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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/10-39.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/58_Heb_10_39.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hebrews 10:39 - A Call to Persevere" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/hebrews/10-39.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/hebrews/10-39.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/hebrews/">Hebrews</a> > <a href="/hebrews/10.htm">Chapter 10</a> > Verse 39</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad19.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/hebrews/10-38.htm" title="Hebrews 10:38">◄</a> Hebrews 10:39 <a href="/hebrews/11-1.htm" title="Hebrews 11:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/hebrews/10.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/hebrews/10.htm">New International Version</a> But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. <a href="/nlt/hebrews/10.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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. <a href="/esv/hebrews/10.htm">English Standard Version</a> But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. <a href="/bsb/hebrews/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. <a href="/blb/hebrews/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But we are not of those drawing back to destruction, but of faith to the preserving of the soul. <a href="/kjv/hebrews/10.htm">King James Bible</a> But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. <a href="/nkjv/hebrews/10.htm">New King James Version</a> But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. <a href="/nasb_/hebrews/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But we are not among those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith for the safekeeping of the soul. <a href="/nasb/hebrews/10.htm">NASB 1995</a> But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul. <a href="/nasb77/hebrews/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul. <a href="/lsb/hebrews/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul. <a href="/amp/hebrews/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a> 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. <a href="/csb/hebrews/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and are saved. <a href="/hcsb/hebrews/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and obtain life. <a href="/asv/hebrews/10.htm">American Standard Version</a> But we are not of them that shrink back unto perdition; but of them that have faith unto the saving of the soul. <a href="/cev/hebrews/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> We are not like those people who turn back and get destroyed. We will keep on having faith until we are saved. <a href="/erv/hebrews/10.htm">English Revised Version</a> But we are not of them that shrink back unto perdition; but of them that have faith unto the saving of the soul. <a href="/gwt/hebrews/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> We don't belong with those who turn back and are destroyed. Instead, we belong with those who have faith and are saved. <a href="/gnt/hebrews/10.htm">Good News Translation</a> We are not people who turn back and are lost. Instead, we have faith and are saved. <a href="/isv/hebrews/10.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now, we do not belong to those who turn back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. <a href="/msb/hebrews/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. <a href="/net/hebrews/10.htm">NET Bible</a> But we are not among those who shrink back and thus perish, but are among those who have faith and preserve their souls. <a href="/nheb/hebrews/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul. <a href="/wbt/hebrews/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But we are not of them who draw back to perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. <a href="/wey/hebrews/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But we are not people who shrink back and perish, but are among those who believe and gain possession of their souls. <a href="/web/hebrews/10.htm">World English Bible</a> But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/hebrews/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> But we are not of those drawing back to destruction, but of those believing to a preserving of soul. <a href="/blb/hebrews/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But we are not of those drawing back to destruction, but of faith to the preserving of the soul. <a href="/ylt/hebrews/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and we are not of those drawing back to destruction, but of those believing to a preserving of soul. <a href="/slt/hebrews/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And we are not of drawing down to perdition; but of faith to the acquisition of the soul.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/hebrews/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But we are not the children of withdrawing unto perdition, but of faith to the saving of the soul. <a href="/cpdv/hebrews/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> So then, we are not sons who are drawn away to perdition, but we are sons of faith toward the securing of the soul. <a href="/nabre/hebrews/10.htm">New American Bible</a> We are not among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and will possess life. <a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost, but among those who have faith and so are saved.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But we do not belong to those who draw back to perdition, but to the faith which restores our soul. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/10.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But we are not of despondency which leads to destruction, but of the faith that imparts to us our soul. <div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/hebrews/10.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But we are not of those who draw back to perdition; but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. <a href="/godbey/hebrews/10.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But we are not of the drawing back unto perdition; but of faith unto the salvation of the soul. <a href="/haweis/hebrews/10.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But we are not of those who turn back unto perdition; but of those who believe to the salvation of the soul.<CM> <a href="/mace/hebrews/10.htm">Mace New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/wey/hebrews/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But we are not people who shrink back and perish, but are among those who believe and gain possession of their souls. <a href="/worrell/hebrews/10.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But we are not of those who draw back to destruction; but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. <a href="/worsley/hebrews/10.