6 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect,^(A) so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.^{(B) 2} Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers.^(C) Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare^[a] of their slaves.

False Teachers and the Love of Money

These are the things you are to teach and insist on.^{(D) 3} If anyone teaches otherwise^(E) and does not agree to the sound instruction^(F) of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, ⁴ they are conceited^(G) and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words^(H) that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions ⁵ and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth^(I) and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

⁶ But godliness with contentment^(J) is great gain.^{(K) 7} For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.^{(L) 8} But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.^{(M) 9} Those who want to get rich^(N) fall into temptation and a trap^(O) and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money^(P) is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith^(Q) and pierced themselves with many griefs.^(R)

Final Charge to Timothy

¹¹ But you, man of God,^(S) flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness,^(T) faith, love,^(U) endurance and gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight^(V) of the faith. Take hold of^(W) the eternal life^(X) to which you were called when you made your good confession^(Y) in the presence of many witnesses. ¹³ In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate^(Z) made the good confession,^(AA) I charge you^{(AB) 14} to keep this command without spot or blame^(AC) until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,^{(AD) 15} which God will bring about in his own time^(AE)—God, the blessed^(AF) and only Ruler,^(AG) the King of kings and Lord of lords,^{(AH) 16} who alone is immortal^(AI) and who lives in unapproachable light,^(AJ) whom no one has seen or can see.^(AK) To him be honor and might forever. Amen.^(AL)

¹⁷ Command those who are rich^(AM) in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth,^(AN) which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God,^(AO) who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.^{(AP) 18} Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,^(AQ) and to be generous and willing to share.^{(AR) 19} In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves^(AS) as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of^(AT) the life that is truly life.

²⁰ Timothy, guard what has been entrusted^(AU) to your care. Turn away from godless chatter^(AV) and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, ²¹ which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.^(AW)

Grace be with you all.^(AX)

1 Paul, an apostle^(A) of Christ Jesus by the will of God,^(B) in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,^(C)

² To Timothy,^(D) my dear son:^(E)

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.^(F)

Thanksgiving

³ I thank God,^(G) whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience,^(H) as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.^{(I) 4} Recalling your tears,^(J) I long to see you,^(K) so that I may be filled with joy. ⁵ I am reminded of your sincere faith,^(L) which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice^(M) and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Appeal for Loyalty to Paul and the Gospel

⁶ For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.^{(N) 7} For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid,^(O) but gives us power,^(P) love and self-discipline. ⁸ So do not be ashamed^(Q) of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner.^(R) Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel,^(S) by the power of God. ⁹ He has saved^(T) us and called^(U) us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done^(V) but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, ¹⁰ but it has now been revealed^(W) through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus,^(X) who has destroyed death^(Y) and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. ¹¹ And of this gospel^(Z) I was appointed^(AA) a herald and an apostle and a teacher.^{(AB) 12} That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame,^(AC) because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard^(AD) what I have entrusted to him until that day.^(AE)

¹³ What you heard from me,^(AF) keep^(AG) as the pattern^(AH) of sound teaching,^(AI) with faith and love in Christ Jesus.^{(AJ) 14} Guard^(AK) the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.^(AL)

Examples of Disloyalty and Loyalty

¹⁵ You know that everyone in the province of Asia^(AM) has deserted me,^(AN) including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

¹⁶ May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus,^(AO) because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed^(AP) of my chains.^{(AQ) 17} On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. ¹⁸ May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day!^(AR) You know very well in how many ways he helped me^(AS) in Ephesus.^(AT)

The Appeal Renewed

2 You then, my son,^(AU) be strong^(AV) in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² And the things you have heard me say^(AW) in the presence of many witnesses^(AX) entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. ³ Join with me in suffering,^(AY) like a good soldier^(AZ) of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. ⁵ Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown^(BA) except by competing according to the rules. ⁶ The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.^{(BB) 7} Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,^(BC) descended from David.^(BD) This is my gospel,^{(BE) 9} for which I am suffering^(BF) even to the point of being chained^(BG) like a criminal. But God’s word^(BH) is not chained. ¹⁰ Therefore I endure everything^(BI) for the sake of the elect,^(BJ) that they too may obtain the salvation^(BK) that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.^(BL)

¹¹ Here is a trustworthy saying:^(BM)

Dealing With False Teachers

¹⁴ Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words;^(BR) it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. ¹⁵ Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.^{(BS) 16} Avoid godless chatter,^(BT) because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. ¹⁷ Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus^(BU) and Philetus, ¹⁸ who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place,^(BV) and they destroy the faith of some.^{(BW) 19} Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm,^(BX) sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,”^(BY) and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord^(BZ) must turn away from wickedness.”

