According to BAGD, this should better be translated as “allow yourselves to be persuaded by,” rather than “obey.” The entire chapter Hebrews 13 interlinear (Greek/English), translated word by word and with Greek grammar parsing codes, free online ... Hebrews 13:17. To get what Hebrews 13:17 means based on its source text, scroll down or follow these links for the original scriptural meaning , biblical context and relative popularity. In this case, the word appears in the New Testament. Rulership in the Church. It’s always so fascinating. Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you (NASB: Lockman). There is no word like that in Hebrews 13:17. The present imperative middle form, used here, means "permit oneself to be persuaded," "yield to persuasion." That is, the Greek words for Obey, Leaders, and Submit. An examination of this biblical evidence is essential to answering the question of whether Hebrews 13:17 justifies tithing. So now, instead of "obey … Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. It is a military term, meaning literally “to rank under.” (NIV) The NIV adds the word "authority" to the text where there is no word to represent it in the Greek. Three words are mistranslated in Hebrews 13:17. Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. Several things should be noted about Hebrews 13:17 and 1Thess 5:12. The word “obey” has several definitions. I. I welcome comments from more knowledgeable students of Greek.] The Greek word translated as "obey" is peitho, which means to be convinced or persuaded.This is someone who listens to reason and then implements the truth in his life. First I will give the definition of the English word then I will give the definition of the Greek word that is actually in the text. Hebrews 13:17 (ESV) 17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Key Verse: “He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation.” -- Hebrews 5:9 The two words, obey and submit, are also two different words in Greek, each with subtleties of meaning. In the case of Hebrews 13:17, the word translated “obey” is peitho in the middle voice. A third word thrown into Hebrews 13:17 that is often in the translation but is not even there in the original Greek text to begin with is "authority." (I love doing this part. Its meaning varies depending on how it’s used in the Bible. So with all those Scriptures for our framework, let’s examine the passage in question, Hebrews 13:17. Consider each of the 3 key words in the verse. THAT THE DUE OBEDIENCE OF THE CHURCH, IN ALL ITS MEMBERS, UNTO THE RULERS OF IT, IN THE DISCHARGE OF THEIR OFFICE AND DUTY, IS THE BEST MEANS OF ITS EDIFICATION, AND THE CHIEF CAUSE OF ORDER AND PEACE IN THE WHOLE BODY. Answer: "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you" (Hebrews 13:17).. Obey. The word "obey" comes from the Greek peitho, "to persuade." The Greek word for "authority" is εξουσια ("exousia"). Hebrews 13:17. Hebrews 13:17 : “ Obey your leaders, and submit to them , for they keep watch over your souls, as giving an account, in order that they may do this with joy and not groaning, for this would be unprofitable for you.” (Look again at the definition of the Greek word “peitho” and … The word most often translated as submit or subject is hupotasso. Obey them that have the rule. It … The Biblical Illustrator.