Hebrews 13:9

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.

Be {G4064} not {G3361} carried about {G4064} with divers {G4164} and {G2532} strange {G3581} doctrines {G1322}. For {G1063} it is a good thing {G2570} that the heart {G2588} be established {G950} with grace {G5485}; not {G3756} with meats {G1033}, which have {G5623} not {G3756} profited {G5623} them that have been occupied {G4043} therein {G1722}{G3739}.

Do not be carried away by various strange teachings; for what is good is for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods. People who have made these the focus of their lives have not benefited thereby.

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.

Be not carried away by divers and strange teachings: for it is good that the heart be established by grace; not by meats, wherein they that occupied themselves were not profited.

Commentary

Hebrews 13:9 is a vital admonition for believers to remain steadfast in their faith, warning against the dangers of being swayed by teachings that deviate from the core truth of the Gospel. It underscores the importance of a heart firmly rooted in God's grace rather than human-devised rituals or legalistic observances.

Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were likely struggling with their faith, perhaps facing persecution or being tempted to revert to elements of Judaism. The author has extensively argued for the supremacy of Christ and the superiority of the new covenant over the old Mosaic Law. Chapter 13 provides practical exhortations for Christian living, and this verse specifically addresses the dangers of false doctrines and the futility of ritualistic practices ("meats") that do not bring spiritual profit, contrasting them with the stability found in divine grace.

Key Themes

Warning Against False Teaching

The phrase "divers and strange doctrines" (Greek: didachais poikilais kai xenais) refers to varied, unfamiliar, and potentially harmful teachings. The author urges believers not to be "carried about" by them, implying a lack of spiritual anchor and stability. This highlights the constant need for spiritual discernment and a firm foundation in biblical truth to resist error.

The Centrality of Grace

The antidote to being swayed by false doctrines is for the "heart be established with grace." This emphasizes that true spiritual stability and growth come from understanding and relying on God's unmerited favor through Christ, not on human efforts or adherence to external rules. Grace is the very foundation of the new covenant established by Christ.

Critique of Ritualistic Practices

The contrast with "meats" likely refers to dietary laws or sacrificial meals associated with the Mosaic Law, or possibly even pagan practices. The author states that these "have not profited them that have been occupied therein," meaning they do not bring spiritual benefit, justification, or salvation. This aligns with the New Testament emphasis on Christian liberty from legalism and the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice, rendering ceremonial observances obsolete for spiritual standing.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Carried about" (Greek: peripheresthe): Implies being tossed around, unstable, or easily swayed, much like a ship without a rudder.
  • "Divers and strange doctrines" (Greek: didachais poikilais kai xenais): "Divers" (poikilais) means varied, complex, or multicolored, suggesting a deceptive attractiveness. "Strange" (xenais) means foreign, alien, or new, indicating teachings not rooted in the apostolic truth.
  • "Established" (Greek: bebaiousthai): Means to be made firm, secure, or stable, providing a strong contrast to being "carried about."
  • "Grace" (Greek: chariti): Refers to God's unmerited favor and divine enablement, the core principle of salvation and Christian living under the new covenant.

Practical Application

This verse holds profound relevance for believers today. In an age of abundant information and diverse spiritual claims, we are constantly exposed to various teachings, some subtly deviating from biblical truth. Hebrews 13:9 calls for diligent study of God's Word and reliance on the Holy Spirit to discern truth from error. Our spiritual stability and true progress are not found in adherence to man-made rules, legalistic interpretations, or superficial observances, but in understanding and resting in God's sovereign grace. It encourages believers to focus on the essential truths of the Gospel, cultivating a heart that is firm and unshakeable in its reliance on God's grace through Jesus Christ.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ephesians 4:14 (15 votes)

    That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

  • 1 Timothy 6:3 (13 votes)

    If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

  • 1 Timothy 6:5 (13 votes)

    Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

  • Ephesians 5:6 (13 votes)

    Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

  • Romans 14:6 (10 votes)

    He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

  • Romans 16:17 (9 votes)

    ¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

  • Romans 16:18 (9 votes)

    For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.