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.

HEBREWS 13:9KJV
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Hebrews 13:9 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 13:9 mean?

Hebrews 13:9 warns readers not to be led away by all sorts of unusual teachings, but instead encourages them to let their hearts be strengthened by grace rather than by rules about food, which have not truly benefited those who follow them. The verse highlights that spiritual stability comes from God’s grace, not from ritual observances.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing believers who may be tempted by new or strange teachings, especially those focused on dietary laws or rituals. In the context of the letter, the author is urging the community to hold fast to the core message of grace in Jesus, rather than getting distracted by external practices that do not bring real spiritual benefit.

The Greek behind Hebrews 13:9

  • "divers" (ποικίλαις, poikilais) and "strange" (ξέναις, xenais) describe teachings that are varied and foreign, suggesting ideas that do not fit with the core message the community has received.
  • "doctrines" (διδαχαῖς, didachais) refers to teachings or instructions, emphasizing that the warning is about teachings themselves, not just behaviors.
  • "established" (βεβαιοῦσθαι, bebaioysthai) means to be made firm or stable, showing that the heart’s security comes from something solid—here, grace.
  • "meats" (βρώμασιν, brōmasin) refers to foods, pointing to ritual dietary rules, which the writer says have not truly helped those who focus on them.

Why Hebrews 13:9 matters

  • Hebrews 13:9 clarifies that outward religious practices, like dietary rules, are not the foundation of spiritual life; grace is what truly strengthens and grounds a person’s heart.
  • The verse helps readers see the difference between teachings that distract and those that build up, encouraging discernment about what is truly helpful for faith.
  • This instruction ties back to the broader message of Hebrews, which contrasts the old covenant’s rituals with the new covenant’s focus on Jesus and grace.

Where else these words appear

“Be” Greek G4064 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 6:55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.
  • 2 Corinthians 4:10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
  • Ephesians 4:14 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;

“established” Greek G950 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
  • 2 Corinthians 1:21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

“divers” Greek G4164 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • 2 Timothy 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
  • James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

“strange” Greek G3581 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
  • Matthew 27:7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
  • Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: