Hebrews 10:38 But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him."

◄ Hebrews 10:38 ►

New International Version
And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.”

New Living Translation
And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”

English Standard Version
but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”

Berean Standard Bible
But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.”

Berean Literal Bible
But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he might shrink back, My soul does not take pleasure in him."

King James Bible
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

New King James Version
Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”

New American Standard Bible
BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE WILL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.

NASB 1995
BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.

NASB 1977
BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.

Legacy Standard Bible
BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH, AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.

Amplified Bible
BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE [the one justified by faith] SHALL LIVE BY FAITH [respecting man’s relationship to God and trusting Him]; AND IF HE DRAWS BACK [shrinking in fear], MY SOUL HAS NO DELIGHT IN HIM.

Christian Standard Bible
But my righteous one will live by faith; and if he draws back, I have no pleasure in him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he draws back, I have no pleasure in him.

American Standard Version
But my righteous one shall live by faith: And if he shrink back, my soul hath no pleasure in him.

Contemporary English Version
The people God accepts will live because of their faith. But he isn't pleased with anyone who turns back."

English Revised Version
But my righteous one shall live by faith: And if he shrink back, my soul hath no pleasure in him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The person who has God's approval will live by faith. But if he turns back, I will not be pleased with him."

Good News Translation
My righteous people, however, will believe and live; but if any of them turns back, I will not be pleased with them."

International Standard Version
but my righteous one will live by faith, and if he turns back, my soul will take no pleasure in him."

Majority Standard Bible
But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.”

NET Bible
But my righteous one will live by faith, and if he shrinks back, I take no pleasure in him.

New Heart English Bible
But the righteous will live by faith, and if he holds back, my soul has no pleasure in him."

Webster's Bible Translation
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man shall draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Weymouth New Testament
But it is by faith that My righteous servant shall live; and if he shrinks back, My soul takes no pleasure in him."

World English Bible
But the righteous one will live by faith. If he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
but, “The righteous will live by faith; and if he may draw back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”

Berean Literal Bible
But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he might shrink back, My soul does not take pleasure in him."

Young's Literal Translation
and 'the righteous by faith shall live,' and 'if he may draw back, My soul hath no pleasure in him,'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the just one shall live by faith; but if he draw down, my soul is not contented in him.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But my just man liveth by faith; but if he withdraw himself, he shall not please my soul.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For my just man lives by faith. But if he were to draw himself back, he would not please my soul.”

New American Bible
But my just one shall live by faith, and if he draws back I take no pleasure in him.”

New Revised Standard Version
but my righteous one will live by faith. My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But the righteous shall live by my faith: and if any draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“But the righteous one shall live by my faith, and if he gives it up, my soul is not pleased with him.”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
But the just by faith shall live; and if he draw back, my soul will have no pleasure in him.

Godbey New Testament
My righteous man shall live by faith: and if he may draw back, my soul has no pleasure in him.

Haweis New Testament
“The just man then will live by faith;” and if he draw back, my soul shall have no delight in him.

Mace New Testament
the just shall have life by trusting in me, but if he revolt, he will be the object of my displeasure.

Weymouth New Testament
But it is by faith that My righteous servant shall live; and if he shrinks back, My soul takes no pleasure in him."

Worrell New Testament
"But My righteous one shall live by faith, and, if he draw back, My soul has no pleasure in him."

Worsley New Testament
and the just shall live by faith, but if any draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

A Call to Persevere
…37For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. 38But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.” 39But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Habakkuk 2:4
Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright—but the righteous will live by faith—

Romans 1:17
For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Galatians 3:11
Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.”

James 2:17
So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.

James 2:26
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Matthew 21:21
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.

Mark 11:22-23
“Have faith in God,” Jesus said to them. / “Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him.

Luke 17:5-6
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” / And the Lord answered, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.

John 3:36
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him.”

2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Philippians 3:9
and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.

1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.

1 John 5:4
because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.

Isaiah 26:3-4
You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You. / Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal.

Treasury of Scripture

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

the just.

Habakkuk 2:4
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Romans 1:17
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Galatians 3:11
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

but.

