Chapter
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Verse

Hebrews 10:38

ESV but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him."
NIV And, "But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back."
NASB BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE WILL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.
CSB But my righteous one will live by faith; and if he draws back, I have no pleasure in him.
NLT And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.'
KJV Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
NKJV Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”

What does Hebrews 10:38 mean?

The prior verse began a loose, combined paraphrase of Old Testament Scriptures. One is Isaiah 26:21, the other is Habakkuk 2:3–4. The context of this remark is encouragement, following a dire warning. Earlier, the writer gave a fiery description of God's punishment for those who willfully reject His will (Hebrews 10:26–29). This was followed by words of reassurance, reminding the letter's original readers that they had already endured persecution in the past (Hebrews 10:32–34).

The writer's intent here is to highlight the basic theme carried through the entire letter of Hebrews. This is summarized in verses 35 and 36. God has made it clear the Jesus is His solution for our sin, and with that confidence we ought to "hold fast" to our faith. Those who fall into doubt or disobedience will be subject to consequences (Hebrews 3:12–19), though they cannot lose their eternal salvation (John 10:28–29).

This combination of warning and encouragement fills the gap between two major sections of this letter. Earlier, the writer completed a long, detailed explanation of how the new covenant is superior to the old covenant. Through the rest of the letter, he will expand on the meaning and application of these truths.
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