But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

HEBREWS 10:39KJV
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Hebrews 10:39 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 10:39 mean?

Hebrews 10:39 says that the writer and his audience do not belong to those who abandon their faith and end up destroyed, but instead are among those who trust and are saved. The verse draws a clear line between turning away and holding on to faith, pointing to the outcome of each path.

The writer of Hebrews is encouraging believers who are facing pressure and hardship. He reassures them that they are not like people who "draw back" or give up, which leads to "perdition" (ruin or loss). Instead, he identifies them as people who continue to believe, which results in the "saving of the soul"—a phrase that points to rescue or preservation, not just physical life but their whole being.

The Greek behind Hebrews 10:39

  • ὑποστολή (hypostolē, "draw back"): This word is often understood as shrinking back or withdrawing, especially in the face of difficulty. It carries a sense of retreat that leads to loss, not just a moment of doubt.
  • ἀπώλεια (apōleia, "perdition"): This word means destruction or ruin, often used for complete loss rather than just temporary trouble. The verse warns that turning back leads to this kind of final loss.
  • πίστις (pistis, "believe"): The Greek here points to ongoing trust or faithfulness, not just a one-time belief. The emphasis is on a steady, enduring faith.
  • περιποίησις (peripoiēsis, "saving"): This word means preservation or gaining possession. In this context, it highlights that faith leads to being kept safe or rescued, not just from danger but for something valuable.

Why Hebrews 10:39 matters

  • Hebrews 10:39 clarifies that faith is not just a single act but an ongoing trust that leads to real rescue, especially in the face of hardship.
  • The verse reassures readers that belonging to the group that endures is possible and expected, not just an unreachable ideal.
  • This verse connects to the larger message of Hebrews 10, which contrasts those who shrink back with those who persevere, setting up the famous "faith" chapter that follows.

Where else these words appear

“saving” Greek G4047 · used in 5 verses

  • Ephesians 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“perdition” Greek G684 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
  • Romans 9:22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
  • 2 Peter 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

“are” Greek G2070 · used in 51 verses

  • Mark 5:9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
  • Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
  • Galatians 4:28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

“soul” Greek G5590 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 2:20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
  • Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.