Hebrews 13:15
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Context
Near the close of the letter, this verse applies the priesthood and sacrifice themes to the believer's life, naming praise as the sacrifice offered to God through Christ.
What Does Hebrews 13:15 Mean?
Hebrews 13:15 calls believers to continually offer God a sacrifice of praise through Christ -- the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. The phrase "by him" is essential: praise is offered to God through Jesus. Following the letter's long discussion of priesthood and sacrifice, this verse names a sacrifice that believers themselves bring, made acceptable through Christ. It is not the blood of animals but the offering of thankful praise.
Praise is called a "sacrifice," which dignifies it and also implies cost and intention. True praise is not always easy; offering it amid hardship makes it a genuine sacrifice of devotion. The word "continually" sets the rhythm: this praise is not reserved for special moments but is an ongoing way of life. The verse then explains what the sacrifice is -- "the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." Praise rises naturally as fruit from a grateful heart, expressed in words that honor God. To give thanks to His name is to acknowledge who He is and all He has done. Set near the end of the letter, this verse turns the great themes of priesthood and offering toward the reader's daily life. Having received so much through Christ, the fitting response is a steady, thankful offering of praise to God.
In the Original Language
The Greek thysia ("sacrifice") refers to an offering, and the phrase karpos cheileōn ("fruit of our lips") pictures praise as produce rising from the heart.
Cross References
“Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.”
- Psalms 50:23
“I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
- Psalms 34:1
“But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
- Hebrews 13:16
Application
Make thankful praise to God a continual habit through Christ, offering it as a deliberate sacrifice even when circumstances make gratitude difficult.