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)
The verse doesn't just present two outcomes (destruction or salvation), but highlights that true believers belong to the "faith" that leads to the saving of the soul. It's less about a passive state and more about an active identity rooted in clinging to God, which inherently secures our eternal destiny.
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)
The author has just warned against willfully turning away from God after experiencing salvation, emphasizing the severe consequences. Now, he concludes this section with a powerful affirmation of hope for his readers, contrasting those who falter with those who persevere in faith. He asserts that true believers are not defined by their fear and eventual destruction, but by their enduring faith that secures their eternal life.
Ever feel like you're on the edge of giving up? This verse calls out two opposite paths: one leads to ruin, the other to life.
The core contrast here is between 'shrinking back' and 'faith.' 'Shrinking back' (Greek: hypostole) isn't just a moment of doubt; it's a fundamental turning away from faith, a cowardly retreat that leads to destruction (apoleia). It’s like a soldier abandoning their post in fear. On the other hand, 'faith' (pistis) here is active and persevering. It's not just belief, but a deep trust that holds on, especially when things get tough. This active faith is what leads to the 'saving of the soul' (peripoiesis), meaning preservation and ultimate deliverance.
What does it truly mean to 'save your soul'? It's about more than just avoiding hell; it's about gaining eternal life.
The phrase 'preserving their souls' (or 'gaining the soul') is a powerful promise. It's not about earning salvation through our own efforts, but about faith apprehending the salvation God provides. This 'preservation' or 'acquisition' of the soul signifies not just spiritual survival, but the securement of eternal life and ultimate blessedness. It's the result of steadfast faith that trusts God's promises and His power to keep us secure in Him, even amidst trials and temptations.
Understand the original words
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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.
This verse speaks powerfully to believers facing intense pressure and the threat of judgment, particularly in light of the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. It calls them to steadfast faith, assuring them that true belief, not cowardly retreat, leads to the ultimate preservation of their souls.
c. AD 33
Crucifixion of Jesus
The central event of Christian faith, the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, fulfills Old Testament prophecies and provides the basis for salvation.
c. AD 33 - AD 60
Early Church Growth and Persecution
The Christian movement spreads rapidly but faces increasing opposition from both Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire, leading to trials and scattering of believers.
c. AD 62
Destruction of Jerusalem Predicted
Jesus' prophecy of Jerusalem's destruction looms, creating an atmosphere of impending judgment and uncertainty for Jewish Christians.
c. AD 64
Nero's Persecution
Emperor Nero initiates a brutal persecution of Christians in Rome, falsely blaming them for the Great Fire, intensifying the danger for believers across the empire.
c. AD 66 - AD 70— this verse
First Jewish-Roman War
The Jewish revolt against Rome escalates, culminating in the devastating siege and destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple, a catastrophic event for the Jewish people.
c. AD 70 onwards
Post-Temple Judaism and Christian Separation
With the Temple destroyed, Judaism undergoes a significant transformation, and the separation between Judaism and Christianity becomes more pronounced.
Jesus declares that whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life will preserve it. This echoes the core idea of Hebrews 10:39, linking losing one's life (in faith) to true preservation (of the soul).
Philippians 3:9Paul speaks of not having his own righteousness but that which comes through faith in Christ, aiming to gain Christ and be found in Him. This highlights the 'faith' aspect of Hebrews 10:39, contrasting it with self-reliance and pointing towards salvation.
1 Thessalonians 5:9The Apostle Paul states that God has not destined us for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. This passage directly connects faith and belief with salvation, mirroring the 'saving of the soul' mentioned in Hebrews 10:39.
1 John 5:4This verse asserts that whatever is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. It reinforces the theme of faith as the conquering force that preserves the believer, aligning with the confidence expressed in Hebrews 10:39.
ellicottHebrews 10:39: "But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."
(39) Of them who draw back. —Literally, But we are not of drawing (or shrinking ) back unto perdition, but of faith unto the gaining of the soul. On the last words (which are nearly identical with those of Luke 17:33 , though deeper in meaning) see the Note on Hebrews 10:34 . The exhortation thus closes with words of encouragement and hope.
vincentHebrews 10:39: "But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."
But we are not of them who draw back (ἡμεῖς δὲ οὐκ ἐσμὲν ὑποστολῆς)Lit. we are not of shrinking back. Ὑποστολὴ N.T.o, olxx, oClass. Ἒιναι with genitive marks the quality or peculiarity of a person or thing. Comp. Hebrews 12:11 χαρᾶς εἶναι to be of joy, joyful. We do not partake of drawing back, which is characteristic of recreants.Unto perdition (εἰς ἀπώλει…
The verse doesn't just present two outcomes (destruction or salvation), but highlights that true believers belong to the "faith" that leads to the saving of the soul. It's less about a passive state and more about an active identity rooted in clinging to God, which inherently secures our eternal destiny.
The author has just warned against willfully turning away from God after experiencing salvation, emphasizing the severe consequences. Now, he concludes this section with a powerful affirmation of hope for his readers, contrasting those who falter with those who persevere in faith. He asserts that true believers are not defined by their fear and eventual destruction, but by their enduring faith that secures their eternal life.
The author has just warned against willfully turning away from God after experiencing salvation, emphasizing the severe consequences. Now, he concludes this section with a powerful affirmation of hope for his readers, contrasting those who falter with those who persevere in faith. He asserts that true believers are not defined by their fear and eventual destruction, but by their enduring faith that secures their eternal life.
"But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls." — The verse doesn't just present two outcomes (destruction or salvation), but highlights that true believers belong to the "faith" that leads to the saving of the soul. It's less about a passive st…
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Last reviewed October 2026