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Hebrews 11

World English Bible

WEB

1Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen. 2For by this, the elders obtained approval. 3By faith we understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible. 4By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had testimony given to him that he was righteous, God testifying with respect to his gifts; and through it he, being dead, still speaks. 5By faith Enoch was taken away, so that he wouldn’t see death, and he was not found, because God translated him. For he has had testimony given to him that before his translation he had been well pleasing to God. 6Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him. 7By faith Noah, being warned about things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared a ship for the saving of his house, through which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. 8By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out to the place which he was to receive for an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he went. 9By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive, and she bore a child when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised. 12Therefore as many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as innumerable as the sand which is by the sea shore, were fathered by one man, and him as good as dead. 13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and embraced them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had enough time to return. 16But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. 17By faith, Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. Yes, he who had gladly received the promises was offering up his only born son, 18to whom it was said, “Your offspring will be accounted as from Isaac,” 19concluding that God is able to raise up even from the dead. Figuratively speaking, he also did receive him back from the dead. 20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. 21By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. 22By faith Joseph, when his end was near, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones. 23By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. 24By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25choosing rather to share ill treatment with God’s people than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a time, 26considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the reward. 27By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 28By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them. 29By faith they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land. When the Egyptians tried to do so, they were swallowed up. 30By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31By faith Rahab the prostitute didn’t perish with those who were disobedient, having received the spies in peace. 32What more shall I say? For the time would fail me if I told of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets— 33who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked out righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, grew mighty in war, and caused foreign armies to flee. 35Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36Others were tried by mocking and scourging, yes, moreover by bonds and imprisonment. 37They were stoned. They were sawn apart. They were tempted. They were slain with the sword. They went around in sheep skins and in goat skins; being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated— 38of whom the world was not worthy—wandering in deserts, mountains, caves, and the holes of the earth. 39These all, having been commended for their faith, didn’t receive the promise, 40God having provided some better thing concerning us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Hebrews Chapter 11 is often referred to as the 'Hall of Faith,' where the author presents a powerful exposition on the nature of faith and its significance in the life of believers. The chapter begins with a definition of faith, stating that it is 'the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen' (Hebrews 11:1). This sets the stage for the examples that follow, illustrating how faith has been a driving force in the lives of many biblical figures. The chapter emphasizes that faith is not merely belief but involves trust in God's promises, even when they are not yet visible or fulfilled. This theme resonates throughout the chapter, encouraging believers to hold fast to their faith in God’s promises, just as the ancients did. #Faith #Assurance #Hope
The author then recounts the stories of various heroes of faith, including #Abel, #Enoch, #Noah, #Abraham, and #Moses, among others. Each of these figures exemplifies faith through their actions and choices, often in the face of great challenges and uncertainties. For instance, #Abraham's willingness to leave his homeland and sacrifice his son Isaac demonstrates profound trust in God's plan (Hebrews 11:8-19). The chapter culminates in a reminder that these faithful individuals did not receive the fullness of what was promised in their lifetimes, yet they looked forward to a better, heavenly country (Hebrews 11:13-16). This serves as an encouragement for contemporary believers to persevere in faith, knowing that they too are part of a larger narrative of God’s redemptive work, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