²⁰ In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.^{(CA) 21} Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.^(CB)

²² Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love^(CC) and peace, along with those who call on the Lord^(CD) out of a pure heart.^{(CE) 23} Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.^{(CF) 24} And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.^{(CG) 25} Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,^{(CH) 26} and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil,^(CI) who has taken them captive to do his will.

3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.^{(CJ) 2} People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,^(CK) boastful, proud,^(CL) abusive,^(CM) disobedient to their parents,^(CN) ungrateful, unholy, ³ without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴ treacherous,^(CO) rash, conceited,^(CP) lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ⁵ having a form of godliness^(CQ) but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.^(CR)

⁶ They are the kind who worm their way^(CS) into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, ⁷ always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.^{(CT) 8} Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses,^(CU) so also these teachers oppose^(CV) the truth. They are men of depraved minds,^(CW) who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. ⁹ But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men,^(CX) their folly will be clear to everyone.

A Final Charge to Timothy

¹⁰ You, however, know all about my teaching,^(CY) my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, ¹¹ persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch,^(CZ) Iconium^(DA) and Lystra,^(DB) the persecutions I endured.^(DC) Yet the Lord rescued^(DD) me from all of them.^{(DE) 12} In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,^{(DF) 13} while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse,^(DG) deceiving and being deceived.^{(DH) 14} But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it,^{(DI) 15} and how from infancy^(DJ) you have known the Holy Scriptures,^(DK) which are able to make you wise^(DL) for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed^(DM) and is useful for teaching,^(DN) rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,^{(DO) 17} so that the servant of God^[a](DP) may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.^(DQ)

4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead,^(DR) and in view of his appearing^(DS) and his kingdom, I give you this charge:^{(DT) 2} Preach^(DU) the word;^(DV) be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke^(DW) and encourage^(DX)—with great patience and careful instruction. ³ For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.^(DY) Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.^{(DZ) 4} They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.^{(EA) 5} But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship,^(EB) do the work of an evangelist,^(EC) discharge all the duties of your ministry.

⁶ For I am already being poured out like a drink offering,^(ED) and the time for my departure is near.^{(EE) 7} I have fought the good fight,^(EF) I have finished the race,^(EG) I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now there is in store for me^(EH) the crown of righteousness,^(EI) which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day^(EJ)—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.^(EK)

Personal Remarks

⁹ Do your best to come to me quickly,^{(EL) 10} for Demas,^(EM) because he loved this world,^(EN) has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica.^(EO) Crescens has gone to Galatia,^(EP) and Titus^(EQ) to Dalmatia. ¹¹ Only Luke^(ER) is with me.^(ES) Get Mark^(ET) and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. ¹² I sent Tychicus^(EU) to Ephesus.^{(EV) 13} When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas,^(EW) and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

¹⁴ Alexander^(EX) the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.^{(EY) 15} You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

¹⁶ At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.^{(EZ) 17} But the Lord stood at my side^(FA) and gave me strength,^(FB) so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.^(FC) And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.^{(FD) 18} The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack^(FE) and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.^(FF) To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(FG)

Final Greetings

¹⁹ Greet Priscilla^[b] and Aquila^(FH) and the household of Onesiphorus.^{(FI) 20} Erastus^(FJ) stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus^(FK) sick in Miletus.^{(FL) 21} Do your best to get here before winter.^(FM) Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.^[c]

²² The Lord be with your spirit.^(FN) Grace be with you all.^(FO)

1 Paul, a servant of God^(A) and an apostle^(B) of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth^(C) that leads to godliness^(D)— ² in the hope of eternal life,^(E) which God, who does not lie,^(F) promised before the beginning of time,^{(G) 3} and which now at his appointed season^(H) he has brought to light^(I) through the preaching entrusted to me^(J) by the command of God^(K) our Savior,^(L)

⁴ To Titus,^(M) my true son^(N) in our common faith:

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.^(O)

Appointing Elders Who Love What Is Good^(P)

⁵ The reason I left you in Crete^(Q) was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint^[a] elders^(R) in every town, as I directed you. ⁶ An elder must be blameless,^(S) faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe^[b] and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. ⁷ Since an overseer^(T) manages God’s household,^(U) he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.^{(V) 8} Rather, he must be hospitable,^(W) one who loves what is good,^(X) who is self-controlled,^(Y) upright, holy and disciplined. ⁹ He must hold firmly^(Z) to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine^(AA) and refute those who oppose it.

