Hebrews 13:14

14 Here we do not have a city that lasts. But we are looking for the city that is going to come.

Hebrews 13:14 Meaning and Commentary

Hebrews 13:14

For here have we no continuing city
Neither for religious worship, the city of Jerusalem being quickly to be destroyed, nor for civil life to dwell in; and so may have a peculiar regard to the Hebrews, whose temple and city would, in a short time, become desolate; though it was the general case of the saints, in those times, to be obliged to flee from one city to another, having no certain dwelling place: and it may respect the common instability of this world, and of the state of the saints in it: this world, and all things in it, are unstable and transitory, the riches, honours, pleasures, and profits of it, and the persons in it, and even the world itself; the fashion of it passes away: the saints have no settlement and abiding here; they are not of it, though in it; and though they are in it, it is but for a time; and, when they have done the will of God, they are taken out of it; another place is prepared for them: they are but sojourners, and strangers, and pilgrims; and this they are sensible of, and own, and acknowledge: and it is their mercy, that they are not to continue here; since, while in it, they are exposed to a great many sorrows and afflictions, both of soul and body; are often disturbed with Satan's temptations; and are liable to the snares, insults, and reproaches of the world; and, seeing they have no continuance here, they will be the sooner at home: and they have that to support them, under the instability of worldly things, which others have not; they are interested in an unchangeable God, and in his love; and in an unchangeable Saviour; and in an unchangeable covenant; and have a right to eternal glory and happiness, a city which has foundations, as follows:

but we seek one to come;
heaven; which is compared to a city; is future, yet to come; though certain, being built and prepared by God; and is continuing, will abide, being well founded: hence the saints seek for it; (See Gill on Hebrews 11:10).

Hebrews 13:14 In-Context

12 Jesus also suffered outside the city gate. He suffered to make the people holy by spilling his own blood.

13 So let us go to him outside the camp. Let us be willing to suffer the shame he suffered.

14 Here we do not have a city that lasts. But we are looking for the city that is going to come.

15 So let us never stop offering to God our praise through Jesus. Let us offer it as the fruit of lips that say they believe in him.

16 Don't forget to do good. Don't forget to share with others. God is pleased with those kinds of offerings.