursuit of them; forbidden, Mat 6:25,31 1Ti 6:9,10 Jas 4:13 1Jo 2:15 . The studious endeavour and labour night and day, turning and winding every way, to be scraping together and hoarding up worldly wealth, and lading themselves with thick clay, Ecc 4:7,8 Hab 2:6,9 , must not be the case or condition of any Christian, Eph 5:3,5 Col 3:5 2Pe 2:3-15 .

And be content with such things as ye have but having a heart acquiescence and satisfitction with that portion or pittance of earthly things which God at present doth allot us, whether more or less, and not with that only which we may think enough to serve our turn, Phi 4:11,12 1Ti 6:8 .

For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee: the reason enforcing it is, God’ s giving by promise a special engagement to provide for them. This God solemnly made to Jacob, Gen 28:15 , then to Israel, Deu 31:6,8 , then to Joshua, Jos 1:5 , and to all believers as well as them; for God will not let any such see the miseries of his absence, but will vouchsafe to them his presence, with all the blessings which attend it, Psa 46:1,5 Isa 41:10 43:2 63:9 .

PBC: Heb 13:5

Covetousness and contentment are opposite concepts. The ‘love of money’ should be conspicuous by its absence in the Christian community. In its place, a quiet contentment with God’s provision of food and raiment, {1Ti 6:6}ff knowing that with God as their portion, and with the assurance of His protecting presence, there is no cause for alarm.

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Haydock: Heb 13:5 - I will not leave thee, neither will I forsake thee

I will not leave thee, neither will I forsake thee. It is an exhortation to covetous persons not to be too solicitous, but to trust in Providence. (Witham)

Gill: Heb 13:5 - 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

Let your conversation be without covetousness,.... Which is an immoderate desire, of riches, an over anxious care for worldly things, attended with dissatisfaction, and discontent with their present state: it discovers itself many ways; in preferring the world to religion; in laying up treasure for a man's own self, without being any ways useful to others; in withholding from himself the necessaries of life, and in making no use of his substance for the glory of God, and the interest of religion: this is a very great evil; it is called idolatry, and is said to be the root of all evil; and is very pernicious to true religion: a believer's conversation should be without it; in his family, for whom he should provide things convenient and honest; and in the world, where he should deal uprightly, and not defraud and overreach; and in the church, where he should be liberal, and generously communicate, upon all occasions; and such a conversation is becoming the Gospel, which is a declaration of things freely given to us of God. The reason of the apostle's mentioning this sin of covetousness is, because the Jews were prone to it, and these believing Hebrews might be inclined to it, and be dissatisfied with their present condition, in which they suffered the spoiling of their goods; and besides, unless this was avoided, the above mentioned duties could not be performed aright, as brotherly love, hospitality, remembering and relieving persons in bonds, and adversity.

And be content with such things as ye have; or with present things; with present riches, or with present poverty; with present losses and crosses; with present reproaches and afflictions; and contentment with these things shows itself by thankfulness for every mercy, and by submission to the will and providence of God in every state of life: and there are many things which may move and engage unto it; as the consideration of the state and condition men are in, when they come into the world, and will be when they go out of it; the will of God, and the disposition of his providence according to it, which is unalterable; a sense of: their own unworthiness; a view of interest in God and Christ; and an eye to the recompense of reward; as well as the many promises of God to support and supply his: and among the rest, what follows,

for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee; which is a promise made to Joshua, and belongs to all believers, Jos 1:5 which may regard things temporal, as that God will not leave his people in the hands of their enemies, nor forsake them in distress, nor withhold any good thing from them needful for them, but will supply them with the necessaries of life, with which they should be content: and this passage is very pertinently cited for this purpose, and could be easily understood in this sense by the Hebrews; for the Jews explain such places as speak of God's not forsaking men, of the sustenance of them, as Psa 37:25 and observe that the word עזיבה, "forsaking", is never used but with respect to פרנסה, "sustenance" ^u; though the words may also relate to things spiritual, as that God will not leave them to themselves, to their own corruptions, which would overpower them; nor to their own strength, which is but weakness; nor to their own wisdom, which is folly; nor to Satan, and his temptations, who is an over match for them; nor to the world, the frowns and flatteries of it, by which they might be drawn aside; nor will he leave them destitute of his presence; for though he sometimes hides his face, and withdraws himself, yet not wholly, nor finally; nor will he forsake the work of his own hands, in them, but will perform it until the day of Christ; he will not leave or forsake them, so as that they shall perish; he will not forsake them in life, nor at death, nor at judgment.