Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 13:9

"Be not carried away by divers and strange teachings: for it is good that the heart be established by grace; not by meats, wherein they that occupied themselves were not profited." — Hebrews 13:9 (ASV)

The writer warns against being carried away by “all kinds of strange teachings.” Since this phrase points to a great variety of teaching, it is difficult to identify specifically what is in mind. “Strange” (GK 3828) means foreign to the Gospel. The readers should know better than to go after such teachings, for they have known the “grace” of God. The heart, as often, stands for the whole of the inner life; and this is sustained, not by anything material, such as food, but by grace. God is the source of a believer’s strength as he or she lives out the Christian life.

Most religions of that day had food regulations, including the Jews; usually this meant that some foods were regarded as “unclean.” So it seems likely that the author has in mind some sacrificial meal that the worshipers took to have beneficial effects. The author denies it. A Christian’s real life is not sustained on the level of things to eat. It requires the grace of God.