Hebrews 10:38 — “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse gives us a clear picture of the kind of life that pleases God—a life of faith, not fear. The first part—“my righteous one will live by faith”—means that those who belong to God trust Him fully. Their entire way of life is built on believing what He has said and living it out, even when it’s hard or costly.
The second part of the verse is a sober warning: “I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” To “shrink back” means to turn away, give up, or abandon the path God has laid out. God doesn’t find joy or approval in those who claim to follow Him but then let go when things get tough.
This verse draws a clear line between two paths: faith that moves forward or fear that turns away. God calls us to trust Him, not just once, but all the way through.
Historical Context
The quote in this verse is taken from Habakkuk 2:4, where God spoke to the prophet during a time of national crisis. Things looked bleak, but God told him that “the righteous will live by faith”—meaning they would survive and thrive not by what they saw, but by trusting God’s promise.
In the book of Hebrews, this same idea is used to encourage Jewish believers who were facing hardship and thinking of giving up on their faith in Jesus. The writer reminds them: God’s people have always lived by faith, not by fear. And God doesn’t delight in those who turn away from that path.
This wasn’t just a call to courage—it was a call to keep believing.
Theological Implications
This verse shows us:
- Faith is not just how we start—it’s how we live. True righteousness is not about trying harder but trusting God day by day.
- God delights in faith. He watches for those who cling to Him through uncertainty and hardship.
- Shrinking back is dangerous. Turning away from God is not neutral—it displeases Him and puts a person in spiritual danger.
This verse also sets the stage for Hebrews 11, where the writer gives example after example of men and women who lived by faith.
Literary Analysis
The structure of this verse creates a contrast: faith vs. fear, moving forward vs. turning back, pleasing God vs. displeasing Him. It’s poetic and powerful.
The phrase “my righteous one” shows intimacy and ownership—this is someone who belongs to God. The phrase “will live by faith” is active—it’s not about one moment of belief, but a life of trust.
The negative half of the verse doesn’t just speak of failure; it speaks of a heart that retreats from trusting God. It’s meant to stir urgency and resolve in the reader.
Biblical Cross-References
- Habakkuk 2:4 – “The righteous person will live by his faithfulness.”
- Romans 1:17 – “The righteous will live by faith.”
- Galatians 3:11 – “Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous will live by faith.”
- Hebrews 11:6 – “Without faith it is impossible to please God…”
- Luke 9:62 – “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
These passages reinforce the idea that faith is the way God’s people live, and turning away is not an option for those who truly belong to Him.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s believer, this verse is both encouragement and warning. It tells us to keep trusting God, even when we can’t see the whole picture. Life will have moments of doubt, struggle, and pressure to give up—but God calls us to live by faith, not by sight.
It’s also a call to stand firm when we’re tempted to shrink back. Maybe it’s fear of what others think, disappointment with life, or the weariness of waiting. But shrinking back doesn’t please God. Faith does.
This verse reminds us that the Christian life is not about being perfect, but about continually choosing to trust God—and not letting go.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
A loving God doesn’t just command faith—He responds to it with pleasure and reward. He loves when His people trust Him, because it shows that they believe He is good, faithful, and true.
This verse also shows that God isn’t indifferent to how we live. He cares deeply about our spiritual health and whether we’re leaning into Him or pulling away. His call to live by faith is a loving invitation to walk closely with Him.
God doesn’t ask for perfection—but He calls us to stay on the path with Him, trusting that He’ll lead us all the way home.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the perfect example of someone who lived by faith. He trusted the Father completely, even when it meant suffering, rejection, and the cross.
- Hebrews 12:2 – “Jesus… the pioneer and perfecter of faith… endured the cross, scorning its shame.”
- John 5:30 – Jesus said, “I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.”
- Luke 22:42 – “Not my will, but yours be done.”
Because Jesus lived by faith, we now have the power to do the same. He is our example, our strength, and our reason to keep going.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does “living by faith” look like in your everyday life?
- Are there areas where you’ve been tempted to “shrink back”? What’s holding you back?
- How does it encourage you to know that God takes pleasure in your trust?
- What are some practical ways you can strengthen your faith today?
- How does Jesus’ example of faith help you remain steady in your walk?