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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 11:4 mean?

Explanation

The verse Hebrews 11:4 is part of the New Testament's Hall of Faith, where the author lists examples of Old Testament figures who displayed exemplary faith in God.

In this verse, Abel is praised for the quality of his sacrifice when compared to that of his brother Cain.

It emphasizes that Abel's offering was more acceptable because it was given in faith, signifying complete trust and dependence on God.

The deeper meaning indicates that God values the hearts and motivations behind actions over the actions themselves.

Though Abel was killed by his brother and is long dead, his faith still 'speaks' as a testimony to the living.

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Hebrews was likely written before the destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70, as it makes no mention of this pivotal event.

The epistle is addressed to Jewish Christians, possibly those who were facing persecution and struggling with leaving behind the old covenant traditions.

The story of Cain and Abel that the verse references comes from Genesis 4 and is one of the earliest narratives in the Scriptures, capturing themes of worship, rivalry, and the importance of righteous living.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse illustrates the concept that righteous acts are born out of faith rather than just duty.

Abel's right standing with God ('righteousness') is ascribed to his faith, not just his actions.

This aligns with the New Testament teaching that salvation and righteousness are found through faith, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9.

Abel's offering is deemed 'more excellent' because it represented a heartfelt faith in God's goodness and provision, contrasting with Cain's offering, which was presumably given with less sincerity or trust.

Practical Applications

Hebrews 11:4 has several practical applications.

Firstly, it encourages believers to examine the quality of their worship and offerings to God, emphasizing faith over mere performance.

Secondly, it reassures that sincere faith is acknowledged by God, even if others do not recognize it.

Lastly, it serves as a reminder that the legacy of faith left behind by individuals can continue to influence others positively long after they are gone.

Cross-References

Genesis 4:3-5: Cain and Abel's offerings and God's response to them.
Matthew 23:35: Jesus' reference to Abel's righteousness.
1 John 3:12: A warning not to be like Cain who was of the evil one and murdered his brother.
Romans 10:17: Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
James 2:18: Faith is demonstrated by actions.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words include "πίστει" (pistei, by faith), suggesting trust or belief in God, and "θυσίαν πλείονα" (thusian pleiona, a more excellent sacrifice), indicating superiority in quality.

The phrase "μαρτυρούμενος" (martyroumenos, being testified) suggests that Abel received a divine witness to his righteousness.

Additionally, "δι’ αὐτῆς" (di’ autes, by it) refers to the means by which he still speaks - his faith, proving it outlives one's mortal existence.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The story of Cain and Abel has parallels in other ancient myths, such as the Sumerian tale of the farmer Emesh and the shepherd Enten, where the gods preferred the shepherd's offering.

Similar motifs of sibling rivalry and preferred offerings to deities appear across various cultures, often with the moral that the state of one's heart is crucial in offerings to the divine.

Scientific Perspectives

While Hebrews 11:4 does not directly relate to scientific principles, discussions on the nature of faith may intersect with psychological studies on belief systems and motivations behind human actions.

Additionally, the process of giving and the emotional states associated with altruistic behavior are subjects of interest in behavioral science.

The long-lasting impact of one's actions, as indicated by Abel's faith "speaking" after death, might also intersect with studies on legacy and posthumous social influence.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars emphasize the transformative power of faith as exemplified by Abel.

Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests that Abel’s sacrifice was more excellent because it was a blood sacrifice, pointing forward to Christ’s sacrificial death.

John Gill remarks on the testimony given to Abel's gifts as evidence of the high esteem God had for his offering.

The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary highlights that Abel’s faith anticipated a Redeemer, which Cain’s sacrifice neglected.

Overall, commentators underscore that Abel's obedient worship through faith set the tone for the believers that followed.

Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11

What does Hebrews 11:4 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 11:4 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?