Hebrews 10:39
New International Version
But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

New Living Translation
But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.

English Standard Version
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

Berean Standard Bible
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

Berean Literal Bible
But we are not of those drawing back to destruction, but of faith to the preserving of the soul.

King James Bible
But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

New King James Version
But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.

New American Standard Bible
But we are not among those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith for the safekeeping of the soul.

NASB 1995
But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.

NASB 1977
But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.

Legacy Standard Bible
But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.

Amplified Bible
But our way is not that of those who shrink back to destruction, but [we are] of those who believe [relying on God through faith in Jesus Christ, the Messiah] and by this confident faith preserve the soul.

Christian Standard Bible
But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and are saved.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and obtain life.

American Standard Version
But we are not of them that shrink back unto perdition; but of them that have faith unto the saving of the soul.

Contemporary English Version
We are not like those people who turn back and get destroyed. We will keep on having faith until we are saved.

English Revised Version
But we are not of them that shrink back unto perdition; but of them that have faith unto the saving of the soul.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We don't belong with those who turn back and are destroyed. Instead, we belong with those who have faith and are saved.

Good News Translation
We are not people who turn back and are lost. Instead, we have faith and are saved.

International Standard Version
Now, we do not belong to those who turn back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

Majority Standard Bible
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

NET Bible
But we are not among those who shrink back and thus perish, but are among those who have faith and preserve their souls.

New Heart English Bible
But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul.

Webster's Bible Translation
But we are not of them who draw back to perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Weymouth New Testament
But we are not people who shrink back and perish, but are among those who believe and gain possession of their souls.

World English Bible
But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
But we are not of those drawing back to destruction, but of those believing to a preserving of soul.

Berean Literal Bible
But we are not of those drawing back to destruction, but of faith to the preserving of the soul.

Young's Literal Translation
and we are not of those drawing back to destruction, but of those believing to a preserving of soul.

Smith's Literal Translation
And we are not of drawing down to perdition; but of faith to the acquisition of the soul.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But we are not the children of withdrawing unto perdition, but of faith to the saving of the soul.

Catholic Public Domain Version
So then, we are not sons who are drawn away to perdition, but we are sons of faith toward the securing of the soul.

New American Bible
We are not among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and will possess life.

New Revised Standard Version
But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost, but among those who have faith and so are saved.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But we do not belong to those who draw back to perdition, but to the faith which restores our soul.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But we are not of despondency which leads to destruction, but of the faith that imparts to us our soul.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But we are not of those who draw back to perdition; but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.

Godbey New Testament
But we are not of the drawing back unto perdition; but of faith unto the salvation of the soul.

Haweis New Testament
But we are not of those who turn back unto perdition; but of those who believe to the salvation of the soul.

Mace New Testament
as for us, we are not such as desert to their own destruction; but such as persevere in the faith, to the saving of our souls.

Weymouth New Testament
But we are not people who shrink back and perish, but are among those who believe and gain possession of their souls.

Worrell New Testament
But we are not of those who draw back to destruction; but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.

Worsley New Testament
But we are not of those who withdraw to perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Call to Persevere
38But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.” 39But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

Cross References
Romans 1:17
For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Habakkuk 2:4
Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright—but the righteous will live by faith—

Galatians 3:11
Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.”

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

James 1:6-8
But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. / That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. / He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

1 John 5:4
because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.

Matthew 24:13
But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.

1 Peter 1:9
now that you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. / Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, / I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. / From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.

2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Luke 8:15
But the seeds on good soil are those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, cling to it, and by persevering produce a crop.

John 6:39-40
And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. / For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

1 Thessalonians 5:9
For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.


Treasury of Scripture

But we are not of them who draw back to perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

we are.

Hebrews 6:6-9
If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame…

1 Samuel 15:11
It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

Psalm 44:18
Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;

unto.

Hebrews 10:26
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

John 17:12
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

2 Thessalonians 2:3
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

but.

