What does Hebrews 11:5 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 11:5 speaks of Enoch, a figure from the Book of Genesis, who is one of only two people in the Bible taken by God without experiencing death (the other being Elijah).

This verse emphasizes Enoch's faith as the reason for his translation, highlighting the idea that his life was so pleasing to God that God took him directly to be with Him.

The word "translated" here suggests a change of place or state, implying that Enoch was moved from his earthly existence to a heavenly one.

The verse leaves a legacy of Enoch's faith, setting an example for believers to follow.

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to a group of early Christians, possibly of Hellenistic Jewish descent, who were facing persecution and challenges in their faith.

The book is a call to persevere, using examples of faith from the Old Testament.

It is believed to date from approximately 60-70 AD, when the early Christian community was struggling to understand their identities in relation to traditional Jewish beliefs and the expanding Greco-Roman culture.

By citing Enoch, the author connects with a story that would have been known to the audience and uses it to demonstrate the continuity of faith from the Old to the New Covenant.

Theological Insights

There are varying theological insights regarding this verse:

• Transcendence: Some theologians view this passage as evidence of God’s ability to transcend the laws of nature and human experience, as in the miraculous translation of Enoch.
• Faith and Pleasing God: Another insight is the centrality of faith in the Christian walk; the verse connects Enoch's faith intimately with the idea of pleasing God.
• Eschatological Hope: There is also an eschatological reading, suggesting that Enoch's fate is a precursor to the Christian hope of eternal life.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to live by faith, aiming to please God in all they do.

It suggests that the consequences of a faithful life can be profound and that God values and rewards those who seek Him earnestly. Individuals are called to trust in God’s promises beyond the visible and tangible, fostering a relationship with God that is deeply rooted in faith.

Cross-References

• Genesis 5:24: "And Enoch walked with God: and he [was] not; for God took him."
• Hebrews 11:6: "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."
• 2 Kings 2:11: "And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, [there appeared] a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven."
• Jude 1:14: "And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,"

Language Study

The key word "translated" in the original Greek text is "metatithemi," meaning to transfer or move from one place to another. It implies a change in state, position, or condition.

The phrase "should not see death" translates to "mē eidēn thanaton," with "eidēn" being an aorist active subjunctive of "horao," indicating the potentiality or possibility of not experiencing something – in this case, death.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Enoch's narrative bears resemblance to other ancient tales of individuals who were taken by deities, including the Mesopotamian story of Utnapishtim from the Epic of Gilgamesh or ancient Greek tales of individuals like Ganymede, who was brought to Mount Olympus by Zeus.

These stories reflect a broader cultural motif where select individuals are granted immortality or special favor by the gods they served.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the event described in Hebrews 11:5 is a supernatural occurrence outside the scope of natural processes.

While there is no scientific evidence to support the literal account of someone being physically translated to another realm without experiencing death, the passage can be understood metaphorically, reflecting the transformative power of faith in a person's life.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered various commentaries on this passage:

• Matthew Henry's commentary highlights the exceptional nature of Enoch's translation and his faith's role in it.
• The Pulpit Commentary discusses the possibility that "translation" may refer to a spiritual rather than a physical change.
• John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible sees Enoch's translation as a demonstration of God's power and approval of his piety.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament points out that Enoch's experience foreshadows the Christian hope of eternal life through faith in God.