‏ Hebrews 13:9

 Be not carried away ( μη παραφερεσθε ). Prohibition with  μη and present passive imperative of  παραφερω, old verb to lead along (Jude 1:12), to carry past (Mr 14:36), to lead astray as here.

 By divers and strange teachings ( διδαχαις ποικιλαις κα ξεναις ). For  ποικιλος (many coloured) see 2:4.  Ξενος for guest we have had in 11:13, but here as adjective meaning unheard of (1Pe 4:12) as in older Greek also. The new is not always wrong any more than the old is always right (Mt 13:52). But the air was already full of new and strange teachings that fascinated many by their very novelty. The warning here is always needed. Cf. Ga 1:6-9; 2Ti 3:16.

 That the heart be established by grace ( χαριτ βεβαιουσθα την καρδιαν ). Present passive infinitive of  βεβαιοω (from  βαινω ) to make stable with the instrumental case  χαριτ (by grace) and the accusative of general reference ( την καρδιαν ). How true it is that in the atmosphere of so many windy theories only the heart is stable that has an experience of God's grace in Christ.

 That occupied themselves ( ο περιπατουντες ). "That walked" in the ritualistic Jewish rules about meats.

 Were not profited ( ουκ ωφεληθησαν ). First aorist passive indicative of  ωφελεω, to help. Mere Jewish ceremonialism and ritualism failed to build up the spiritual life. It was sheer folly to give up Christ for Pharisaism or for Moses.

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