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

John 3:15,16
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life…

Jump to Previous
Believe Destroyed Destruction Draw Drawers Drawing Faith Gain Perdition Perish Possession Preserving Salvation Saved Saving Shrink Soul Souls
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Believe Destroyed Destruction Draw Drawers Drawing Faith Gain Perdition Perish Possession Preserving Salvation Saved Saving Shrink Soul Souls
Hebrews 10
1. The weakness of the law sacrifices.
10. The sacrifice of Christ's body once offered,
14. for ever has taken away sins.
19. An exhortation to hold fast the faith with patience and thanksgiving.














But we are not
This phrase sets a definitive tone of identity and assurance. The Greek word for "we are" is "ἐσμέν" (esmen), which is a form of the verb "to be," indicating a state of existence or identity. The author of Hebrews is making a clear distinction between the audience and those who fall away. This is a call to recognize the steadfastness and perseverance that should characterize believers. Historically, the early Christian community faced persecution and trials, and this statement serves as a reminder of their distinct calling and identity in Christ.

of those who shrink back
The phrase "shrink back" comes from the Greek word "ὑποστολή" (hypostolē), which implies a retreat or withdrawal. In the context of Hebrews, this refers to those who abandon their faith under pressure or persecution. The historical context of the early church, which faced significant opposition, highlights the temptation to revert to old ways or abandon the faith. This phrase serves as a warning against apostasy and encourages believers to stand firm in their convictions.

and are destroyed
The Greek word for "destroyed" is "ἀπώλεια" (apōleia), which can mean ruin or loss. In a spiritual sense, it refers to eternal separation from God. The use of this word underscores the severe consequences of turning away from faith. Theologically, it emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the Christian journey, as the ultimate goal is salvation and eternal life with God.

but of those who have faith
The word "faith" is translated from the Greek "πίστις" (pistis), which denotes trust, belief, and confidence in God. Faith is a central theme in the book of Hebrews, particularly in chapter 11, which follows this verse and elaborates on the examples of faith throughout biblical history. This phrase highlights the positive contrast to those who shrink back, emphasizing the active and enduring nature of true faith.

and preserve their souls
The Greek word for "preserve" is "περιποίησις" (peripoiēsis), which means to acquire or obtain. In this context, it implies the safeguarding or maintaining of one's soul. The "soul" (ψυχή, psychē) refers to the eternal aspect of a person. This phrase assures believers that through faith, their souls are kept secure in Christ. It reflects the biblical promise of eternal life and the hope that sustains believers through trials and tribulations.

(39) Of them who draw back.--Literally, But we are not of drawing (or shrinking) back unto perdition, but of faith unto the gaining of the soul. On the last words (which are nearly identical with those of Luke 17:33, though deeper in meaning) see the Note on Hebrews 10:34. The exhortation thus closes with words of encouragement and hope.

Verse 39. - But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe unto the saving of the soul; literally, not of the drawing back unto... but of faith unto, etc. Thus, once more before proceeding to the subject now before him, the writer is careful to disclaim any real expectation of defection in his readers, and with delicacy he includes himself with them by his use of the nominative plural.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

we
Ἡμεῖς (Hēmeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

are
ἐσμὲν (esmen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

of [those who] shrink back
ὑποστολῆς (hypostolēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5289: A shrinking, drawing back. From hupostello; shrinkage, i.e. apostasy.

[and]
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

are destroyed,
ἀπώλειαν (apōleian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 684: Destruction, ruin, loss, perishing; eternal ruin. From a presumed derivative of apollumi; ruin or loss.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

of [those who have] faith
πίστεως (pisteōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

[and]
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

preserve
περιποίησιν (peripoiēsin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4047: Acquiring, obtaining, possessing, possession, ownership. From peripoieomai; acquisition; by extension, preservation.

[their] souls.
ψυχῆς (psychēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5590: From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.


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NT Letters: Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of those who (Heb. He. Hb)
Hebrews 10:38
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