We see, then, that they failed to enter upon it because of their want of faith.

for though by this time you ought to be capable of teaching others, you want to be instructed anew in the first principles of the divine oracles; and are in such a state as to stand in need of milk, rather than of solid nourishment.

But we want each of you to exhibit this same earnestness to the very end with regard to your confidence in your hope,

We do not want you people to be [spiritually] slack, but to imitate those who will inherit [God's] promises because of their faith and patience.

For this reason, the Scriptures say, when the Messiah was about to come into the world: "You did not want sacrifices and offerings, but you prepared a body for me.

Then I said, 'Look, I have come to do what you want, O God, [just as] it is written in the scroll of the book [about me].'"

[When he] says above, "Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and [offerings] for sin you did not want, nor did you delight in," which are offered according to the law,

He then said, "Look, I have come to do what you want." [So], Christ takes away the first [i.e., the animal and grain sacrifices] in order to establish the second [i.e., the sacrifice of Himself].

For you need to be steadfast so that, after you have done what God wants, you will receive the promise [of an inheritance. See 9:15].

They were stoned, were pierced through, were sawn asunder, by murder, with a sword, died, went about in sheep-skins, in goat-hides, - being in want, suffering tribulation, enduring ill-treatment:

Pray for me, for I am sure that I have a clear conscience, and in everything I want to live a noble life.

I want you people to know that our brother Timothy has been released [from prison ?]. If he comes [to me] soon, I will bring him with me when I visit you.