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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 11:6 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 11:6 is a significant verse within Christian scripture that emphasizes faith as a foundational principle in the relationship between human beings and God. It ascertains that having faith is indispensable in order to be pleasing to God.

The verse breaks down this concept into two key assertions: firstly, that one must believe in the existence of God, which is a basic tenet of faith; secondly, that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

This suggests that faith is not merely passive belief, but involves an active seeking or striving towards God.

The deeper meaning here involves trusting in the character and nature of God, not just believing that He exists but also having confidence in His goodness and His responsiveness to those who pursue a relationship with Him sincerely.

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

The Epistle to the Hebrews, where this verse is found, was written to a group of early Christians who were experiencing hardships and persecution.

The exact date and authorship of Hebrews are uncertain, but it is commonly dated to the late 1st century.

The audience is believed to have been Jewish Christians who were well-acquainted with the Old Testament.

The writer of Hebrews urges them to hold on to their faith amidst their struggles, drawing heavily on Jewish religious history to encourage them.

Hebrews 11 is known as the "faith chapter" of the Bible, as it provides examples of Old Testament figures who lived by faith.

This context is important for understanding the emphasis on faith being necessary to please God, which would have been an encouragement to persevere for an audience facing challenges because of their beliefs.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints approach the concept of faith in distinct ways:

Evangelical Perspective: Evangelicals often understand faith as involving trust, acceptance of Christ's sacrifice, and personal relationship with God, components deemed necessary for salvation.

Hebrews 11:6 is viewed as a clear statement about the need for faith to stand in right relation to God.

Catholic Perspective: While Catholics also view faith as essential, they typically emphasize faith working through love (Galatians 5:6), meaning that faith must manifest in actions.

This perspective sees Hebrews 11:6 as reinforcing the need for active, living faith.

Reformed Perspective: Reformed theology emphasizes the sovereignty of God and might interpret this verse as highlighting God’s initiative in rewarding those who seek Him, a reward not based on human merit but on God’s grace.
Liberal Theology: Liberal theologians might focus on the broader existential implications of faith in Hebrews 11:6, considering the psychological and philosophical aspects of belief and the subjective experience of seeking God.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can be applied in several ways:

Faith in Action: It encourages believers to actively live out their faith, not just believe in abstract terms.
Perseverance: It serves as a call to continue seeking God with diligence, even during hardships or when God seems distant.
Spiritual Growth: It challenges individuals to explore their beliefs more deeply and to seek a closer relationship with God.
Community Support: It provides a foundation for communities of faith to support one another in their spiritual pursuits, recognizing the importance of mutual encouragement in seeking God.

Cross-References

Here are a few related verses from the King James Version of the Bible:

"And without faith it is impossible to please him..." (Hebrews 11:6) is related to other passages such as:
- James 2:17: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."
- John 6:29: "Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."
- Romans 10:17: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
- Proverbs 8:17: "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the verse is depicted as:

"χωρὶς δὲ πίστεως ἀδύνατον εὐαρεστῆσαι..."
πίστεως (pisteos) - "Faith", which refers not only to belief but also fidelity, trust, and conviction.
ἀδύνατον (adynaton) - "Impossible", indicating something that cannot be done or occur.
εὐαρεστῆσαι (euarestēsai) - "To please," which in the context of this passage, refers to being agreeable or acceptable to God.

The study of these keywords underscores the impossibility of pleasing God without possessing faith characterized by trust and fidelity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, the concept of faith and divine reward is present in many ancient myths and modern religions:

In ancient Greek mythology, humans who pleased the gods could be rewarded, often in a transactional form.
In Hinduism, the notion of "karma" suggests that actions based on right belief and practice can result in positive outcomes or rewards.
In Buddhism, while not theistic, faith in the Dharma and commitment to the path can result in spiritual enlightenment.

However, these are distinctly different from the Christian concept of faith as being inherently relational versus transactional, focusing on faith in a personal God and the seeking of a relationship rather than performing for material or transactional rewards.

Scientific Perspectives

The discussion of faith in Hebrews 11:6 generally falls outside the purview of empirical science as it deals with belief in the metaphysical.

However, science does investigate related concepts such as the psychological effects of belief and the nature of human consciousness.

Moreover, the idea of diligently seeking might resonate with the scientific value of persistent inquiry, although applied in a spiritual rather than empirical realm.

Commentaries

Commentaries from various scholars and theologians might offer a range of interpretations of Hebrews 11:6:

Matthew Henry: Emphasizes that it is only through faith that one can apply the merits of Christ, without which it is impossible to please God.
John Gill: Addresses the twofold act of faith described in the verse, both in accepting the existence of God and understanding that He is a rewarder.
Adam Clarke: Notes that trust and confidence in God, evidenced through diligent seeking, constitute the true nature of religion.
William Barclay: Suggests that the Greek word for "seek" indicates an intense effort, illustrating that God responds to those who put their heart and soul into living for Him.

These perspectives converge upon the centrality of faith as a core Christian principle while recognizing the active component of seeking God as integral to the life of faith.

Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11

What does Hebrews 11:6 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 11:6 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?