ScriptureDepth's study of Hebrews 11
“Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1
The author of Hebrews states this to encourage believers, defining faith as 'assurance' and 'proof', which grounds the testimony of the ancients throughout the chapter.
What Hebrews 11 is about
Faith is defined as 'assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen' (vv. 1-2). The universe was framed by God's word; what can be seen came from the invisible (vv. 3-6). Abel offered an excellent sacrifice, and through his faith, he received testimony of righteousness. Enoch was taken by God because he was well pleasing to Him. Noah heeded God's warnings and built an ark, while Abraham obeyed God's call without knowing his destination (vv. 7-12). Abraham lived in tents, seeking the city made by God (vv. 13-16). He also tested his faith by offering Isaac, believing in God's power over life and death (vv. 17-22). Moses' parents hid him, and he refused to be known as Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer with God's people (vv. 23-31). Many others like Gideon and David exhibited faith despite hardship and persecution (vv. 32-40).
God has provided something better concerning believers, so that they may be perfected together with the ancients.
Hebrews 11 at a glance
- Hebrews 11:1–2Definition of Faith
- Hebrews 11:3–6Faith in Creation and Testimony
- Hebrews 11:7–12Faith of the Ancients
- Hebrews 11:13–16Faith of the Patriarchs
- Hebrews 11:17–22Faith in Testing and Blessing
- Hebrews 11:23–31Faith in Deliverance
- Hebrews 11:32–40Faith's Endurance and Legacy
Key verse: Hebrews 11:1
One thing to notice
In verses 39-40, the text states that those who were faithful 'didn’t receive the promise.' It notes that God had prepared something better for those who would come later, connecting their faith to a larger narrative of what is to come.
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Chapter text
Read Hebrews 11 (WEB)
Definition of Faith Hebrews 11:1–2
1Verse 1. Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen. 2Verse 2. For by this, the elders obtained testimony.
Faith in Creation and Testimony Hebrews 11:3–6
3Verse 3. By faith, we understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible. 4Verse 4. By faith, Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had testimony given to him that he was righteous, God testifying with respect to his gifts; and through it he, being dead, still speaks. 5Verse 5. By faith, Enoch was taken away, so that he wouldn’t see death, and he was not found, because God translated him. For he has had testimony given to him that before his translation he had been well pleasing to God.
6Verse 6. Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.
Faith of the Ancients Hebrews 11:7–12
7Verse 7. By faith, Noah, being warned about things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared a ship for the saving of his house, through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. 8Verse 8. By faith, Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out to the place which he was to receive for an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he went. 9Verse 9. By faith, he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise.
10Verse 10. For he looked for the city which has the foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11Verse 11. By faith, even Sarah herself received power to conceive, and she bore a child when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised. 12Verse 12. Therefore as many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as innumerable as the sand which is by the sea shore, were fathered by one man, and him as good as dead.
Faith of the Patriarchs Hebrews 11:13–16
13Verse 13. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and embraced them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14Verse 14. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15Verse 15. If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had enough time to return. 16Verse 16. But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Faith in Testing and Blessing Hebrews 11:17–22
17Verse 17. By faith, Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. Yes, he who had gladly received the promises was offering up his one and only son, 18Verse 18. to whom it was said, “your offspring will be accounted as from Isaac”; 19Verse 19. concluding that God is able to raise up even from the dead. Figuratively speaking, he also did receive him back from the dead. 20Verse 20. By faith, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. 21Verse 21. By faith, Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. 22Verse 22. By faith, Joseph, when his end was near, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave instructions concerning his bones.
Faith in Deliverance Hebrews 11:23–31
23Verse 23. By faith, Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. 24Verse 24. By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25Verse 25. choosing rather to share ill treatment with God’s people, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a time; 26Verse 26. accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the reward. 27Verse 27. By faith, he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
28Verse 28. By faith, he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them. 29Verse 29. By faith, they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land. When the Egyptians tried to do so, they were swallowed up. 30Verse 30. By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days. 31Verse 31. By faith, Rahab the prostitute, didn’t perish with those who were disobedient, having received the spies in peace.
Faith's Endurance and Legacy Hebrews 11:32–40
32Verse 32. What more shall I say? For the time would fail me if I told of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets; 33Verse 33. who, through faith subdued kingdoms, worked out righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34Verse 34. quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, grew mighty in war, and caused foreign armies to flee. 35Verse 35. Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36Verse 36. Others were tried by mocking and scourging, yes, moreover by bonds and imprisonment. 37Verse 37. They were stoned. They were sawn apart. They were tempted. They were slain with the sword. They went around in sheep skins and in goat skins; being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated
38Verse 38. (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts, mountains, caves, and the holes of the earth. 39Verse 39. These all, having had testimony given to them through their faith, didn’t receive the promise, 40Verse 40. God having provided some better thing concerning us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Hebrews 11
faith and obedience
Faith and obedience are intertwined throughout this chapter, beginning with Abel's offering in v. 4. Abel's sacrifice is described as 'a more excellent sacrifice than Cain,' which shows obedience to God’s expectations. Abraham’s faith is seen as he obeys the call to leave his homeland in v. 8, going out 'not knowing where he went,' demonstrating trust in God’s direction.
