What does Hebrews 11:20 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 11:20, found in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, is part of a chapter often referred to as the "faith chapter" or the "hall of faith." This particular verse refers to Isaac, a patriarch from the Old Testament, and his act of faith in blessing his two sons, Jacob and Esau.

The verse highlights the prophetic nature of Isaac's blessings; they were spoken concerning future events, which Isaac believed God would bring to pass.

The deeper meaning implies not only faith in the present circumstances but also in God's future promises and plans, extending beyond one's own lifetime.

Historical Context

The book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and possibly questioning their faith.

It is generally believed to have been composed sometime before the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 A.D.

Isaac, the character referred to in Hebrews 11:20, is a central figure in the book of Genesis, son of Abraham and father to Jacob and Esau.

His blessings of his sons, which occur in Genesis 27, were integral in the unfolding of the history of the Israelites and God's plan for salvation history.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives can derive various insights from Hebrews 11:20:

• Reformed Theology emphasizes the sovereignty of God and would see Isaac's blessing as a fulfillment of God's predestined plan for the nation of Israel.
• Arminian Theology might focus on the aspect of faith and how it is essential in cooperating with God's plans.
• Dispensational Theology could highlight how this blessing fits into the different economies or dispensations through which God interacts with humanity and fulfills His promises.
• Covenant Theology would see this as a continuation of the Abrahamic covenant, where the blessings and promises given to Abraham are passed down through Isaac.

Practical Applications

Hebrews 11:20 teaches the importance of faith and blessing. In daily life:

• One can be encouraged to trust God for future events, even when the present circumstances might not indicate a favorable outcome.
• Believers can practice speaking blessings over their children and future generations, believing that these have enduring value.
• The passage can inspire individuals to trust in God's sovereignty and providence concerning their life and the lives of their descendants.

Cross-References

• Genesis 27:27-29, 27 And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed: 28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine: 29 Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.
• Genesis 27:39-40, 39 And Isaac his father answered and said unto him, Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above; 40 And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.
• Romans 9:7-8, Not because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

Language Study

In the original Greek language, the term "faith" (πίστις - pistis) refers to trust, belief, or confidence in someone or something.

The word "blessed" (εὐλογέω - eulogeō) can mean to speak well of someone or to invoke blessings upon a person.

"Concerning things to come" (μέλλοντα - mellonta) implies a future orientation of the blessings spoken, highlighting the forward-looking nature of Isaac's faith.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing Hebrews 11:20 to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, one finds parallels in the idea of ancestral blessings and curses having significant power over future generations.

In many cultures, the spoken word by a patriarch or matriarch was highly regarded and often believed to determine the fate of descendants.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the biblical concept of blessings may be seen as aligning with ideas from positive psychology. Studies suggest that positive affirmations and beliefs can have significant psychological and social effects on individuals and groups, influencing behavior and well-being.

While these effects do not demonstrate the supernatural element of faith, they show how belief and spoken words can impact human life.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Hebrews 11:20 offer diverse interpretations:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes that Isaac's faith was commendable even though his intention to bless Esau was frustrated; he acted by faith in blessing Jacob.
• Barnes' Notes on the Bible suggests that the faith of Isaac was shown by conferring the blessing in a calm and confident manner, without any doubt that it would be fulfilled, even though it pertained to a distant future.
• The Pulpit Commentary points out that Isaac's faith is acknowledged despite his human purpose being overruled by the divine will, and extends the principle to general acts of faith in God's promises for the future.