What are the strange doctrines of Hebrews 13:9?

Near the end of his letter to the Hebrews, the author urges readers to remain steadfast in their faith and committed to the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He writes, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 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” (Hebrews 13:8–9, NKJV).

Strange doctrines are new, unfamiliar ideas that deviate from the Word of God and are contrary to the foundational doctrines of Christianity. In the New Living Translation, Hebrews 13:9 states, “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.”

In Hebrews 13:9, the Greek adjective xenais, translated as “strange” in most English Bibles, means “foreign, or markedly different from an accepted norm.” Strange doctrines do not originate from God but from humans. They are “strange” because they are foreign to the gospel message centered on Jesus Christ and the grace of God. Hebrews warns against getting carried away or preoccupied with such teachings. They are dangerous because they can distract believers and lead them away from the truth.

Hebrews 13:9 does not specify the exact nature of the strange doctrines. However, it provides a clue by mentioning “foods,” which is likely a reference to ceremonial foods and dietary regulations, such as those found in Old Testament law (Leviticus 3:17; 11; 7:22–27; 11; 17:10–14) and also in some Jewish and early Christian sects (Romans 14:1–23). Various unspecified food-related observances were being promoted as essential for spiritual well-being. These strange new ideas were enticing believers to place too much significance on food laws. Thus, the author of Hebrews argued that such external rituals have no benefit to believers. Following food rules will not save or strengthen us. True spiritual strength comes from God’s grace, not from adhering to religious laws or other ceremonial practices.

Strange food doctrines could have involved fasting or abstaining from certain foods. The Old Testament condemns fasting as an empty ritual (see Jeremiah 14:11–12; Isaiah 58:1–7; Zechariah 7:4–7); and so does Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew 6:16–18; 9:14–15). To avoid unclean foods or foods sacrificed to idols, some believers may have overemphasized restrictions, insisting that others not eat meat or that they eat only vegetables (see Acts 15:28–29; cf. Romans 14:1–23).

More broadly, strange doctrines can include any teaching that insists on sacramental ritual or ceremonial observance as a means of salvation or spiritual growth. Any practice or belief that undermines the centrality of God’s grace, such as legalism, self-effort, ritualism, or works-based righteousness, would be considered “strange” in this context.

Strange doctrines distract from the sufficiency of Christ, His finished work on the cross, and the grace offered through Him. The message of Hebrews 13:9 is that God’s grace—not external observance—spiritually strengthens believers in Jesus Christ. The emphasis is on the internal transformation wrought by faith in Jesus, rather than outward rituals or rules.

The apostle Paul taught that “food will not make us acceptable to God. We are not inferior if we don’t eat, and we are not better if we do eat” (HCSB). Through God’s grace and not some hollow human rule about food, are we filled with the spiritual strength needed to live a meaningful and purposeful life of faith (see 2 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 3:16; Philippians 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:1). Paul wrote, “And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8, HCSB).

Christians today should exercise caution not to be led astray by strange doctrines. We should avoid teachings or practices that claim to offer spiritual benefit apart from the message of God’s grace in Jesus Christ. Legalistic requirements, rule-based works, human efforts, ritual observances, or any teaching that diminishes the finished work of Christ on the cross should be rejected (see Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8–9; Galatians 3:10–11; Romans 4:4–5). God’s grace is the foundation of our faith and the transformative power of our spiritual growth in Christ.

Hebrews 13:9 reminds us to remain steadfast in the grace that truly strengthens our inner being. If we keep our walk with the Lord based on His grace, then “we won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching” (Ephesians 4:14, NLT).