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Referenced by

  1. Genesis 5:24v5Genesis 5:24 describes Enoch walking with God and being taken by God, which Hebrews 11:5 references as an example of faith, highlighting Enoch's righteousness.
  2. Genesis 6:8v7Genesis 6:8 notes that Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord, which Hebrews 11:7 highlights as an example of faith, showing Noah's righteousness and obedience.
  3. Genesis 6:22v7Genesis 6:22 highlights Noah's obedience to God's commands, which Hebrews 11:7 commends as an act of faith, underscoring his trust in God's word.
  4. Genesis 7:1v7Genesis 7:1 describes God instructing Noah to enter the ark due to his righteousness. Hebrews 11:7 commends Noah's faith and obedience, highlighting his righteousness and the salvation of his household.
  5. Genesis 8:20v7Genesis 8:20 describes Noah building an altar and offering sacrifices to God after the flood. Hebrews 11:7 commends Noah's faith, highlighting his obedience and reverence in preparing the ark and offering sacrifices.
  6. Genesis 12:1v8Genesis 12:1 records God's call to Abram to leave his country, which Hebrews 11:8 highlights as an act of faith, emphasizing Abram's obedience to God's command.
  7. Genesis 13:18v9Genesis 13:18 describes Abram settling by the oaks of Mamre and building an altar to the Lord, signifying his faith and worship. Hebrews 11:9 commends Abram's faith as he lived in the promised land as a foreigner, dwelling in tents, which reflects his trust in God's promises.
  8. Genesis 14:22v9In Genesis 14:22, Abram declares his allegiance to the LORD, God Most High. Hebrews 11:9-10 reflects on Abram's faith and his vision of a heavenly city, underscoring his commitment to God.
  9. Genesis 15:5v12Genesis 15:5 describes God's promise to Abram that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. Hebrews 11:12 reflects on this promise, highlighting the faith of Abraham and the fulfillment of God's word.
  10. Genesis 21:1-2v11Genesis 21:1-2 describes the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah with the birth of Isaac. Hebrews 11:11 highlights Sarah's faith in God's promise, emphasizing the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His word.
  11. Genesis 22:12v17Genesis 22:12 shows Abraham's faith being tested, which Hebrews 11:17-19 reflects upon, highlighting Abraham's faith in God's promise and his belief in God's power to raise the dead.
  12. Genesis 23:4v9Genesis 23:4 shows Abraham as a foreigner and sojourner in the land, which Hebrews 11:9-10 reflects upon, highlighting Abraham's faith in God's promises and his looking forward to a heavenly city.
  13. Genesis 25:8v13Genesis 25:8 describes Abraham's death, stating he died at a good old age, full of years. Hebrews 11:13 reflects on the faith of the patriarchs, including Abraham, who died in faith, not having received the promises but seeing them from afar.
  14. Genesis 27:28-29v20Genesis 27:28-29 contains the blessing Isaac gives to Jacob, which Hebrews 11:20 references as an act of faith by Isaac concerning future events.
  15. Genesis 47:9v13In Genesis 47:9, Jacob describes his life as a pilgrimage, which is echoed in Hebrews 11:13 where the patriarchs are described as strangers and pilgrims on the earth, emphasizing the transient nature of life and faith.
  16. Genesis 47:31v21Genesis 47:31 shows Jacob worshiping as he leans on his staff, which is referenced in Hebrews 11:21 as an act of faith, highlighting Jacob's trust in God's promises even in his old age.
  17. Genesis 48:14v21Genesis 48:14 describes Jacob crossing his hands to bless Ephraim over Manasseh, which is highlighted in Hebrews 11:21 as an act of faith, showing Jacob's trust in God's promises and plans.
  18. Genesis 50:25v22Genesis 50:25 records Joseph's command concerning his bones, which is cited in Hebrews 11:22 as an example of faith, showing Joseph's belief in God's promises.
  19. Exodus 2:2v23Exodus 2:2 describes the birth of Moses and his parents' decision to hide him. Hebrews 11:23 commends the faith of Moses' parents for hiding him, recognizing the child as beautiful and not fearing the king's edict.
  20. Exodus 2:15v27Exodus 2:15 details Moses fleeing to Midian after Pharaoh sought to kill him. Hebrews 11:27 highlights Moses' faith in leaving Egypt, not fearing the king's anger, and persevering as seeing Him who is invisible.
  21. Exodus 13:19v22Exodus 13:19 mentions Moses taking Joseph's bones, fulfilling Joseph's faith-filled request, which is highlighted in Hebrews 11:22 as an act of faith.
  22. Exodus 14:30v29Exodus 14:30 records the Lord saving Israel from the Egyptians, which is referenced in Hebrews 11:29 as an act of faith by the Israelites, highlighting their trust in God's deliverance.
  23. Joshua 2:1v31Joshua 2:1 introduces Rahab, who is later commended for her faith in Hebrews 11:31, highlighting her role in the Israelite spies' mission and her faith in God.
  24. Joshua 6:2v30Joshua 6:2 describes God's promise to deliver Jericho into the hands of the Israelites. Hebrews 11:30 reflects on this event as an act of faith, highlighting the Israelites' trust in God's promise.
  25. Joshua 6:17v31Joshua 6:17 highlights Rahab's salvation due to her faith and actions. Hebrews 11:31 commends Rahab's faith, showing her as an example of faith leading to salvation.
  26. Judges 11:1v32Judges 11:1 introduces Jephthah as a mighty warrior, despite his background as the son of a harlot. Hebrews 11:32 includes Jephthah in the 'Hall of Faith,' highlighting his faith despite his humble beginnings.
  27. Judges 16:30v32Judges 16:30 describes Samson's final act of faith, which is acknowledged in Hebrews 11:32 as part of the 'faith hall of fame,' highlighting his faith despite his flaws.
  28. 1 Samuel 17:50v32David's victory over Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:50 is celebrated in Hebrews 11:32-34 as an example of faith, where David is listed among those who through faith conquered kingdoms and performed acts of righteousness.
  29. Psalms 33:9v3Psalm 33:9 emphasizes that God spoke and it came to be, which is echoed in Hebrews 11:3, where it is stated that the universe was formed at God's command, underscoring faith in God's creative power.
  30. Psalms 39:7v1Psalm 39:7 expresses hope in the Lord, which aligns with Hebrews 11:1's definition of faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
  31. Ezekiel 14:14v7Ezekiel 14:14 mentions Noah, Daniel, and Job as righteous men. Hebrews 11:7 highlights Noah's faith and righteousness, showing the importance of individual righteousness in the face of widespread sin.
  32. Daniel 3:17-18v34Daniel 3:17-18 shows the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in God's power to save them from the fiery furnace. Hebrews 11:34 references those who 'quenched the fury of the flames,' highlighting their faith as an example of trust in God's deliverance.
  33. Daniel 6:16v33Daniel 6:16 shows Daniel being thrown into the lions' den, trusting in God for deliverance. Hebrews 11:33 references those who through faith 'stopped the mouths of lions,' highlighting Daniel's faith.
  34. Matthew 15:28v6Matthew 15:28 highlights the faith of the Canaanite woman, which Jesus commends. This is related to Hebrews 11:6, which states that faith is essential to please God, illustrating the power and necessity of faith.
  35. Romans 10:17v6Romans 10:17 states that faith comes from hearing the word of Christ, which complements Hebrews 11:6, emphasizing the necessity of faith to please God.
  36. 2 Corinthians 5:7v12 Corinthians 5:7 states 'we walk by faith, not by sight,' which is echoed in Hebrews 11:1, defining faith as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
  37. James 2:25v31James 2:25 mentions Rahab's justification by works when she received the messengers. Hebrews 11:31 also commends Rahab's faith, showing her actions as a demonstration of her faith.
  38. 1 Peter 1:10-12v131 Peter 1:10-12 speaks of the prophets who searched and inquired about the salvation to come, similar to Hebrews 11:13, which mentions the faith of those who saw the promises from afar.

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