Rebuking Those Who Fail to Do Good

¹⁰ For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk^(AB) and deception, especially those of the circumcision group.^{(AC) 11} They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households^(AD) by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain. ¹² One of Crete’s own prophets^(AE) has said it: “Cretans^(AF) are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.”^{[c] 13} This saying is true. Therefore rebuke^(AG) them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith^{(AH) 14} and will pay no attention to Jewish myths^(AI) or to the merely human commands^(AJ) of those who reject the truth.^{(AK) 15} To the pure, all things are pure,^(AL) but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure.^(AM) In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.^{(AN) 16} They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.^(AO) They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.^(AP)

Doing Good for the Sake of the Gospel

2 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.^{(AQ) 2} Teach the older men^(AR) to be temperate,^(AS) worthy of respect, self-controlled,^(AT) and sound in faith,^(AU) in love and in endurance.

³ Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers^(AV) or addicted to much wine,^(AW) but to teach what is good. ⁴ Then they can urge the younger women^(AX) to love their husbands and children, ⁵ to be self-controlled^(AY) and pure, to be busy at home,^(AZ) to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands,^(BA) so that no one will malign the word of God.^(BB)

⁶ Similarly, encourage the young men^(BC) to be self-controlled.^{(BD) 7} In everything set them an example^(BE) by doing what is good.^(BF) In your teaching show integrity, seriousness ⁸ and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.^(BG)

⁹ Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything,^(BH) to try to please them, not to talk back to them, ¹⁰ and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior^(BI) attractive.^(BJ)

¹¹ For the grace^(BK) of God has appeared^(BL) that offers salvation to all people.^{(BM) 12} It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions,^(BN) and to live self-controlled,^(BO) upright and godly lives^(BP) in this present age, ¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing^(BQ) of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,^{(BR) 14} who gave himself for us^(BS) to redeem us from all wickedness^(BT) and to purify^(BU) for himself a people that are his very own,^(BV) eager to do what is good.^(BW)

¹⁵ These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

Saved in Order to Do Good

3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities,^(BX) to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,^{(BY) 2} to slander no one,^(BZ) to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

³ At one time^(CA) we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness^(CB) and love of God our Savior^(CC) appeared,^{(CD) 5} he saved us,^(CE) not because of righteous things we had done,^(CF) but because of his mercy.^(CG) He saved us through the washing^(CH) of rebirth and renewal^(CI) by the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us^(CJ) generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace,^(CK) we might become heirs^(CL) having the hope^(CM) of eternal life.^{(CN) 8} This is a trustworthy saying.^(CO) And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.^(CP) These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

⁹ But avoid^(CQ) foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels^(CR) about the law,^(CS) because these are unprofitable and useless.^{(CT) 10} Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.^{(CU) 11} You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Final Remarks

¹² As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus^(CV) to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.^{(CW) 13} Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos^(CX) on their way and see that they have everything they need. ¹⁴ Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good,^(CY) in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

¹⁵ Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.^(CZ)

Grace be with you all.^(DA)

¹ Paul, a prisoner^(A) of Christ Jesus, and Timothy^(B) our brother,^(C)

To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker^(D)— ² also to Apphia our sister and Archippus^(E) our fellow soldier^(F)—and to the church that meets in your home:^(G)

³ Grace and peace to you^[a] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.^(H)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

⁴ I always thank my God^(I) as I remember you in my prayers,^{(J) 5} because I hear about your love for all his holy people^(K) and your faith in the Lord Jesus.^{(L) 6} I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. ⁷ Your love has given me great joy and encouragement,^(M) because you, brother, have refreshed^(N) the hearts of the Lord’s people.

Paul’s Plea for Onesimus

⁸ Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, ⁹ yet I prefer to appeal to you^(O) on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner^(P) of Christ Jesus— ¹⁰ that I appeal to you for my son^(Q) Onesimus,^[b](R) who became my son while I was in chains.^{(S) 11} Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

¹² I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. ¹³ I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains^(T) for the gospel. ¹⁴ But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced^(U) but would be voluntary. ¹⁵ Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— ¹⁶ no longer as a slave,^(V) but better than a slave, as a dear brother.^(W) He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

¹⁷ So if you consider me a partner,^(X) welcome him as you would welcome me. ¹⁸ If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.^{(Y) 19} I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand.^(Z) I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. ²⁰ I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh^(AA) my heart in Christ. ²¹ Confident^(AB) of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

²² And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be^(AC) restored to you in answer to your prayers.^(AD)

²³ Epaphras,^(AE) my fellow prisoner^(AF) in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. ²⁴ And so do Mark,^(AG) Aristarchus,^(AH) Demas^(AI) and Luke, my fellow workers.^(AJ)

²⁵ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.^(AK)