Hebrews 10:26,27
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, …

Hebrews 6:4-6
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, …

Psalm 85:8
I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.

my.

Psalm 5:4
For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.

Psalm 147:11
The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

Psalm 149:4
For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

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Hebrews 10

1. The weakness of the law sacrifices.
10. The sacrifice of Christ's body once offered,
14. for ever has taken away sins.
19. An exhortation to hold fast the faith with patience and thanksgiving.

Berean Study Bible

But My righteous one
This phrase refers to those who are justified by faith, aligning with the broader biblical narrative that righteousness is not achieved through human effort but through faith in God. The Greek word for "righteous" is "dikaios," which implies being in right standing with God. Historically, this concept is rooted in the Old Testament, where figures like Abraham were considered righteous because of their faith (Genesis 15:6). In the New Testament, this righteousness is fulfilled through faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing a personal relationship with God.

will live by faith
The phrase "will live by faith" is a direct quotation from Habakkuk 2:4, which is also cited in Romans 1:17 and Galatians 3:11. The Greek word for "faith" is "pistis," which encompasses trust, belief, and confidence in God. This concept is central to Christian doctrine, highlighting that true life—eternal life—is accessed through faith. Historically, this was a radical departure from the works-based righteousness prevalent in Jewish law, underscoring the transformative power of faith in Christ.

And if he shrinks back
The warning against shrinking back implies a retreat from faith, a theme that resonates throughout the book of Hebrews. The Greek word "hypostellō" means to withdraw or retreat. This phrase serves as a caution against apostasy, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith. Historically, early Christians faced persecution, and the temptation to abandon their faith was significant. This exhortation encourages perseverance, reflecting the trials faced by the early church.

I will take no pleasure in him
This phrase underscores the seriousness of turning away from faith. The Greek word "eudokeō" means to be well-pleased or to take delight in. The absence of God's pleasure signifies a broken relationship, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness. Scripturally, this echoes the Old Testament, where God's pleasure was contingent upon Israel's obedience and faithfulness. In the New Testament context, it highlights the necessity of enduring faith to maintain a pleasing relationship with God.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(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 righteous shall live in (or, by) his faithfulness (or, faith)."The first words seem to refer to the haughty Chaldean invader; the rendering of the last words is considered below. The Greek translation varies a little in different MSS.: "If one draw back, my soul hath no pleasure in him; but the righteous one shall live by my faithfulness" (or possibly--not probably--"by faith in me"). In the Alexandrian MSS, the last words run thus: "But my righteous one shall live by faith" (or faithfulness). It is clear, then, that in the passage before us the writer has taken the words as they stood in his text of the LXX., only changing the order of the clauses. Though the Hebrew word usually rendered faith in this passage occurs more than forty times in the Old Testament, in no other case has it this meaning, but almost always signifies faithfulness or truth. Here also the first meaning seems to be "by his faithfulness"; but the thought of faithful constancy to God is inseparably connected with trustful clinging to Him. Hence the accepted Jewish exposition of the passage seems to have taken the word in the sense of "faith." "My righteous one" will naturally mean "my righteous servant"--the man who will not be seduced into wickedness; he shall live by his faithful trust, for salvation and life shall be given him by God Himself. In this context the word righteous recalls-verse 36, "having done the will of God."

The transposition of the two clauses makes it almost certain that the "righteous one" is the subject of both: not if any man, but, if he (the righteous one) shrink back. The Genevan and the Authorised stand alone amongst English versions in the former rendering.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

My
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

righteous
δίκαιός (dikaios)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1342: From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.

one
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

will live
ζήσεται (zēsetai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2198: To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.

by
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

faith;
πίστεως (pisteōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

if
ἐὰν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

he shrinks back,
ὑποστείληται (hyposteilētai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5288: From hupo and stello; to withhold under, i.e. to cower or shrink, to conceal.

I
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

{will take} no
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

pleasure
εὐδοκεῖ (eudokei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2106: To be well-pleased, think it good, be resolved. From eu and dokeo; to think well of, i.e. Approve; specially, to approbate.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

him.”
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

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NT Letters: Hebrews 10:38 But the righteous will live by faith (Heb. He. Hb)