What does Hebrews 11:39 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 11:39 speaks of the heroes of faith listed in the preceding verses, individuals who lived by faith in God's promises.

The verse emphasizes that despite their faith and the "good report" or commendation they received for it, they did not see the fulfillment of God's ultimate promise during their lifetimes.

This promise is generally understood to be the coming of Jesus Christ and the complete salvation he brings.

The deeper meaning here is that faith is not about receiving immediate rewards; it’s about trusting God's plan and timing, even if the fulfillment of his promises extends beyond our own lives.

Historical Context

This verse is situated at the end of Hebrews chapter 11, which is often called the "Faith Hall of Fame." The epistle was written to a community of Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Jewish Scriptures.

They were likely facing persecution and hardship, which may have tempted them to abandon their Christian faith and return to Judaism.

The author of Hebrews draws on the history of the Israelites to encourage these early believers to persevere in faith, just as their ancestors did.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse suggests an eschatological view, meaning it relates to end times or final events in human history. The "promise" is often seen as the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ.

Theologically, this can be viewed from different angles: 1.

Continuity and Fulfillment: The Christian faith is seen as the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures. 2.

The Nature of Faith: Faith involves trust without necessarily seeing the fulfillment of what is hoped for, echoing the definition from Hebrews 11:1. 3.

The Communal Aspect of Salvation: Although individuals have personal faith, the fulfillment of God's promises is a collective experience shared with others in the "great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1).

Practical Applications

The teachings of Hebrews 11:39 can be applied in various ways: 1.

Encouragement in Perseverance: Believers can find encouragement to continue in faith even when they do not see immediate results. 2.

Long-term Perspective: Life can be viewed within the larger story of God's redemptive history, creating a sense of patience and purpose. 3.

Valuing Faith as Commendable: Focus is on the intrinsic value of faith, rather than on the external rewards it may bring.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
• Hebrews 11:13: "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 12:1: "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."

Language Study

The phrase "good report" in Greek is "μαρτυρέω" (martureo), meaning to bear witness or testify.

The recipients "received not" the promise, where "received" comes from the Greek word "κομίζω" (komizo), implying to carry or obtain.

So, while they bore witness to faith, they did not obtain the fulfillment of their anticipation within their lifetimes.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Culturally and religiously, the anticipation of a messianic figure or a redemptive event is not unique to Christianity.

Jewish tradition awaits the Messiah, while some strands of Islam look forward to the Mahdi. In broader religious and cultural mythology, there are also themes of awaiting a savior or a golden age, such as the Hindu Kalki avatar or the Norse Ragnarök.

Scientific Perspectives

While Hebrews 11:39 does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, the concept of enduring faith despite not seeing evidence finds parallel in scientific exploration.

Just as these ancients believed in a promise they would not live to see, scientists may work on theories or experiments the fruition of which may lie far beyond their lifetimes.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators provide varied insights on Hebrews 11:39.

Some, like Matthew Henry, emphasize the test of faith over time and commend these figures for their steadfastness.

Other scholars might analyze the socio-rhetorical context, such as how the epistle uses these examples of faith from Israel's history to encourage a struggling community.

Modern commentators highlight the ecumenical aspect of faith, noting that it can act as a unifying force throughout different eras and challenges.