Bible Strands
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.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The author addresses Jewish Christians facing pressure to abandon their confession, quoting God’s declaration that the righteous live by faith and that shrinking back provokes divine displeasure.
The words — ὑποστολῆς (hupostolēs) literally means “drawing back” or “shrinking back,” describing the act of retreating from faith under pressure.
The thread — This theme of faith as the means of preservation runs through 1 John 5:5, which identifies belief in Jesus as the Son of God as the means of overcoming the world, and 1 Peter 1:5, which links faith to divine shielding for future salvation.
Why it lands — The text demands a conscious choice to stand firm in faith rather than retreat, framing perseverance as the necessary condition for soul preservation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Cross-references
- 1 John 5:5 Who then overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
- 1 Peter 1:5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
- Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:12 in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness.
- 1 Samuel 15:11 “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.
- 2 Peter 3:7 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.
- 1 John 5:16 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.
- Psalms 44:18 Our hearts have not turned back; our steps have not strayed from Your path.
- Luke 11:26 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.”
- John 6:40 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.”