Hebrews 10:38-39
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The surprising part here is that the "drawing back" isn't just a general failure, but specifically refers to the righteous person—the one who was living by faith. This highlights that even those deeply connected to God can turn away, and when they do, God's pleasure is withdrawn from them.
but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is the climax of a passionate argument urging believers to hold onto their faith, even when facing persecution. The author quotes Habakkuk, emphasizing that true life comes from trusting God, and warns that turning away from that trust brings divine displeasure. This stands in direct contrast to the unwavering perseverance the author is calling for in the preceding verses and the following explanation of receiving God's promises through faith.
This verse offers a profound declaration about who truly 'lives' and how. It's not about a passive existence, but an active trust that defines a righteous life.
The core of this verse, echoing Habakkuk 2:4, is that the 'righteous one shall live by faith.' This isn't just about believing in God, but living by a steadfast trust in Him.
Faith as Sustenance
This faith is what sustains the righteous, especially during difficult times. It's a continued confidence in God's promises and His character, even when circumstances are overwhelming.
Source of Life
This life isn't merely physical survival; it's a spiritual vitality, a life lived in God's favor, marked by communion and holiness. It's about maintaining this spiritual life through unwavering trust.
The verse pivots sharply, revealing a solemn consequence for those who falter. What does it mean to 'shrink back,' and why does it displease God so deeply?
The second part of the verse introduces a stark warning: 'and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.' The Greek word used here implies a deliberate withdrawal or a failure to press forward when challenges arise.
Not Just Non-Believers
Crucially, the context suggests this 'shrinking back' is a possibility even for those who are considered 'righteous' or have previously lived by faith. It's not about the initial decision to believe, but the ongoing commitment.
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God's Displeasure
When a righteous person shrinks back—perhaps due to fear, persecution, or doubt—God expresses displeasure. This doesn't necessarily mean forfeiture of salvation for the truly saved, but a loss of His favor and pleasure in that individual's life and actions. It signifies a disconnect from the life of faith that He cherishes.
Understand the original words
dikaios · Greek Adjective
The state of being justified, righteous, or acquitted before God; one who has been made right with God through faith.
pistis · Greek Noun
Trust, reliance, or confident commitment to God and His promises; the primary means by which believers are justified and live their daily lives.
hypostellō · Greek Verb
To draw back, recoil, or withdraw in cowardice or fear, particularly from a commitment to Christ; apostasy.
apōleia · Greek Noun
The ultimate loss, destruction, or ruin; in a spiritual sense, the state of eternal separation from God resulting from unbelief or turning away.
peripoiēsis · Greek Noun
To save, keep safe, or gain possession of; in a spiritual sense, to secure the eternal life or salvation of one's inner being.
The quote from Habakkuk, originally a warning against arrogant invaders and unfaithful Jews during the Babylonian crisis, is powerfully re-applied by the author of Hebrews to encourage Christians facing persecution to persevere in faith, not to shrink back from Christ.
c. 605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's First Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Jerusalem and deports some of the Judean elite, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
c. 597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
After a rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar deports more Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel, to Babylon. Jerusalem's Temple is desecrated.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Babylon destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, ending the kingdom of Judah and sending the remaining population into exile in Babylon.
c. 540 BC— this verse
Habakkuk's Prophecy
The prophet Habakkuk delivers his prophecy in Judah, lamenting the wickedness in the land and questioning God's justice before foretelling judgment through the Babylonians.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, ending the Neo-Babylonian Empire and eventually allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus Christ proclaims the Kingdom of God, teaching and performing miracles, culminating in his crucifixion and resurrection.
c. AD 50-60
Paul's Ministry and Letters
The Apostle Paul spreads the gospel throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches and writing epistles that form a significant part of the New Testament.
This is the original Old Testament passage that Hebrews quotes, providing the foundational text for the concept of the righteous living by faith and the consequences of apostasy.
Romans 1:17Paul directly quotes this same phrase from Habakkuk, emphasizing that salvation comes through faith, further solidifying the theological importance of living by faith.
Galatians 3:11This passage reiterates the theme that the righteous live by faith, connecting it to the Law and contrasting it with salvation through faith in Christ.
Ezekiel 18:24This Old Testament passage presents a similar idea of a righteous person turning away from righteousness and facing severe consequences, highlighting the gravity of 'drawing back'.
Hebrews 6:4-6This section in Hebrews also warns about the impossibility of restoring to repentance those who fall away after experiencing God's grace, reinforcing the serious warning in 10:38.
ellicottHebrews 10:38: "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him."
(38) Now the just shall live by faith. —The Greek text of this clause is not perfectly certain, but it is probable that the word “my” should be added, so that the translation of the verse will be as follows, But my righteous one shall live by faith. In the Hebrew the first part of the verse is altogether different: “Behold his soul is lifted up, it is not upright in him; but the r…
vincentHebrews 10:38: "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him."
Now the just shall live by faith (ὁ δὲ δίκαιός (μου) ἐκ πίστεως ζήσεται)Cited by Paul, Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11. In the original prophecy the just man is contrasted with the haughty Chaldaean invaders, who are puffed up and not upright. Through his steadfast obedience to God he shall be kept alive in the time of confusion and destruction.But if any man draw back (καὶ ἐ…
The surprising part here is that the "drawing back" isn't just a general failure, but specifically refers to the righteous person—the one who was living by faith. This highlights that even those deeply connected to God can turn away, and when they do, God's pleasure is withdrawn from them.
This verse is the climax of a passionate argument urging believers to hold onto their faith, even when facing persecution. The author quotes Habakkuk, emphasizing that true life comes from trusting God, and warns that turning away from that trust brings divine displeasure. This stands in direct contrast to the unwavering perseverance the author is calling for in the preceding verses and the following explanation of receiving God's promises through faith.
This verse is the climax of a passionate argument urging believers to hold onto their faith, even when facing persecution. The author quotes Habakkuk, emphasizing that true life comes from trusting God, and warns that turning away from that trust brings divine displeasure. This stands in direct contrast to the unwavering perseverance the author is calling for in the preceding verses and the following explanation of receiving God's promises through faith.
"but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls." — The surprising part here is that the "drawing back" isn't just a general failure, but specifically refers to the righteous person—the one who was living by faith. This highlights that even those de…
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Last reviewed October 2026
