Hebrews 13:9

[Fether]

“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.”

What does it mean that “it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats”

[Just_A_Guy]

34 minutes ago, Fether said:

“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.”

What does it mean that “it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats”

From the NET Bible’s translation:

Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders, who spoke God’s message to you; reflect on the outcome of their lives and imitate their faith.  
13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!  
13:9 Do not be carried away by all sorts of strange teachings. For it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not ritual meals, which have never benefited those who participated in them.  
13:10 We have an altar that those who serve in the tabernacle have no right to eat from.  

A footnote acknowledges that the Greek word here rendered as “ritual meals” is literally better translated as “food”, but that the context indicates the author is talking about the “food” involved in Mosaic sacrifices.  Contextually, the author is warning against “Judaizers” in the Church who insisted on compelling others to continue the observation of Jewish rituals.  

Edited August 1, 2021 by Just_A_Guy