Hebrews 13:4

Marriage. For comment on Christian ideals with respect to the responsibilities and privileges of the marriage relationship see on 1 Cor. 7; cf. on Matt. 5:28-32; 19:5-10.

Honourable in all. The first part of the verse may be translated, “Marriage is to be held in honor by all,” or “Let all respect marriage.” The marriage institution was ordained by a wise Creator to be a great blessing to human beings, and when the purpose of the Creator is carried out in family life, immeasurable good results. Only when marriage is perverted to serve unworthy purposes does marriage lose the quality of being “honourable.”

Bed undefiled. This part of the verse may be translated, “let the bed be undefiled” (cf. above under “honourable in all”). It is possible for the bed to be defiled, hence the apostle counsels his readers to keep it pure and honorable and not to degrade it into an instrument for the gratification of base lust. On the other hand, the idea held by some that the intimacies of married life are dishonorable or that they necessarily detract from nobility of character is an artifice of the devil that dishonors one of the arrangements the Creator ordained and pronounced good. See on 1 Cor. 7:3-5.

Whoremongers. Or, “immoral persons.” See on Matt. 5:32.

Adulterers. See on Ex. 20:14; Matt. 5:32.

God will judge. That is, along with all others who have persistently lived in violation of the principles set forth in His holy law, at the last day (see on Rev. 21:8).