Hebrews 13:3-4 - Marriage is Honorable | Speak His Word Only

“Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” — Hebrews 13:3–4 KJV

Remember Those Who Suffer — Verse 3

Hebrews 13:3 teaches believers not to forget those who are imprisoned, persecuted, or suffering adversity. To remember them “as bound with them” means more than simply thinking about them. It calls for compassion that identifies with another believer’s suffering as though we were experiencing it ourselves.

The words “as being yourselves also in the body” remind us of our own human vulnerability. What another person is suffering today could happen to us tomorrow. Christian love therefore does not distance itself from suffering—it responds with compassion, prayer, encouragement, and practical care.

Marriage Is Honourable — Verse 4

The subject then turns to the sanctity of marriage:

“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled…”

Marriage is not something Scripture presents as shameful or spiritually inferior. It is an honorable covenant relationship established by God. Sexual intimacy within marriage is described as undefiled.

But Scripture draws a clear boundary around that covenant:

“but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”

Sexual immorality outside the marriage covenant and adultery within it are treated seriously because God calls His people to faithfulness and holiness.

Personal Application

These two verses teach us about faithfulness in relationships. We should not abandon people when they suffer, and we should not dishonor the covenant relationships God has established.

Ask yourself: Do I remember those who are suffering? Am I willing to stand with others when their circumstances become difficult? Do my attitudes and actions honor God's standard for marriage and sexual purity?

Christian faith is demonstrated not only by what we confess, but also by how faithfully we love, how compassionately we respond to suffering, and how seriously we honor God's instructions for our relationships.