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Hebrews 11

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

For by it the elders obtained a good report.

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

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.

Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

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.

For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

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.

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

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

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;

(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

What does Hebrews 11:18 mean?

Explanation

The verse Hebrews 11:18 "[Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:]" refers back to the promise given by God to Abraham in the book of Genesis.

It signifies that God's covenant with Abraham would be fulfilled through his son Isaac and that the lineage of Abraham's descendants, the chosen people of God, would be established through Isaac, not Ishmael or any other offspring.

The deeper meaning touches on themes of faith, obedience, divine promise, and the idea of spiritual lineage and inheritance.

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the "faith chapter" of the Bible as it lists examples of faithful men and women from the Old Testament.

This particular verse alludes to the events in Genesis 21:12, where God tells Abraham that his descendants would be named through Isaac, reinforcing the covenant established earlier in Genesis 17.

During the time the book of Hebrews was written, Christians were undergoing persecution, and the writer uses these Old Testament examples to encourage believers to persevere in faith.

Theological Insights

This verse has important theological implications in Christianity.

It is seen as part of the concept of "salvation history," where the lineage of Isaac is seen as leading to the birth of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God's promise.

Some theological viewpoints focus on the elective grace of God, predestination, and the fulfillment of prophecies. Others may ponder the continuity and discontinuity between the Old and New Testaments in the Bible, observing how the New Testament reinterprets and fulfills Old Testament promises.

Practical Applications

The teaching in Hebrews 11:18 can inspire individuals to trust in divine promises and remain steadfast in their faith, despite not seeing immediate fulfillment.

It serves as an encouragement to see the bigger picture of God's plan and to cling to the belief that the promises of God are reliable.

It can also challenge believers to consider the legacy they are creating through their faith and actions, how it affects their "spiritual descendants," and what it means to be part of God's covenant community.

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."
Genesis 21:12 – "And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called."
Romans 9:7 – "Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called."

Language Study

The key word in this verse is "seed" (Greek: σπέρμα, sperma).

In ancient context, "seed" often referred to biological descendants.

The phrase "shall thy seed be called" suggests identity and recognition, indicating that Isaac's lineage will be the one associated with God's promise.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a chosen lineage is common in many ancient myths and religions.

For example, Egyptian and Mesopotamian royal lineages were often considered divinely appointed.

The story of Abraham's seed through Isaac may also be compared to the theme of a favored child or progeny central to many cultural narratives, such as the story of King Arthur or various Greek demigods.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse itself is not directly related to scientific matters, modern genetics and the study of DNA trace physical lineages, arguably a contemporary equivalent of "seed." Such study has shed light on the complexity of inheritance, ethnicity, and identity.

However, the biblical concept of "seed" is more theological and covenantal rather than biological.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians interpret this verse within the broader narrative of God's covenant with Abraham.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes God's sovereign choice in the lineage of Isaac over Ishmael.

The Pulpit Commentary notes the faith of Abraham in God's promise regarding his descendants through Isaac, even when he was asked to sacrifice Isaac.

John Gill comments on the great trust Abraham had in God's promise, which is mentioned as a prime example of faith in Hebrews 11.

Most agree that this verse highlights the fulfillment of God’s promises and the importance of faith and obedience.

Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11

What does Hebrews 11:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Hebrews 11:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?