King James Version

What Does Hebrews 13:9 Mean?

Hebrews 13:9 in the King James Version says “Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace;...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein .”

Hebrews 13:9 · KJV

Grace

Context

7

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. have the rule: or, are the guides

8

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

9

Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein .

10

We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

11

For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.

Read Hebrews 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. This warning addresses doctrinal stability versus being 'carried about' (parapheresthe, παραφέρεσθε, 'swept away' or 'led astray') by 'divers and strange doctrines' (didachais poikiais kai xenais, διδαχαῖς ποικίλαις καὶ ξέναις, 'various and foreign teachings'). The maritime metaphor pictures ships blown off course by shifting winds—believers must anchor in truth rather than drifting with theological fads.

The antidote is having 'the heart established with grace' (chariti bebaiousthai tēn kardian, χάριτι βεβαιοῦσθαι τὴν καρδίαν). True stability comes from understanding and resting in God's unmerited favor through Christ, not from external religious practices. The reference to 'meats' (brōmasin, βρώμασιν, 'foods') likely addresses Jewish ceremonial food laws or ascetic practices that some falsely taught were necessary for righteousness. These 'have not profited them that have been occupied therein'—external rituals don't produce genuine spiritual transformation.

This illustrates the Reformed sola gratia principle—salvation and sanctification come through grace alone, not human works or ceremonies. Believers must be grounded in gospel truth: justification by faith alone, Christ's sufficient atonement, free grace. Every doctrine should be tested against Scripture; novel teachings departing from apostolic truth must be rejected. Stability comes not from rigorous rule-keeping but from deep confidence in God's gracious provision in Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish Christianity faced pressure to incorporate Mosaic ceremonial laws into Christian practice. Judaizers taught that Gentile Christians must observe dietary laws, circumcision, and sabbaths (Acts 15; Galatians). Hebrews addressed Jewish Christians tempted to return to temple rituals, food laws, and Old Covenant practices. The author insists these ceremonial matters were shadows fulfilled in Christ; returning to them abandons grace for futile law-keeping. Early church councils (Jerusalem council, Acts 15) addressed these issues, declaring freedom from ceremonial law while maintaining moral law. Throughout church history, believers have faced 'strange doctrines' requiring discernment and commitment to apostolic truth preserved in Scripture.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'strange doctrines'—novel teachings or theological fads—tempt you to drift from biblical truth and gospel grace?
  2. How is your heart established with grace rather than depending on external religious practices or rule-keeping?
  3. What doctrinal anchors keep you stable amid diverse and contradictory teachings in contemporary Christianity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
διδαχαῖς1 of 20

“doctrines”

G1322

instruction (the act or the matter)

ποικίλαις2 of 20

“with divers”

G4164

motley, i.e., various in character

καὶ3 of 20

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ξέναις4 of 20

“strange”

G3581

foreign (literally, alien, or figuratively, novel); by implication, a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer

μὴ5 of 20

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

περιφέρεσθε·6 of 20

“Be”

G4064

to convey around, i.e., transport hither and thither

καλὸν7 of 20

“it is a good thing”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

γὰρ8 of 20

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

χάριτι9 of 20

“with grace”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

βεβαιοῦσθαι10 of 20

“be established”

G950

to stabilitate (figuratively)

τὴν11 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καρδίαν12 of 20

“that the heart”

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

οὐκ13 of 20

“not”

G3756

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

βρώμασιν14 of 20

“with meats”

G1033

food (literally or figuratively), especially (ceremonially) articles allowed or forbidden by the jewish law

ἐν15 of 20

“which”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

οἷς16 of 20
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐκ17 of 20

“not”

G3756

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

ὠφελήθησαν18 of 20

“have”

G5623

to be useful, i.e., to benefit

οἱ19 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

περιπατήσαντες20 of 20

“them that have been occupied therein”

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

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 13:9 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 13:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 4:141 Timothy 6:3-5Ephesians 5:61 John 4:1Romans 14:6Acts 20:30

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