King James Version

What Does Hebrews 10:39 Mean?

Hebrews 10:39 in the King James Version says “But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 10:39 · KJV

Faith

Context

37

For yet a little while , and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

38

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

39

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. This climactic verse concludes chapter 10 with confident assurance. "But we" (hēmeis de, ἡμεῖς δὲ) emphatically distinguishes the author and faithful readers from apostates. Despite stern warnings, the author expresses confidence in their genuine faith. This isn't presumption but appropriate confidence based on evidence of their previous faithfulness (verses 32-34) and continuing endurance.

"Are not of them who draw back unto perdition" (ouk esmen hypostolēs eis apōleian, οὐκ ἐσμὲν ὑποστολῆς εἰς ἀπώλειαν) denies belonging to the apostasy category. Hypostolēs (ὑποστολῆς) means shrinking back, withdrawal. Apōleian (ἀπώλειαν) means destruction, perdition, ruin—the ultimate fate of those who permanently reject Christ. The author confidently asserts that he and genuine believers don't belong to this category destined for destruction.

"But of them that believe to the saving of the soul" (alla pisteōs eis peripoiēsin psychēs, ἀλλὰ πίστεως εἰς περιποίησιν ψυχῆς) identifies them with faithful perseverance. Pisteōs (πίστεως) is genitive of description—they are characterized by faith. Peripoiēsin (περιποίησιν) means preserving, obtaining, possessing—they are of faith that results in soul preservation. This faith perseveres to final salvation, securing the soul for eternity.

The verse balances divine sovereignty and human responsibility. God preserves His elect through persevering faith; genuine believers demonstrate their election by persevering. Those who apostatize prove they were never truly elect (1 John 2:19). True believers, though tested, will persevere because God keeps them through faith (1 Peter 1:5).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This conclusion shows pastoral wisdom. After stern warning against apostasy, the author affirms confidence in the readers' genuine faith. He doesn't presume all are saved nor paralyze them with doubt, but expresses appropriate confidence based on evidence while warning against complacency. This models how to address mixed congregations containing both genuine believers and false professors.

The early church struggled with this balance. Novatianists refused restoration to those who lapsed under persecution, claiming apostasy proved they were never saved. Donatists required re-baptism of those ordained by bishops who had lapsed. Against these extremes, the orthodox church maintained that genuine believers may fall temporarily but will be restored, while permanent apostasy proves profession was false.

The Reformed doctrine of perseverance of the saints affirms both truths: God preserves His elect infallibly, and true saving faith necessarily perseveres. The Westminster Confession (17.1-3) states that true believers may fall into sin but cannot fall totally or finally, and will certainly persevere to eternal salvation. This provides both assurance (God keeps us) and warning (true faith perseveres).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you maintain both confidence in God's preservation of true believers and vigilance against self-deception about your own faith?
  2. What evidence in your life demonstrates genuine persevering faith rather than mere temporary profession?
  3. How can you encourage fellow believers to take seriously both God's warnings and His promises?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ἡμεῖς1 of 12

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

δὲ2 of 12

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

οὐκ3 of 12

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐσμὲν4 of 12

“are”

G2070

we are

ὑποστολῆς5 of 12

“of them who draw back”

G5289

shrinkage (timidity), i.e., (by implication) apostasy

εἰς6 of 12

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἀπώλειαν7 of 12

“perdition”

G684

ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal)

ἀλλὰ8 of 12

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

πίστεως9 of 12

“of them that believe”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

εἰς10 of 12

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

περιποίησιν11 of 12

“the saving”

G4047

acquisition (the act or the thing); by extension, preservation

ψυχῆς12 of 12

“of the soul”

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 10:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 10:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 5:51 Peter 1:5Mark 16:161 Samuel 15:112 Peter 3:71 John 5:16

Test Your Knowledge

Hebrews 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHebrews Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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