What does Hebrews 11:10 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 11:10 speaks of the faith of Abraham and his vision of a future city designed and built by God.

This city is not a literal city but is symbolic of the heavenly kingdom, representing stability, permanence, and divine craftsmanship.

The "foundations" signify something that is enduring and unshakable, unlike the temporary and movable tents that Abraham lived in during his nomadic life.

This verse emphasizes that Abraham's faith was not grounded in the visible and present world but was anchored in the promises of God for a future, eternal home.

Historical Context

Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament and the stories of the patriarchs.

The historical setting is believed to be before the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D., at a time when the early Christian community faced persecution and uncertainty.

The reference to Abraham and his search for a "city" likely provided reassurance to the readers, reminding them of their spiritual ancestry and the enduring nature of God’s promises.

Theological Insights

Through a theological lens, Heb 11:10 speaks to the concept of a believer's citizenship in the heavenly kingdom.

In the broader context of Hebrews 11, known as the "faith chapter," we see a celebration of the faith of Old Testament figures.

Abraham's search for the city with foundations is his anticipation of an eternal inheritance.

It points towards the Christian hope in the New Testament, reflecting the ultimate fulfillment in the heavenly Jerusalem that is described in Revelation 21:2 as the Holy City, the New Jerusalem coming down from God.

Practical Applications

The verse can inspire believers to live by faith, seeking not earthly possessions or status, but rather aspiring for the eternal rewards that God has promised.

Just as Abraham lived as a stranger in a foreign land with his eyes on God's promises, so too can Christians navigate the temporal world with spiritual conviction, being assured of their eternal home.

It challenges individuals to assess where their true allegiance lies and to invest in their relationship with God above all else.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 13:14: "For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come."
• Revelation 21:2: "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."
• Philippians 3:20: "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ."

Language Study

• "City": The Greek word used is "polis," which refers to a city or a city-state, a place of dwelling with a community.
• "Foundations": The term "themelios" is used in Greek, meaning something that is laid down as a base or foundation, connoting stability.
• "Builder and Maker": These terms, "technites" for builder (craftsman or architect) and "demiourgos" for maker (creator or one who brings something into existence), stress God's active involvement and creativity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, cities often represented power, civilization, and permanence.

In contrast to this, the city Abraham looked for is not one made by human hands but by God himself. The idea of a divine builder is found within other ancient myths, where gods construct cities or habitats for their chosen people.

However, the distinction here is that the Hebrew concept connects this divine city to a personal faith and hope in God's promises, rather than mythical tales of divine favor.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, as it speaks to matters of faith and the supernatural rather than empirical evidence or phenomena.

However, it does raise interesting considerations about the human disposition towards believing in and hoping for realities beyond what is observable or measurable.

Psychologically, this reflects a fundamental aspect of human nature: the search for meaning and hope that transcends the physical world.

Commentaries

According to Matthew Henry's commentary, Abraham's faith allowed him to see beyond the present to the promise of a heavenly city.

The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary emphasizes that while Abraham never saw the fulfillment of the promise in his lifetime, his faith in God's word was unwavering.

The Expositor's Greek Testament notes the contrast between the transient dwellings of Abraham's time and the eternal nature of the city he awaited, highlighting his role as a prototype of faith for believers.

These various commentaries acknowledge the importance of Abraham's example of steadfast faith in the face of temporal circumstances.