What does Hebrews 11:40 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 11:40 speaks to the idea of spiritual fulfillment and perfection that is achieved not in isolation, but collectively.

Literally, the verse refers to those who have lived by faith ("they") prior to the advent of Jesus Christ, and "us," the believers who are living in the era after Christ.

The "some better thing" is generally understood as the salvation and perfecting work of Jesus Christ, who is believed to complete the faith of all believers, both past and present.

The verse implies that the faithful from the past would not reach the intended divine perfection without the current believers, suggesting a unity and interdependence in God's redemptive plan across different eras of human history.

Historical Context

The book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and possibly considering a return to Judaism due to the hardships of their Christian faith.

The exact authorship and date of Hebrews are uncertain, but it is generally thought to have been written before the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in AD 70.

The preceding parts of Hebrews 11 describe the faith of the ancestors, and verse 40 provides a link between the faith experiences of the past and the new covenant through Christ.

Theological Insights

The verse captures the idea of 'salvation history', the concept that God's plan for humanity unfolds over time.

Theologically, it asserts that the work of Christ is retrospective as well as prospective: the faith of the "elders" (those who came before Christ) did not reach its goal until it was joined by the faith of Christians after Christ.

From a Reformed perspective, the verse reiterates the sovereignty of God in salvation.

From a Catholic viewpoint, this verse underlines the 'communion of saints,' where there is a fellowship between Christians living and deceased. In Arminian thought, the focus might be on the ongoing process of sanctification where both faith and works are essential for perfection.

Practical Applications

This verse inspires believers to see themselves as part of a larger community of faith that spans throughout history.

It encourages a sense of humility and patience, acknowledging that individual perfection and fulfillment are tied to the larger work of God across generations.

It can also be a source of hope, suggesting that personal struggles and incomplete efforts are part of a more considerable, divine purpose that is ultimately perfected by God's plan in Christ.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 11:39 - And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
• 1 Peter 1:10-12 - Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
• Ephesians 3:5-6 - Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
• Hebrews 11:13 - 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.

Language Study

The key phrase "better thing for us" in Greek is "κρείττον τι" (kreitton ti), where "kreitton" means superior or excellent, and "ti" means something or a certain thing. This indicates that what is provided for present believers is superior to what was available in the past.

The term "perfect" comes from the Greek "τελειόω" (teleioō), which carries the meaning of complete or accomplish, often in the sense of reaching a goal or fulfilling a purpose. The use of "teleioō" demonstrates a teleological perspective, where history is progressing toward a divinely ordained end.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of achieving perfection through successive generations can be compared to certain concepts in Hinduism and Buddhism, where spiritual progress is often viewed collectively or in a cyclic manner, such as through reincarnation or the collective advance toward enlightenment.

However, it differs in the Christian context as the perfection is viewed linearly in history and is fulfilled through Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concept of community and interdependence reflected in this verse find parallels in evolutionary biology, where species are understood to have co-evolved and are interconnected.

However, the spiritual notions of faith and perfection do not intersect directly with scientific theory, as these are considered metaphysical and outside the scope of empirical science.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Hebrews 11:40 provide diverse insights.

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ, whether they lived before or after his earthly ministry, and their shared hope of resurrection and perfected glory together.

The Pulpit Commentary discusses the gradual revelation of God's purpose and the completeness brought through Christ that was not accessible in the old covenant.

Adam Clarke's Commentary highlights that the advantages of New Testament believers, with a clearer revelation and promise of an internal inheritance, are the "better thing" referred to in the verse.