What does Hebrews 11:11 mean?

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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. Hebrews 11:11

Explanation

Hebrews 11:11 speaks of the faith of Sarah, the wife of Abraham, as an example of trust and belief in God’s promises. The literal meaning of the verse is that Sarah, despite her old age, was able to conceive a child because she considered God faithful who had promised her a son. The promise referred to is God’s covenant with Abraham that he would be the father of many nations and that Sarah would bear a son. The deeper meaning reflects the theme of faith present throughout Hebrews 11. It illustrates that true faith is not simply belief but involves trusting in God’s character, His ability to do the impossible, and His faithfulness to His word.

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Historical Context

Hebrews 11 is often called the “faith chapter” or the “hall of faith,” as it lists numerous heroes of the Old Testament who exemplified faithfulness to God. The letter itself is not attributed to any particular author in the text, and the intended audience was likely Jewish Christians who were well acquainted with the Old Testament narratives. Hebrews was written in the context of these Christians facing persecution and possibly doubting their faith. The author encouraged them by pointing to their ancestors who trusted God against all odds. The reference to Sarah conceiving Isaac is from the book of Genesis, particularly Genesis 17-18 and 21, where the promise and the fulfillment are described.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints may focus on various aspects of Sarah’s faith:

Providence and Sovereignty: Some theologians will emphasize God’s sovereignty and providence, focusing on how He orchestrated events beyond human ability.
The Nature of Faith: Another viewpoint would explore faith as a reliance on God’s promises, not contingent on circumstances. For Sarah, this meant believing in a future event that seemed humanly impossible.
Covenant Theology: In Reformed or Presbyterian circles, this verse is seen in light of covenant theology, where God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises is highlighted.
Feminist Theology: Feminist theologians may explore Sarah’s role in a patriarchal society and how her faith challenges or conforms to the expectations of women in biblical narratives.

Practical Applications

Hebrews 11:11 can be applied in daily life in a number of ways:

Encouragement to trust God even when His promises seem impossible.
Inspiration for individuals facing issues of infertility or other situations where hope seems lost.
A call to reflect on the character of God as faithful and true to His word.
Motivation to cling to faith in difficult circumstances.

Cross-References

Genesis 17:19 – “And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.”
Romans 4:19-21 – “And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”
Hebrews 10:23 – “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”

Language Study

The original Greek words used in Hebrews 11:11 provide depth to its meaning:

“Faith” (πίστις, pistis): It means trust, belief, or confidence in someone or something, particularly in God and His promises.
“Strength” (δύναμις, dynamis): This word often refers to power or ability, in this case, the ability for Sarah to conceive.
“Conceive seed” (καταβολή σπέρματος, katabolē spermatos): Literally translates to the ‘laying down of seed,’ implying the conception of a child.
“Delivered” (λαμβάνω, lambanō): Often translated as ‘receive,’ but also implies ‘to take hold of,’ indicating Sarah not only received the ability to conceive but actively took hold of the promise.
“Judged him faithful” (ἡγέομαι, hēgeomai): This verb implies leading, considering or regarding, highlighting Sarah’s decision to consider God trustworthy.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, fertility was of great importance and often deities were worshipped with the hope of increasing fertility. The story of Sarah’s conception in old age stands in contrast to many of these myths, where supernatural intervention is based on capricious whims of gods or goddesses. In the biblical account, God’s intervention is a fulfillment of a specific promise, reflecting a personal and covenantal relationship with His people.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, Sarah conceiving a child at an advanced age is a significant anomaly. Modern biology indicates that women’s fertility declines with age, particularly after their mid-30s, with menopause marking the end of natural fertility. The verse does not fit within natural scientific understanding, which is why it is presented as a miraculous event requiring divine intervention.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various insights on Hebrews 11:11:

John Calvin: He emphasizes the miraculous nature of Isaac’s birth, pointing to the power of faith that laid hold of life in the midst of death.
Matthew Henry: He offers that Sarah’s example teaches us that faith overcomes the difficulties that lie in the way of the fulfillment of the promise.
F.F. Bruce: He notes that Sarah’s initial incredulity (seen when she laughed at the prophecy in Genesis 18) turned into faith, which Hebrews commends.
William Barclay: He points out the importance of Sarah’s faith as equivalent to Abraham’s, though she receives less attention, highlighting the value of women’s faith in the biblical narrative.