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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 11:8 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 11:8 speaks about the faith of Abraham, who is seen as a patriarch and an exemplar of faithfulness in Judeo-Christian traditions.

The verse emphasizes Abraham's obedience to a divine call.

When the call came to him, he displayed a profound trust in God by setting out for a place that was promised to him as an inheritance, despite not knowing the details of his destination.

The significance of this verse lies not just in the physical act of traveling to an unknown land, but also in the spiritual metaphor it presents: the journey of faith involves moving towards God's promises, even without complete knowledge of the outcome.

It highlights the virtue of trusting in God's wisdom over one's own understanding.

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Historical Context

This passage is part of the "faith chapter" of the New Testament, which lists examples of faith from the Old Testament.

It is believed to be written to a Jewish-Christian audience facing persecution, encouraging them to keep their faith.

The historical background of Abraham's call refers to the narrative in Genesis 12:1-4, where God tells Abraham to leave his country, kin, and father's house for a land that God would show him.

The context suggests a test of faith wherein Abraham is prompted to leave the security of his homeland for an unknown future, reassured only by the promises of God.

Theological Insights

From a Christian viewpoint, this verse serves to exemplify the concept of "faith" (Greek: pistis), which in the New Testament context means trustful surrender to God and confidence in His promises.

Abraham is seen as a model of this faith, obeying without immediate proof or tangible reward.

Theological perspectives also see this as a typological foreshadowing of the Christian faith journey – one that requires leaving behind old comforts and stepping out into the unknown on the promise of spiritual inheritance.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can inspire individuals to exercise faith in their personal lives by trusting in the course set before them even amidst uncertainty.

This could manifest in making difficult decisions in life or career moves, starting new ventures, or simply staying steadfast in challenging times, all in the assurance that there is a divine plan at work.

Moreover, it reminds believers that faith is also about obedience and taking actionable steps based on that faith.

Cross-References

Genesis 12:1-4: "Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:"
Hebrews 11:9-10: "By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country..."
Romans 4:3: "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."

Language Study

The verse's key phrase in Greek is "κατὰ πίστιν," translated as "by faith." "πίστιν" (pistin) means trust, assurance, or belief.

The term conveys more than intellectual assent; it signifies trust that leads to action. "ἐξεδέχετο" (exedecheto), often translated as "he went out," not only reflects Abraham's physical departure but also a readiness or openness to God's future promises.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Abraham's journey can be compared to other ancient narratives where figures are called upon to leave their homes and endure trials, such as the Sumerian King Gilgamesh or the Greek hero Odysseus.

These stories, while distinct in their context and divine interactions, share themes of faithfulness, journeying, and promises of inheritance or reward.

In broader religious traditions, similar parallels exist, where foundational figures embark on significant journeys after divine encounters, like the Prophet Muhammad's migration (Hijrah) in Islam.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives may not directly relate to the elements of faith and obedience in this verse.

However, studies in psychology and sociology could shed light on the human experience of uncertainty, decision-making processes, and the impact of faith or religious beliefs on these processes.

It would be an exploration of how belief systems influence human behavior and how people cope with the unknown.

Commentaries

Commentators like Matthew Henry highlight Abraham's faith as "an obedience to the command of God" and stress the uncertainty of his pilgrimage as a testament to his trust in God.

John Calvin focuses on the immediacy of Abraham's obedience, even when the command seemed to disrupt his life.

Modern commentaries underscore the theme of pilgrimage as central to Christian life, a spiritual journey much like Abraham's, marked by trust in God's ultimate plans and purposes.

Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11

What does Hebrews 11:8 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 11:8 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?