What does Hebrews 11:37 mean?

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 11:37

Explanation

Hebrews 11:37 describes the severe trials and tribulations faced by the faithful throughout history. This verse is part of a larger passage often referred to as the “Faith Hall of Fame,” which highlights the examples of various Old Testament figures who demonstrated extraordinary faith in God despite facing extreme adversity. In this verse, the writer of Hebrews details various forms of persecution and suffering endured by the faithful, including stoning, being sawn in two, facing temptation, being killed by the sword, and living in poverty and destitution while being forced to wander in animal skins. The verse underscores the depth of their faith and commitment, as they withstood such suffering with fortitude and belief in God’s promises.

Historical Context

Hebrews was most likely written for Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament and the history of Israel. They faced persecution and hardships for their belief in Jesus as the Messiah. The author reminds them of their ancestors in faith who faced severe trials and yet remained faithful. This verse does not point to specific historical individuals for each suffering described but rather gives a general portrayal of the experiences of the prophets and other believers throughout the history of Israel. It was written to encourage the early Christians to remain steadfast in their faith despite similar trials.

Theological Insights

This verse conveys several theological insights:

• Test of Faith: The sufferings enumerated here are understood within Christian theology as ultimate tests of faith. The idea is that true faith endures through even the most extreme hardships.
• Witnesses to Faith: The individuals mentioned in this and surrounding verses are considered “witnesses” or “martyrs” (from the Greek “martys,” meaning “witness”) to faith, suggesting that their sufferings are a testimonial of their belief.
• Eschatological Reward: Theologically, this verse implies that although these individuals faced adversity on earth, they held to the promise of a heavenly kingdom, thus highlighting the eschatological hope that gives believers the fortitude to endure persecution.

Practical Applications

Faithful individuals today can draw encouragement from Hebrews 11:37, recognizing that:

• Endurance: Followers of Christ are not promised an easy path but are called to persevere through trials as a testament to their faith.
• Solidarity: The verse offers a sense of connection to the faithful of the past, suggesting a continuity in the experience of the Christian community over time.
• Compassion and Support: In recognizing the trials faced by the faithful of the past, Christians can be moved to offer support and understanding to those who suffer for their faith today.

Cross-References

• Daniel 3:20-30: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are saved from the fiery furnace, demonstrating faith in the face of death.
• 2 Chronicles 24:20-21: The stoning of Zechariah son of Jehoiada for prophesying against the people of Judah.
• James 5:10: James encourages believers to take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as examples of suffering and patience.
• 2 Timothy 3:12: Paul warns that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Language Study

The original Greek words used in this verse carry deep significance:

• “Sawn asunder” (Greek: “pristhentes”): Refers to being cut or sawn in two, a form of torture or execution that was reportedly, though not substantiated in Holy Scripture, experienced by the prophet Isaiah.
• “Tempted” (Greek: “peirasthentes”): Beyond the usual understanding of being enticed to sin, it also encompasses the idea of being tested or tried in one’s faith.
• “Destitute, afflicted, tormented” (Greek: “hustereomenoi, kakoumenoi, mastigomenoi”): These words describe varying degrees of poverty, mistreatment, and punishment.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient myths and religious traditions often include stories of heroes enduring hardships or trials:

• In Greek mythology, the labors of Hercules can be seen as trials of strength and endurance, though not typically associated with faithfulness to a deity.
• In Hinduism, various figures, such as Prahlada, undergo trials because of their devotion, which is a reflection of the individual’s steadfast faith in the face of adversity.

Scientific Perspectives

While Hebrews 11:37 does not lend itself directly to scientific analysis, the disciplines of psychology and sociology might provide insight into the impact of persecution on groups and individuals, as well as the psychological strength derived from strong belief systems and supportive communities.

Commentaries

Traditional Biblical commentaries often see Hebrews 11:37 as a climax of the faith chapter, emphasizing the extremity of persecution these believers faced:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the cruel and unusual punishments that prophets and men of God endured for their steadfastness in faith.
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary discusses the unknown heroes of faith who were not named in the Old Testament but endured these trials as a testament to their faith in God’s promises.
• The Pulpit Commentary reflects on the nature of the world treating God’s saints in this harsh manner but recognizes the heroes’ reverence for God’s future reward over the present pain.