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Hebrews 11

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

For by it the elders obtained a good report.

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

What does Hebrews 11:2 mean?

Explanation

The verse Hebrews 11:2 from the King James Version of the Bible states: "For by it the elders obtained a good report." This verse refers to faith, which is the central subject of Hebrews chapter 11, often referred to as the "Faith Chapter" or "Hall of Faith." It emphasizes that the "elders," or ancestors of the faith (such as the Old Testament figures), received commendation or approval because of their faith.

The "good report" speaks of a testimonial or witness that they stood strong in their faith in God.

This verse sets the stage for the ensuing verses that give specific accounts of the faith of ancient biblical figures.

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Hebrews was written to a group of early Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and who were at risk of falling away from their Christian faith and returning to Judaism.

The historical context of Hebrews 11:2 is centered on encouraging these believers by reminding them of the faith-filled lives of their predecessors.

The author of Hebrews draws upon the history of the Israelites and their patriarchs to encourage and challenge the New Testament believers to persevere in faith.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse underscores that faith has been the basis of a right relationship with God throughout history.

Some theological insights from this verse suggest that righteousness, in God’s eyes, has always been obtained through faith rather than through works. This aligns with the doctrine of sola fide (faith alone), which is prominent in Protestant theology.

Additionally, the verse suggests the continuity of God's plan throughout different eras of biblical history, what was true for the elders is also true for the present-day believers.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, this verse encourages believers in any era to emulate the faith of their predecessors, promising that they, too, can obtain a good report from God.

Application can include holding fast to one's faith during trials, acting on beliefs even when there is no direct evidence, and maintaining a long-term perspective on life that is anchored in trust in God.

Cross-References

Hebrews 11:4: "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh."
Hebrews 11:39: "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:"
Romans 1:17: "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."
Galatians 3:11: "But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith."
Hebrews 12:1: "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,"

Language Study

The Greek word used in the original text for "obtained a good report" is "emarturethēsan," derived from "martureō," meaning "to be a witness," or "to bear witness." This implies that their faith was not a private or silent trust, but rather an outward, demonstrable faith that bore witness to both God and men.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient mythologies, heroes were often celebrated for their trust in the gods, as well as for their physical strength and prowess.

In contrast, Hebrews elevates faith, not in many gods or in one's abilities, but faith in the one true and invisible God, as the means by which individuals are commended. This stands in stark contrast with the commendation of heroes in other ancient cultural narratives.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not directly relate to Hebrews 11:2, as faith is not a matter of empirical evidence but personal conviction.

Nonetheless, the verse stimulates discussion about the human capacity for belief beyond what can be proven or seen, which intersects with studies on psychology and neurology in how beliefs and convictions are formed and sustained.

commentaries

Different biblical commentaries offer various insights into Hebrews 11:2.

Some emphasize the active expression of faith demonstrated by the elders, which involved risk-taking and defying conventional wisdom.

Others focus on the alternative translation of "good report" as “witness” or “testimony,” noting that their faith is their legacy.

Several commentaries connect this verse to the broader theme of the entire chapter, which illustrates how faith transcends time and is the unifying element among the people of God throughout history.

All point out the importance of faith as a timeless criterion for pleasing God and living according to His will.

Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11

What does Hebrews 11:2 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Hebrews 11:2 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?