1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3 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.
4 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.
5 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.
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.
7 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.
8 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.
9 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:
10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God.
11 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.
12 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.
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.
14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that [country] from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
16 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.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten [son],
18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
19 Accounting that God [was] able to raise [him] up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, [leaning] upon the top of his staff.
22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
23 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.
24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;
25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry [land]: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
32 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:
33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
34 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.
35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
36 And others had trial of [cruel] mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37 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;
38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and [in] mountains, and [in] dens and caves of the earth.
39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
Overview of Hebrews Chapter 11
Hebrews Chapter 11 is often referred to as the “Hall of Faith” due to its extensive discussion on faith and its significance in the lives of biblical figures. The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in the life of believers and illustrates this through various examples from the Old Testament.
Key Themes
- Definition of Faith: The chapter opens with a clear definition of faith, stating that it is “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
- Examples of Faith: The author provides a list of individuals who exemplified faith, demonstrating how their trust in God led to significant outcomes.
- Faith and Action: The chapter highlights that true faith is often accompanied by actions that reflect that belief.
- Endurance and Hope: Many examples illustrate the theme of enduring faith, where individuals faced trials yet remained hopeful in God’s promises.
Notable Figures and Their Faith
- Abel: Offered a better sacrifice than Cain, demonstrating faith through worship (Hebrews 11:4).
- Enoch: Walked with God and was taken up, showing that faith leads to divine favor (Hebrews 11:5).
- Noah: Built the ark in reverence to God, acting on faith despite the lack of visible evidence (Hebrews 11:7).
- Abraham: Obeyed God’s call to leave his homeland, illustrating faith in action (Hebrews 11:8-10).
- Sarah: Received strength to conceive, showing faith in God’s promise despite her old age (Hebrews 11:11).
- Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph: Each demonstrated faith in God’s promises regarding the future (Hebrews 11:20-22).
- Moses: Chose to suffer with God’s people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin (Hebrews 11:24-26).
- The Israelites: Crossed the Red Sea by faith, showcasing collective faith leading to miraculous deliverance (Hebrews 11:29).
- Rahab: Protected the spies and was saved due to her faith, illustrating that faith can come from unexpected places (Hebrews 11:31).
Faith as a Unifying Thread
The chapter emphasizes that faith is a common thread that unites all these figures, regardless of their background or circumstances. Each story reinforces the idea that faith is not merely belief but is also demonstrated through actions and choices.
Conclusion: The Call to Faith
Hebrews Chapter 11 concludes with a powerful reminder that the faithful are part of a larger narrative of God’s redemptive plan. The author encourages readers to persevere in their faith, drawing inspiration from those who have gone before them. This chapter serves as a call to live out one’s faith actively, trusting in God’s promises and enduring through trials.
