What does Hebrews 11:36 mean?

And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: Hebrews 11:36

Explanation

Hebrews 11:36 speaks of varied sufferings experienced by the faithful throughout history. It refers to believers who, while being commended for their faith, endured substantial persecution and distress. The verse’s literal meaning conveys a historical recount of what some believers faced: mockings, scourgings (whippings), bonds (imprisonment), and imprisonment. On a deeper level, it highlights the intense commitment and resilience of those who uphold their faith in the face of extreme adversity. The trials mentioned are both psychological (mockings) and physical (scourgings, bonds, and imprisonment).

Historical Context

This verse is part of a larger section commonly called “The Faith Hall of Fame” in Hebrews 11, which lists the heroes of faith throughout biblical history. Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and who might have been considering renouncing their Christian faith and returning to Judaism. The precise date and authorship of Hebrews are uncertain, with estimations ranging from 60 to 95 AD. This verse serves to remind the readers of the sacrifices that the faithful endured, possibly referring to figures from the Old Testament, as well as more contemporary believers at the time.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse speaks to the doctrine of perseverance which is prevalent in Christian theology. From a salvific perspective, some sects believe perseverance is evidence of genuine faith. Calvinists would see this endurance as part of the ‘perseverance of the saints’, meaning that true believers will maintain their faith through all trials. An Arminian view might use this verse to exemplify the believer’s need to remain faithful despite suffering, highlighting the human role in maintaining faith. In Catholicism, such sufferings are sometimes seen in the context of redemptive suffering—that through suffering, Christians can participate in Christ’s redemptive work.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Hebrews 11:36 lie in its encouragement to modern-day believers to remain steadfast in their faith despite hardships. It can be seen as a call to endure ridicule or adversity for one’s beliefs, providing a historical precedent for facing trials. Believers can take comfort knowing that they are part of a long tradition of faith that has often been tested. Additionally, this can encourage believers to be compassionate and supportive of those in their community who are facing trials of any kind.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 11:37: “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;”
• Hebrews 10:32-34: “But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.”
• 2 Timothy 3:12: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

Language Study

The original Greek text uses the word “ἐμπαιγμόνων” (empaigmonon) for “mockings,” which indicates being made fun of or ridiculed. “Μαστίγων” (mastigon) is translated as “scourgings,” referring to being whipped or flogged, often a punishment under Roman law. “Δεσμῶν” (desmon) means “bonds” or “chains,” and “φυλακῆς” (phylakes) refers to “imprisonment.” These terms highlight the variety of sufferings the believers endured.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Such narratives of persecution and steadfastness are common throughout many religious and mythological traditions. For example, in Greco-Roman mythology, heroes often endure trials and tribulations, although typically for personal glory or accomplishment, as opposed to the Christian context of persevering in faith. In Buddhism, tales are told of monks who maintain meditative composure and non-attachment in the face of severe trials, which can be seen as an Eastern parallel to the endurance of Christian saints.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific community tends to see verses like Hebrews 11:36 from a sociological or psychological perspective, analyzing the effects of persecution on group cohesion and personal identity. Social scientists might examine how experiencing shared hardships can strengthen the bonds within a community or how individuals draw on faith and group identity to endure sufferings.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians provide various insights into Hebrews 11:36:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary highlights the severity of the trials and connects them with the steadfast faith of the martyrs, noting that their sufferings were in many cases worse than death.
• The Expositor’s Greek Testament mentions that these trials were faced not just by the “heroes” of faith but also by the “common rank of believers,” showing the widespread nature of persecution and the need for perseverance among all believers.
• John Calvin’s Commentaries focus on the edifying nature of such examples for believers, underlining that faith must be proved in the midst of afflictions, and trials are opportunities to practice patience and confirm one’s faith.