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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - Hebrews 13:20 - 13:20
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
The God of peace
Not an O.T. phrase, and found only in Paul and Hebrews. See Rom 15:33; Rom 16:20; 1Co 14:33; Phi 4:9, 1Th 5:23; 2Th 3:16. The phrase signifies God who is the author and giver of peace.
Who brought again from the dead (ὁ ἀναγαγὼν ἐκ νεκρῶν)
The only direct reference in the epistle to the resurrection of Christ. Heb 6:2 refers to the resurrection of the dead generally. Ἁνάγειν of raising the dead, only Rom 10:7. Rend. “brought up,” and comp. Wisd. 16:13. Ἁνά in this compound, never in N.T. in the sense of again. See on Luk 8:22; see on Act 12:4; see on Act 16:34; see on Act 27:3. The verb often as a nautical term, to bring a vessel up from the land to the deep water; to put to sea.
That great shepherd of the sheep (τὸν ποιμένα τῶν προβάτων τὸν μέγαν)
The Greek order is, “the shepherd of the sheep the great (shepherd).” Comp. Joh 10:2, Joh 10:11, Joh 10:14; 1Pe 2:25, and see Isa 63:11. Of God, Ezekiel 34.
Through the blood of the everlasting covenant (ἐν αἵματι διαθήκης αἰωνίου)
Rend. “in the blood of an eternal covenant.” See Zec 9:11. The phrase eternal covenant N.T.o. Common in lxx; see Gen 9:16; Gen 17:19; Lev 24:8; 2Sa 23:5; Jer 32:40; Eze 16:60. Const. with the great shepherd of the sheep. It may be granted that the raising of Christ from the dead, viewed as the consummation of the plan of salvation, was in the sphere of the blood of the covenant; nevertheless, the covenant is nowhere in the N.T. associated with the resurrection, but frequently with death, especially in this epistle. See Mat 26:28; Luk 22:20; Heb 9:15, Heb 9:16, Heb 9:17, Heb 9:20. The connection of the blood of the covenant with Christ's pastoral office gives a thoroughly scriptural sense, and one which exactly fits into the context. Christ becomes the great shepherd solely through the blood of the covenant. Comp. Act 20:28. Through this is brought about the new relation of the church with God described in Heb 8:10 ff. This tallies perfectly with the conception of “the God of peace”; and the great Shepherd will assert the power of the eternal covenant of reconciliation and peace by perfecting his flock in every good work to do his will, working in them that which is well pleasing in his sight. With this agree Jer 50:5, Jer 50:19; Eze 34:25, and the entire chapter, see especially Eze 34:12-15, Eze 34:23, Eze 34:31. In these verses the Shepherd of the Covenant appears as guiding, tending his flock, and leading them into fair and safe pastures. Comp. Isa 63:11-14, and Rev 7:17, see note on ποιμανεῖ shall shepherd. Ἑν αἵματι “in the blood,” is in virtue of, or in the power of the blood.