God’s Final Word: His Son

1 In the past God spoke^(A) to our ancestors through the prophets^(B) at many times and in various ways,^{(C) 2} but in these last days^(D) he has spoken to us by his Son,^(E) whom he appointed heir^(F) of all things, and through whom^(G) also he made the universe.^{(H) 3} The Son is the radiance of God’s glory^(I) and the exact representation of his being,^(J) sustaining all things^(K) by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins,^(L) he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.^{(M) 4} So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.^(N)

The Son Superior to Angels

⁵ For to which of the angels did God ever say,

Or again,

⁶ And again, when God brings his firstborn^(Q) into the world,^(R) he says,

⁷ In speaking of the angels he says,

⁸ But about the Son he says,

¹⁰ He also says,

¹³ To which of the angels did God ever say,

¹⁴ Are not all angels ministering spirits^(AF) sent to serve those who will inherit^(AG) salvation?^(AH)

Warning to Pay Attention

2 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.^{(AI) 2} For since the message spoken^(AJ) through angels^(AK) was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment,^{(AL) 3} how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?^(AM) This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord,^(AN) was confirmed to us by those who heard him.^{(AO) 4} God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles,^(AP) and by gifts of the Holy Spirit^(AQ) distributed according to his will.^(AR)

Jesus Made Fully Human

⁵ It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. ⁶ But there is a place where someone^(AS) has testified:

In putting everything under them,^[k] God left nothing that is not subject to them.^[l] Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them.^{[m] 9} But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor^(AV) because he suffered death,^(AW) so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.^(AX)

¹⁰ In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists,^(AY) should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.^{(AZ) 11} Both the one who makes people holy^(BA) and those who are made holy^(BB) are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.^{[n](BC) 12} He says,

¹³ And again,

And again he says,

¹⁴ Since the children have flesh and blood,^(BG) he too shared in their humanity^(BH) so that by his death he might break the power^(BI) of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil^(BJ)— ¹⁵ and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear^(BK) of death. ¹⁶ For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants.^{(BL) 17} For this reason he had to be made like them,^[r](BM) fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful^(BN) and faithful high priest^(BO) in service to God,^(BP) and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.^{(BQ) 18} Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.^(BR)

Jesus Greater Than Moses

3 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters,^(BS) who share in the heavenly calling,^(BT) fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge^(BU) as our apostle and high priest.^{(BV) 2} He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house.^{(BW) 3} Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses,^(BX) just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. ⁴ For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.^{(BY) 5} “Moses was faithful as a servant^(BZ) in all God’s house,”^[s](CA) bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. ⁶ But Christ is faithful as the Son^(CB) over God’s house. And we are his house,^(CC) if indeed we hold firmly^(CD) to our confidence and the hope^(CE) in which we glory.

Warning Against Unbelief

⁷ So, as the Holy Spirit says:^(CF)

¹² See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.^{(CL) 13} But encourage one another daily,^(CM) as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.^{(CN) 14} We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold^(CO) our original conviction firmly to the very end.^{(CP) 15} As has just been said:

¹⁶ Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt?^{(CR) 17} And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies perished in the wilderness?^{(CS) 18} And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest^(CT) if not to those who disobeyed?^{(CU) 19} So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.^(CV)

A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God

4 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.^{(CW) 2} For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.^{[v](CX) 3} Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,

And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. ⁴ For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.”^{[x](CZ) 5} And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”^(DA)

⁶ Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience,^{(DB) 7} God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted:

⁸ For if Joshua had given them rest,^(DD) God would not have spoken^(DE) later about another day. ⁹ There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; ¹⁰ for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works,^[z](DF) just as God did from his.^{(DG) 11} Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.^(DH)

¹² For the word of God^(DI) is alive^(DJ) and active.^(DK) Sharper than any double-edged sword,^(DL) it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.^{(DM) 13} Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.^(DN) Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Jesus the Great High Priest

¹⁴ Therefore, since we have a great high priest^(DO) who has ascended into heaven,^[aa](DP) Jesus the Son of God,^(DQ) let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.^{(DR) 15} For we do not have a high priest^(DS) who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are^(DT)—yet he did not sin.^{(DU) 16} Let us then approach^(DV) God’s throne of grace with confidence,^(DW) so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

5 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God,^(DX) to offer gifts and sacrifices^(DY) for sins.^{(DZ) 2} He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray,^(EA) since he himself is subject to weakness.^{(EB) 3} This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.^{(EC) 4} And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.^(ED)

⁵ In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory^(EE) of becoming a high priest.^(EF) But God said^(EG) to him,

⁶ And he says in another place,

⁷ During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions^(EK) with fervent cries and tears^(EL) to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard^(EM) because of his reverent submission.^{(EN) 8} Son^(EO) though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered^(EP)