Hebrews 10:38

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} the just {G1342} shall live {G2198} by {G1537} faith {G4102}: but {G2532} if {G1437} any man draw back {G5288}, my {G3450} soul {G5590} shall have {G2106} no {G3756} pleasure {G2106} in {G1722} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the person who is righteous
will live his life by trusting,
and if he shrinks back,
I will not be pleased with him.”

Berean Standard Bible

But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.”

American Standard Version

But my righteous one shall live by faith: And if he shrink back, my soul hath no pleasure in him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 10:38 is a pivotal declaration affirming that the righteous life is sustained by unwavering faith, while simultaneously issuing a profound warning against spiritual regression. It underscores the divine principle that genuine salvation is evidenced by persistent trust in God, and that any deliberate turning away from this commitment incurs the severe displeasure of the Almighty. This verse encapsulates the call to endurance and fidelity, serving as both an encouragement to steadfastness and a solemn caution against apostasy within the Christian walk.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at a critical juncture in the Epistle to the Hebrews, following the author's extensive theological exposition on the superiority of Christ's person and work over the Old Covenant system. Chapters 9 and the first part of chapter 10 meticulously detail Christ's once-for-all, perfect sacrifice, which inaugurated a "new and living way" into God's presence ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")). Having established this profound theological foundation, the author transitions into a series of urgent exhortations and warnings. The immediate verses preceding 10:38 encourage the readers to "hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering" ([Hebrews 10:23](/hebrews/10-23 "Hebrews 10:23 - Hold Fast to Faith")) and to "consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works" ([Hebrews 10:24](/hebrews/10-24 "Hebrews 10:24 - Encourage One Another")). This is followed by a stark warning against "willful sin" after receiving the knowledge of the truth, which leaves no further sacrifice for sins ([Hebrews 10:26](/hebrews/10-26 "Hebrews 10:26 - Warning Against Willful Sin")). The author then reassures them of Christ's imminent return, stating, "For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry" ([Hebrews 10:37](/hebrews/10-37 "Hebrews 10:37 - Christ's Imminent Return")), providing a powerful impetus for endurance before delivering the solemn declaration of verse 38.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews was likely a community of Jewish Christians, possibly in Rome, who were facing significant pressure, persecution, and temptation to revert to Judaism. This pressure could have stemmed from external societal hostility, internal weariness from prolonged suffering, or the allure of returning to the familiar, tangible rituals of the Old Covenant temple worship, which seemed safer and more accepted than the nascent, often persecuted Christian faith. The author's repeated emphasis on the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant, along with the severe warnings against apostasy, directly addresses their specific spiritual vulnerability. The concept of "drawing back" would have resonated deeply with those considering abandoning their Christian confession for the perceived security of their former traditions, highlighting the high stakes involved in their spiritual choices.
* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 10:38 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Justification by Faith**, echoing the foundational truth that righteousness before God is not achieved through works of the law but through an active, ongoing reliance on Him. Secondly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Perseverance and Endurance**, emphasizing that true faith is not merely a one-time decision but a continuous journey requiring steadfastness, especially amidst trials and temptations. The warning against "drawing back" underscores the critical importance of enduring to the end, a concept explored throughout the epistle in passages like [Hebrews 3:14](/hebrews/3-14 "Hebrews 3:14 - Holding Fast Our Confidence") and [Hebrews 12:1-3](/hebrews/12-1-3 "Hebrews 12:1-3 - Running with Endurance"). Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **Divine Approval and Disapproval**, revealing God's profound pleasure in those who live by faith and endure, contrasted with His severe displeasure toward those who abandon their confession. This serves as a potent reminder of the serious consequences of spiritual regression and the ultimate importance of remaining in God's favor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **just (Greek, _díkaios'_):** This term describes one who is equitable in character and act, innocent, or holy. In a theological sense, it refers to those who have been declared righteous by God through faith, standing in a right relationship with Him. It implies not merely moral uprightness but a divinely imputed and sustained righteousness.
* **live (Greek, _záō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to live," either literally or figuratively. Here, it signifies spiritual life, vitality, and the ongoing sustenance of one's existence in a relationship with God. It denotes an active, dynamic state of being, not merely a static declaration.
* **draw back (Greek, _hypostéllō'_):** This word literally means "to withhold under (out of sight)," or reflexively, "to cower or shrink." Figuratively, it implies concealing, reserving, or withdrawing. In this context, it describes a deliberate act of spiritual retreat, timidity, or a conscious turning away from a commitment or truth, rather than an accidental stumble. It suggests a wilful abandonment of faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the just shall live by faith:"** This opening clause is a direct quotation from Habakkuk 2:4 (LXX) and is foundational to New Testament theology. It asserts that those who are righteous in God's sight—not by their own merit, but by His grace—will find their very life, both spiritual and eternal, sustained through an active, continuous trust and reliance on God. This "faith" is not a passive belief but an active, dynamic principle that governs one's entire existence and relationship with the divine.
* **"but if [any man] draw back,"** This introduces a stark conditional warning. The conjunction "but" (G2532, _kaí_) marks a sharp contrast to the preceding declaration. "Draw back" signifies a deliberate, conscious act of shrinking away from or abandoning the faith and commitment previously embraced. It implies a regression from the path of righteousness, a withdrawal from the Christian confession, or a return to former ways of life that deny Christ's supremacy and sufficiency. The phrase "[any man]" is supplied by the KJV translators for clarity, but the Greek implies a general potential for anyone to draw back.
* **"my soul shall have no pleasure in him."** This is a powerful and solemn statement of divine disapproval. The "my soul" refers to God Himself, using an anthropomorphism to express His profound displeasure. To "have no pleasure" (G2106, _eudokéō_, with the negative G3756, _ou_) indicates a complete lack of divine approval, acceptance, or delight. This is not a light matter but signifies a grave spiritual state that results in alienation from God's favor and risks eternal condemnation, as the subsequent verse (Hebrews 10:39) further clarifies.

