What does Hebrews 11:13 mean?

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. Hebrews 11:13

Explanation

Hebrews 11:13 speaks about the patriarchs of faith such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who lived lives of faith in God’s promises, even though they did not see the fulfillment of all those promises within their lifetimes. It emphasizes their strong belief and hope in God’s word and their acceptance of their status as temporary residents (“strangers and pilgrims”) on earth, awaiting a better, heavenly country. Literally, these individuals did not receive the promised land or see the full multitude of their descendants. Figuratively, it references the Christian hope of salvation and eternal life, which believers hold onto through faith, just as the patriarchs did.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the New Testament, in the Epistle to the Hebrews, a book written primarily to Jewish Christians possibly between A.D. 60-70. The author of Hebrews is not definitively known, although some attribute it to Paul, Barnabas, Apollos, or another early Christian leader. The cultural and historical context is rooted in the transition from Old Covenant Judaism to New Covenant Christianity, explaining and affirming the supremacy of Christ and the sufficiency of faith in Him over the works of the Law.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse contributes to the understanding of “faith” as a foundation of Christian life. From a Calvinist perspective, it exemplifies the perseverance of the saints, indicating that true faith will endure to the end. An Arminian viewpoint might focus on the active role of the believers, who were “persuaded” and “embraced” the promises. A Catholic interpretation may include honoring the Old Testament saints and seeing their faith as a precursor and model for Christian faith. The verse ultimately underscores the concept of living by faith in divine promises not yet realized, a core principle shared by most Christian traditions.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse encourages believers to maintain faith despite not seeing the fulfillment of God’s promises immediately. It serves as a reminder to view life on earth as temporary and to focus on the eternal. This perspective can affect decisions, leading individuals to prioritize spiritual values over temporal gains and to live as responsible stewards knowing that their true citizenship and reward is in heaven.

Cross-References

• “For we walk by faith, not by sight:” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
• “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.” (Hebrews 11:16)
• “For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” (Hebrews 13:14)
• “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” (Revelation 21:1)

Language Study

In the original Greek, key terms include “πίστει” (pistei – by faith), “ξένοι” (xenoi – strangers), and “παρεπίδημοι” (parepidēmoi – pilgrims or sojourners). “Πίστει” refers to not just belief but a faithful, trusting relationship. “Ξένοι” and “παρεπίδημοι” convey the idea of being foreigners and temporary residents, respectively, suggesting an understanding of life as temporary and focused on a heavenly destination.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient Greek and Roman societies also had concepts of honoring patriarchs and ancestors, though this was often in a context of state religion and civic duty rather than personal faith. Compared to other religions, the Judeo-Christian emphasis on faith in an unseen God’s promises is distinctive. Some ancient myths speak of heroes on quests for immortality or a return to a paradisiacal state, which can be loosely compared to the Christian quest for eternal life in heaven.

Scientific Perspectives

While Hebrews 11:13 is not directly related to scientific inquiry, the verse’s contrast between the seen and unseen resonates with scientific methodologies that often infer unseen mechanisms from observable events. However, the idea of faith itself eludes scientific measurement and is considered a matter of individual belief and spiritual understanding.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary: Henry views the patriarchs’ faith as an example of true faith, where they earnestly sought after the heavenly promise and willingly confessed their state as sojourners on earth.
• John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible: Gill emphasizes the intensity of the patriarchs’ faith, pointing out that they were fully convinced of the reality of the promises without seeing them fulfilled.
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary: This commentary highlights the pilgrim status of the faithful who do not see the fulfillment of God’s promises in their lifetime but look forward to a heavenly inheritance.
• The Pulpit Commentary: It notes the continual act of faith in the lives of the patriarchs, which involved not only believing in the promises but also acting on them, as evidenced by their willingness to live as foreigners in anticipation of something greater.