trust in God's promises
In Hebrews 11, trust in God's promises emerges through the accounts of Abraham and Sarah. In verse 11, it states, 'she counted him faithful who had promised,' which indicates Sarah's confidence in God's ability to fulfill His word. The patriarchs in verses 13-16 are described as 'having seen them and embraced them from afar,' demonstrating their trust in promises that remain unfulfilled.
the unseen reality
The unseen reality is defined in verse 1, where faith is described as 'assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.' This concept continues in verse 3 with the assertion that 'the universe has been framed by the word of God,' indicating the reality of creation that is not visible. The patriarchs exemplify this faith, longing for a homeland that they cannot yet see.
endurance and perseverance
Endurance and perseverance are illustrated through the challenges faced by the faithful. In v. 36, some experienced 'mocking and scourging,' while in v. 37, others were 'stoned' and 'sawn apart,' demonstrating their tenacity amid trials. Despite these hardships, they persevered in faith, ultimately awaiting a 'better resurrection' as noted in v. 35.
Chapter outline
How Hebrews 11 unfolds
Hebrews 11:1–2 Definition of Faith
Faith is defined as 'assurance of things hoped for' and 'proof of things not seen' (v. 1). Elders attained their testimony through this faith (v. 2).
Hebrews 11:3–6 Faith in Creation and Testimony
Faith is connected to understanding creation; the universe was framed by God's word, and what is seen comes from the invisible (v. 3). Without faith, one cannot please God (vv. 5-6).
Hebrews 11:7–12 Faith of the Ancients
By faith, Noah acted on divine warning and built an ark, leading to his righteousness (v. 7). Abraham obeyed God's call to leave for an unknown land (v. 8), living as an alien in the promise (vv. 9-10).
Hebrews 11:13–16 Faith of the Patriarchs
The patriarchs 'died in faith, not having received the promises,' recognizing themselves as 'strangers and pilgrims on the earth' while seeking 'a better country, that is, a heavenly one' (vv. 13-16). God prepared 'a city for them'.
Hebrews 11:17–22 Faith in Testing and Blessing
Abraham's faith was tested when he offered Isaac, believing in God's power to raise him from the dead (vv. 17-19). Isaac and Jacob also acted in faith, blessing their descendants (vv. 20-22).
Hebrews 11:23–31 Faith in Deliverance
Moses' parents hid him due to his beauty, and he later chose to suffer with God's people instead of enjoying sin (vv. 23-25). He kept the Passover and led Israel through the Red Sea (vv. 28-29).
Hebrews 11:32–40 Faith's Endurance and Legacy
Numerous figures like Gideon, David, and others 'subdued kingdoms' and 'were tortured' for their faith, while some 'received their dead by resurrection' (vv. 32-38). They 'didn't receive the promise,' awaiting a 'better thing' from God (vv. 39-40).
Key verses
Hebrews 11:1The author of Hebrews states this to encourage believers, defining faith as 'assurance' and 'proof', which grounds the testimony of the ancients throughout the chapter.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Hebrews 11
- observeWhat does the phrase 'things hoped for' in v1 mean in the context of faith?
- observeIn v11, how does Sarah's ability to conceive relate to her age as described?
- interpretThe promise in v39 mentions 'the promise' without specifying what it is: what might this term encompass?
- interpretIn v17, why is Abraham's act of offering Isaac significant regarding his faith and God's promises?
- applyWhen has a 'better country' (v16) influenced your decisions or goals in life?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Hebrews 11
- 2 Corinthians 5Hebrews 11:1 and 2 Corinthians 5:7Both walk by faith: Hebrews 11:1 faith is assurance of things hoped for, while 2 Corinthians 5:7 we walk by faith, not by sight.
- 2 Corinthians 4Hebrews 11:1 and 2 Corinthians 4:18Both look at the unseen: Hebrews 11:1 faith is proof of things not seen, while 2 Corinthians 4:18 we don’t look at seen things, but unseen.
- Hebrews 10Hebrews 11:1 and Hebrews 10:22Both approach with faith: Hebrews 11:1 faith is assurance of things hoped for, while Hebrews 10:22 let’s draw near with fullness of faith.
- Romans 8Hebrews 11:1 and Romans 8:24Both hope for what is unseen: Hebrews 11:1 faith is assurance of things hoped for, while Romans 8:24 hope that is seen is not hope.
- Genesis 1Hebrews 11:3 and Genesis 1:1Both created by God’s word: Hebrews 11:3 the universe framed by the word of God, while Genesis 1:1 God created the heavens and the earth.
- 1 Peter 1Hebrews 11:1 and 1 Peter 1:7Both test faith: Hebrews 11:1 faith is assurance of things hoped for, while 1 Peter 1:7 proof of your faith is tested by fire.
Related chapters
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Where to go from here
- Hebrews: the whole bookHebrews is an anonymous sermon in written form, a word of exhortation sent to Jewish Christians, possibly in…
- Full Year Chronological Bible, day 353Day 353 of 365: Hebrews 9–11.
- FaithWhat the Bible says about faith, with verses.
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