#### Literary Devices
Hebrews 10:38 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. Firstly, it utilizes **Quotation**, directly citing Habakkuk 2:4 (LXX), thereby grounding its New Covenant exhortation in Old Testament prophetic truth and establishing a continuity of divine principle. This also highlights the universal and timeless nature of living by faith. Secondly, the verse employs **Juxtaposition**, sharply contrasting the life-giving principle of faith ("the just shall live by faith") with the destructive consequence of apostasy ("if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him"). This stark contrast effectively underscores the critical choice facing the audience. Thirdly, it uses a **Conditional Statement** ("but if [any man] draw back"), which presents a clear cause-and-effect relationship, emphasizing the personal responsibility and the serious implications of one's spiritual choices. Finally, the phrase "my soul shall have no pleasure in him" is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like emotion (pleasure/displeasure) to God to convey the intensity of His righteous judgment and the gravity of drawing back from faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 10:38 is a theological cornerstone, asserting that true spiritual life is intrinsically linked to an active, enduring faith. It teaches that God's pleasure rests upon those who steadfastly trust Him, while His disapproval falls upon those who, having embraced the truth, deliberately retreat from it. This verse highlights the dynamic nature of faith as an ongoing reliance, not merely a past event, and underscores the profound seriousness of perseverance in the Christian journey. It resonates with the biblical emphasis on the necessity of enduring to the end for salvation to be fully realized, warning against the spiritual peril of apostasy.

* [Habakkuk 2:4](/habakkuk/2-4 "Habakkuk 2:4 - The Just Shall Live by His Faith")
* [Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - Righteousness by Faith")
* [Galatians 3:11](/galatians/3-11 "Galatians 3:11 - No One Justified by Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 10:38 is a powerful call to examine the depth and consistency of our faith. It challenges believers to move beyond a mere intellectual assent to Christian doctrines and to embrace a dynamic, living trust in God that permeates every aspect of life. In a world that constantly tempts us to compromise, grow weary, or abandon our convictions, this verse serves as a crucial reminder that our spiritual vitality and God's approval are contingent upon our steadfastness. It compels us to cultivate a faith that endures through trials, resists temptations to regress, and remains firmly anchored in Christ. This ongoing perseverance is not a means to earn salvation, but rather the authentic evidence of a genuine relationship with God, sustained by His grace. Therefore, we are called to vigilance, to encourage one another, and to continually fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, so that we may not shrink back but press on to the full assurance of hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "living by faith" practically look like in my daily life, beyond mere belief?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to "draw back" from my commitment to Christ, and how can I guard against this?**
* **How does the concept of God's "pleasure" or "displeasure" motivate or challenge my spiritual walk?**

### FAQ

**Does "draw back" in this verse imply that a true believer can lose their salvation?**

Answer: The interpretation of "draw back" (G5288, _hypostéllō_) is a complex theological question. While some interpret it as a warning against the loss of salvation for genuine believers, others view it as a warning to those who have made an outward profession of faith but lack true, saving faith, or as a warning against a loss of reward or fellowship, not eternal destiny. The context of Hebrews, particularly the subsequent verse [Hebrews 10:39](/hebrews/10-39 "Hebrews 10:39 - Not of Them Who Draw Back Unto Perdition"), which speaks of "drawing back unto perdition," suggests a dire consequence. However, the author immediately contrasts this with "but of them that believe to the saving of the soul," implying that true believers will persevere. The warning serves to highlight the seriousness of apostasy and to motivate genuine believers to endure, assuring them that their perseverance is evidence of their true faith, sustained by God's power. It's a call to self-examination and steadfastness, not necessarily an assertion that a truly regenerated person can utterly forfeit their eternal standing.

**What is the significance of the quotation from Habakkuk 2:4 in this verse?**

Answer: The quotation "the just shall live by faith" is profoundly significant because it connects the New Testament understanding of salvation and righteous living directly to Old Testament prophecy. Habakkuk 2:4 originally spoke of the righteous person enduring faithfully during a time of divine judgment and impending Babylonian invasion. By quoting it, the author of Hebrews (and Paul in [Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed") and [Galatians 3:11](/galatians/3-11 "Galatians 3:11 - Justification by Faith")) establishes a consistent biblical principle: God's people, across all dispensations, are saved and sustained not by their works or adherence to ritual, but by their trust in God. In Hebrews, it underscores that the "new and living way" through Christ is still fundamentally a way of faith, demanding ongoing reliance on God's grace and Christ's finished work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 10:38 finds its ultimate fulfillment and enabling power in Jesus Christ. The "just" who "shall live by faith" are those who have been declared righteous through their faith in Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through the Offering of Jesus Christ")). It is His blood that opened the "new and living way" into God's presence ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")), making it possible for us to approach God with full assurance. Our ability to "live by faith" is not a self-generated power but a grace-empowered response to Christ's work. He is the "author and finisher of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking Unto Jesus")), meaning He initiates and perfects our trust in God. Furthermore, the warning against drawing back is tempered by the reality of Christ's intercession; He ever lives to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). Our perseverance is not solely dependent on our own strength but on His sustaining power and faithfulness. Thus, the pleasure God has in those who live by faith is ultimately a pleasure in those who are found "in Christ," whose faith is anchored in His finished work and ongoing high-priestly ministry.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 3:11

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, [it is] evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Romans 1:17

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Habakkuk 2:4

Behold, his soul [which] is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Psalms 85:8

¶ I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.

Hebrews 6:4

For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

Hebrews 6:6

If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame.

Isaiah 42:1

¶ Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, [in whom] my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.