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But we are not of those who withdraw to perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. <a href="/parallel/hebrews/10-39.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-IAXXp5zcA?start=2055" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/hebrews/10.htm">A Call to Persevere</a> …38But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.” 39<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: Hēmeis (PPro-N1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">we</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: esmen (V-PIA-1P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/5289.htm" title="5289: hypostolēs (N-GFS) -- A shrinking, drawing back. From hupostello; shrinkage, i.e. apostasy.">of those who shrink back</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">and</a> <a href="/greek/684.htm" title="684: apōleian (N-AFS) -- Destruction, ruin, loss, perishing; eternal ruin. From a presumed derivative of apollumi; ruin or loss.">are destroyed,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pisteōs (N-GFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">of those who have faith</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">and</a> <a href="/greek/4047.htm" title="4047: peripoiēsin (N-AFS) -- Acquiring, obtaining, possessing, possession, ownership. From peripoieomai; acquisition; by extension, preservation.">preserve</a> <a href="/greek/5590.htm" title="5590: psychēs (N-GFS) -- From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.">their souls.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/1-17.htm">Romans 1:17</a> 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.” <a href="/habakkuk/2-4.htm">Habakkuk 2:4</a> Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright—but the righteous will live by faith— <a href="/galatians/3-11.htm">Galatians 3:11</a> Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” <a href="/hebrews/11-1.htm">Hebrews 11:1</a> Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see. <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a> 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. <a href="/james/1-6.htm">James 1:6-8</a> 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. <a href="/1_john/5-4.htm">1 John 5:4</a> because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith. <a href="/matthew/24-13.htm">Matthew 24:13</a> But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. <a href="/1_peter/1-9.htm">1 Peter 1:9</a> now that you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Philippians 3:12-14</a> 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. <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7-8</a> 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. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-7.htm">2 Corinthians 5:7</a> For we walk by faith, not by sight. <a href="/luke/8-15.htm">Luke 8:15</a> 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. <a href="/john/6-39.htm">John 6:39-40</a> 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.” <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:9</a> For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But we are not of them who draw back to perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.we are.<a href="/hebrews/6-6.htm">Hebrews 6:6-9</a> 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… <a href="/1_samuel/15-11.htm">1 Samuel 15:11</a> 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.<a href="/psalms/44-18.htm">Psalm 44:18</a> Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;unto.<a href="/hebrews/10-26.htm">Hebrews 10:26</a> For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,<a href="/john/17-12.htm">John 17:12</a> 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.<a href="/2_thessalonians/2-3.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:3</a> 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.<a href="/hebrews/11-1.htm">Hebrews 11:1</a> Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.<a href="/mark/16-16.htm">Mark 16:16</a> He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.<a href="/john/3-15.htm">John 3:15,16</a> That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/4-3.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-8.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-27.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-38.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/joshua/9-27.htm">Drawers</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-25.htm">Drawing</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-38.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/titus/1-11.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">Perdition</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-11.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-34.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/luke/2-19.htm">Preserving</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-28.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-10.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/titus/2-11.htm">Saving</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-38.htm">Shrink</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-38.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-19.htm">Souls</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-28.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-28.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/joshua/9-21.htm">Drawers</a> <a href="/revelation/12-4.htm">Drawing</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-1.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/james/1-12.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-7.htm">Perdition</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-31.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Possession</a> <a href="/psalms/121-4.htm">Preserving</a> <a href="/james/1-21.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-20.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-7.htm">Saving</a> <a href="/1_john/2-28.htm">Shrink</a> <a href="/james/5-20.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-3.htm">Souls</a><div class="vheading2">Hebrews 10</div>1. <a href="/hebrews/10-1.htm">The weakness of the law sacrifices.</a> 10. <a href="/hebrews/10-10.htm">The sacrifice of Christ's body once offered,</a> 14. <a href="/hebrews/10-14.htm">for ever has taken away sins.</a> 19. <a href="/hebrews/10-19.htm">An exhortation to hold fast the faith with patience and thanksgiving.