Hebrews 13:15-16: Edit history

Context

Hebrews is an epistle whose author is not identified. It presents Jesus as the high priest who fulfilled the old sacrificial system, and chapter 13 contains the exhortations that close the letter. Immediately before, in 13:12-14, the author writes that Jesus "suffered without the gate" and urges believers to "go forth therefore unto him without the camp." The word "therefore" in verse 15 continues this line of thought. The passage describes the sacrifice believers are to offer now that animal sacrifices are no longer needed: "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased" (Hebrews 13:15-16).

"The sacrifice of praise" is commonly explained as echoing the thank offering of Psalm 50:14, and "the fruit of our lips" as recalling the language of Hosea 14:2. The Greek word rendered "to communicate" (that is, to share) in verse 16 is koinonia, meaning fellowship or sharing in common, a term related to the communion of saints.

Interpretation

• General Protestant reading: Because Christ's sacrifice was offered once for all, the believer's sacrifice is understood not as an atoning sacrifice that cleanses sin but as a response of thanksgiving for grace already received. John Calvin distinguished between sacrifices of reconciliation (atonement) and sacrifices of thanksgiving and praise, placing praise, good works, and almsgiving in the latter category. The passage is also read as a proof text for the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, according to which every believer is a priest who offers such sacrifices.
• Reading that emphasizes praise: In Pentecostal and charismatic circles and in praise ministry settings, attention is drawn to the word "continually" in verse 15. Praise offered in good times and hard times alike is understood as an offering presented to God.
• Reading as whole-life worship: Many commentators treat verses 15 and 16 as a pair. In this view, the confession of the lips directed toward God and the good works and sharing directed toward one's neighbor together constitute a single sacrifice.
• Difference from Roman Catholicism: The Eucharistic Prayer of the Roman Mass includes the expression "sacrifice of praise" (sacrificium laudis), and the Catholic Church understands the Eucharist as a sacrifice that makes present the one sacrifice of Christ. Protestants generally read this passage as speaking of believers' thanksgiving and good works rather than of the Eucharist itself.

Debates and Issues

• Citation applied to praise alone: Some object to isolating verse 15 as a basis for calling musical worship a "sacrifice," arguing that it must be read together with the good works and sharing of verse 16. Some pastors and theologians also contend that simply equating musical worship with Old Testament sacrifice runs counter to the argument of Hebrews, which stresses Christ's once-for-all sacrifice.
• Translation: Korean Bible translations render the word for "praise" with several different terms. The Greek word underlying "giving thanks" in verse 15 means "to confess," and some translations render it "confessing."

In the Korean Church

In Korean Protestant churches, the phrase "sacrifice of praise" is widely used with reference to this passage in worship team ministry and at praise gatherings. The English worship song "We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise" is reported to have been translated and sung in Korean as "Offering the Sacrifice of Praise." Verse 16 is frequently cited in Korean sermons on offerings, almsgiving, and thanksgiving offerings.

Related Passages

• Psalm 50:14
• Hosea 14:2
• 1 Peter 2:5
• Psalm 51:16-17
• James 2:15-17