Hebrews 13:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.

NIV: Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so.

NASB: Do not be misled by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.

CSB: Don't be led astray by various kinds of strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be established by grace and not by food regulations, since those who observe them have not benefited.

NLT: So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.

This command follows the important point made in the prior verse. The book of Hebrews explains in great detail that God's will does not change. The new covenant is not a "plan B;" it was something God intended from the very beginning. Likewise, Jesus Christ, and His gospel, are the same throughout all of history. The heroes of the faith mentioned in chapter 11, as well as the spiritual leaders of more recent past, were teaching the same story, at least from their perspective, and the same good news.

Here, the implication is made explicitly clear: changing doctrine is false doctrine. The gospel was delivered "once for all" (Jude 1:3), and those who attempt to change it are subject to a curse (Galatians 1:8–9). As imperfect people, we need to admit the possibility that we might have misinterpreted God's Word, or His will. So a "new" teaching that improves our understanding of what God truly meant is not a bad thing (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). On the other hand, any teaching different from what was originally given is false, by definition.

This verse also contains a strangely specific reference to foods and those who gain no special benefit from them. It's possible the writer has a particular group in mind. This sect might have focused on eating or avoiding specific foods. Colossians 2:16 brings up a similar point. That being said, the following verses make specific reference to the tabernacle and the Levitical system. The faction hinted at here might have claimed supernatural value of the foods given as offerings in the temple. Or, they might have simply been devoted to the system of animal sacrifices.

In any case, the point made here flows from the constancy of the gospel back into the main theme of the book of Hebrews. Namely, that the covenant offered to us by Jesus is far superior to that provided in human temples.

Hebrews 13:7–17 contains practical instructions for the Christian believer. These follow major themes from the rest of this letter, including perseverance, peacefulness, and praise. This text also continues to parallel components of the old covenant with the ministry of Jesus Christ. Specifically, these verses compare the disposal of sacrificed animals with Jesus' crucifixion; both occurred outside the borders of the community. The writer also encourages good works and for believers to cooperate with their spiritual leaders.

Chapters 1—9 explained how the new covenant in Jesus Christ is superior to the old covenant of animal sacrifices. This comparison drew on extensive use of Old Testament Scripture. Chapters 10––12 applied that evidence to encourage Christians to ''hold fast'' despite persecution. The summary of these applications was that believers ought to trust in their faith, and choose to obey God, during times of struggle. Chapter 13 adds a few specific reminders about Christian conduct. This passage also reiterates the idea that Christ is meant to be our ultimate example. The letter concludes with a request for prayer and words of blessing.

The last chapter of the book of Hebrews follows a pattern common in New Testament books, especially those written by Paul. The writer gave extensive evidence in chapters 1––9 to support a central idea. This concept was that the new covenant, in Jesus Christ, is superior to the old covenant, composed of the Levitical laws. Chapters 10¬-––12 applied this knowledge to the need for persecuted Christians to maintain their faith. Here, in chapter 13, the writer offers a few specific encouragements for the reader, before signing off with a request for prayer and a benediction.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.