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/hebrews/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed This phrase emphasizes the distinction between true believers and those who fall away. The concept of "shrinking back" can be linked to the Israelites in the wilderness who doubted God's promises and faced destruction (<a href="/numbers/14.htm">Numbers 14:1-4</a>). The historical context of Hebrews includes Jewish Christians tempted to revert to Judaism to avoid persecution. The warning against apostasy is a recurring theme in Hebrews (<a href="/hebrews/6-4.htm">Hebrews 6:4-6</a>). The destruction mentioned here is spiritual, aligning with the eternal consequences of rejecting faith in Christ (<a href="/hebrews/10-26.htm">Hebrews 10:26-31</a>).but of those who have faith and preserve their souls Faith is central to the message of Hebrews, as seen in the subsequent chapter, <a href="/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11</a>, which details the faith of the patriarchs. The preservation of the soul is a promise of eternal life, contrasting with the destruction of those who fall away. This phrase echoes <a href="/habakkuk/2-4.htm">Habakkuk 2:4</a>, "the righteous will live by his faith," a verse also quoted in <a href="/romans/1-17.htm">Romans 1:17</a> and <a href="/galatians/3-11.htm">Galatians 3:11</a>, underscoring the doctrine of justification by faith. The preservation of the soul is not just survival but thriving in eternal communion with God, a theme consistent with the New Testament's teachings on salvation (<a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a>, <a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_author_of_hebrews.htm">The Author of Hebrews</a> Traditionally attributed to Paul, though the exact authorship is uncertain. The author writes to Jewish Christians facing persecution. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jewish_christians.htm">Jewish Christians</a> The primary audience of the letter, who were experiencing pressure to revert to Judaism due to persecution. 3. <a href="/topical/p/persecution.htm">Persecution</a> The context in which the letter was written, as the early Christians faced trials for their faith. 4. <a href="/topical/f/faithful_believers.htm">Faithful Believers</a> Those who are encouraged to persevere in their faith and not shrink back. 5. <a href="/topical/d/destruction_and_preservation.htm">Destruction and Preservation</a> The contrasting outcomes for those who shrink back versus those who maintain their faith.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_faith.htm">Perseverance in Faith</a> The Greek word for "shrink back" (hypostol?) implies a retreat or withdrawal. Believers are called to stand firm in their faith despite challenges. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequence_of_shrinking_back.htm">The Consequence of Shrinking Back</a> The text warns of destruction for those who retreat. This serves as a sobering reminder of the stakes involved in our spiritual journey. <a href="/topical/t/the_reward_of_faith.htm">The Reward of Faith</a> Preservation of the soul is promised to those who maintain their faith. This assurance should motivate believers to remain steadfast. <a href="/topical/c/community_support.htm">Community Support</a> The letter to the Hebrews often emphasizes the importance of community. Believers should encourage one another to persevere. <a href="/topical/l/living_by_faith.htm">Living by Faith</a> Faith is not just a belief but a way of life. It involves trusting God in all circumstances and acting in accordance with His will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hebrews_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 10</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_exegetical_theology.htm">How can one achieve personal and societal harmony?</a> <a href="/q/what_constitutes_the_sin_of_unbelief.htm">What constitutes the sin of unbelief?</a> <a href="/q/is_king_saul_considered_saved.htm">Is King Saul considered saved?</a> <a href="/q/is_constant_reform_always_needed.htm">What does Hebrews 10:23 mean about God's faithfulness?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hebrews/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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 <a href="/luke/17-33.htm" title="Whoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.">Luke 17:33</a>, though deeper in meaning) see the Note on <a href="/hebrews/10-34.htm" title="For you had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that you have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.">Hebrews 10:34</a>. The exhortation thus closes with words of encouragement and hope.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hebrews/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>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. <a href="/commentaries/hebrews/10-39.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. we Ἡμεῖς (Hēmeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. are ἐσμὲν (esmen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_5289.htm">Strong's 5289: </a> A shrinking, drawing back. From hupostello; shrinkage, i.e. apostasy. [and] εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. are destroyed, ἀπώλειαν (apōleian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_684.htm">Strong's 684: </a> Destruction, ruin, loss, perishing; eternal ruin. From a presumed derivative of apollumi; ruin or loss. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. of [those who have] faith πίστεως (pisteōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. [and] εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. preserve περιποίησιν (peripoiēsin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4047.htm">Strong's 4047: </a> Acquiring, obtaining, possessing, possession, ownership. From peripoieomai; acquisition; by extension, preservation. [their] souls. ψυχῆς (psychēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5590.htm">Strong's 5590: </a> From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/10-39.htm">Hebrews 10:39 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/hebrews/10-39.htm">Hebrews 10:39 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/hebrews/10-39.htm">Hebrews 10:39 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/hebrews/10-39.htm">Hebrews 10:39 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/hebrews/10-39.htm">Hebrews 10:39 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/10-39.htm">Hebrews 10:39 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/10-39.htm">Hebrews 10:39 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/10-39.htm">Hebrews 10:39 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/10-39.htm">Hebrews 10:39 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/hebrews/10-39.htm">Hebrews 10:39 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-39.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of those who (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/10-38.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 10:38"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 10:38" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/11-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 11:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 11:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>