Hebrews 13:9

Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace and not by foods of no value to those devoted to them.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The author addresses early Christian believers to warn them against adopting unconventional religious doctrines that contradict apostolic teaching.

The words — διδαχαῖς (didachais) means "teachings" and ποικίλαις (poikilais) means "various" or "strange," describing the diverse and unfamiliar doctrines the audience is urged to reject.

The thread — The warning against unfamiliar doctrines parallels the exhortation in Ephesians 4:14 to avoid being tossed by every wind of teaching, the call in 1 Timothy 6:3 to reject teachings that contradict sound words, and the caution in Ephesians 5:6 against deception through empty words.

Why it lands — The text commands readers to reject ritualistic or novel doctrines that lack spiritual value and to instead ground their inner life in grace.

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

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.

Cross-references

Ephesians 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.
1 Timothy 6:3 If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching,
Ephesians 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.
Romans 14:6 He who observes a special day does so to the Lord; he who eats does so to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.
1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Matthew 24:4 Jesus answered, “See to it that no one deceives you.
Acts 20:30 Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.
Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.
Galatians 1:6 I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—
Colossians 2:7 rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.