Hebrews 10:39
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But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
A Pauline elegant turning-off from denunciatory warnings to charitable hopes of his readers (Rom 8:12). saving of the soul--literally, "acquisition (or obtaining) of the soul." The kindred Greek verb is applied to Christ's acquiring the Church as the purchase of His blood (Act 20:28). If we acquire or obtain our soul's salvation, it is through Him who has obtained it for us by His bloodshedding. "The unbelieving man loses his soul: for not being God's, neither is he his own [compare Mat 16:26, with Luk 9:25]: faith saves the soul by linking it to God" [DELITZSCH in ALFORD]. Next: Hebrews Chapter 11
Open source ↗The apostle knew very well that the Hebrews, to whom he wrote, were strangely fond of the Levitical dispensation, and therefore he fills his mouth with arguments to wean them from it; and in order thereto proceeds in this chapter, I. To lay low the whole of that priesthood and sacrifice (Heb 10:1-6). II. He raises and exalts the priesthood of Christ very high, that he might effectually recommend him and his gospel to them (Heb 10:7-18). III. He shows to believers the honours and dignities of their state, and calls them to suitable duties (Heb 10:19 to the end).
Open source ↗10:39 The author ends this section with a statement of confidence in his hearers (see study note on 6:9).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Who then overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
And by that same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he should ask God, who will give life to those who commit this kind of sin. There is a sin that leads to death; I am not saying he should ask regarding that sin.
“I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions.” And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the LORD all that night.
Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first.”
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.”
But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.
For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.