Hebrews 11

Last updated
Hebrews 11
←  chapter 10
chapter 12  →
Papyrus13.jpg
Epistle to the Hebrews 2:14–5:5; 10:8–22; 10:29–11:13; 11:28–12:17 in Papyrus 13 (AD. 225–250).
Book Epistle to the Hebrews
Category General epistles
Christian Bible part New Testament
Order in the Christian part19

Hebrews 11 is the eleventh chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The author is anonymous, although the internal reference to "our brother Timothy" (Hebrews 13:23) causes a traditional attribution to Paul, but this attribution has been disputed since the second century and there is no decisive evidence for the authorship. [1] [2] This chapter contains the exposition about the examples of faith's effective expression. [3] [4]

Contents

Text

The original text was written in Koine Greek. This chapter is divided into 40 verses.

Textual witnesses

Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter are:

Old Testament references

New Testament references

Introductory Remarks of Faith (11:1–3)

The chapter opens with three allusive verses to describe the complexity of faith. [7]

Verse 1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. [8]

Formal definition of faith is in the style of Plato's definition of medicine (Symp. 186c) or Plutarch's definition of curiosity (On Curiosity, 6.518c). [7]

Verse 2

For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. [9]

The accounts of exemplary people were often used to motivate people, either to imitate noble attitudes or to avoid the pattern of ignoble behaviors, such as Ben Sira (teacher of wisdom form Jerusalem in 2nd century BC) uses a long hymn to praise notable Jewish ancestors (Sirach 44–51), or the author of 4 Macabee in 4 Macabee 16:16-23, and Seneca with similar list as in Hebrews 11 (Ben. 3.36.2–3.38.2; 5.16.1–5.17–3). [10]

Verse 3

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. [11]

The list of examples starts appropriately with the creation, indicating that "faith" produces "understanding". [7] The first manifestation of "trust" is connected to how a person of "faith" understands the visible creation as 'strictly secondary' to "things unseen". [10]

The Primordial Heroes (11:4–7)

The first character, Abel, performed an 'acceptable sacrifice' (Genesis 4:4), and died as a martyr (Genesis 4:8). [7] Abel's choice of superior quality of offering compared to Cain's second rate one (Philo, Sacr. AC 52, 57, 88) is related to the presence of "faith", which attests Abel to be "righteous" or "just" (Matthew 23:35; 1 John 3:12; Josephus, Antiq. 1.2.1 §53). [12] Enoch 'pleased God' (Genesis 5:21–24 LXX version; Masoretic text: 'walked with God' [13] ) and 'translated to heaven' according to Jewish tradition (such as Sirach 44:16; Philo, Mutat. 38; Josephus, Antiq. 1.85; 1 Enoch; 2 Enoch; 3 Enoch), [7] indicating that having faith in God leads to the transcendence of death (cf. verses 4-6, 11-12, 17-19, 35). [13] Noah believed in the 'unseen' event of divine judgment, and 'condemned' the world that didn't believe his preaching of repentance. [14] The LXX version of Genesis 6:9 introduces Noah both as "righteous" and "pleasing to God", thus connects naturally with "righteous" Abel and Enoch, who "pleased God". [13]

Verse 6

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. [15]

This is one of the four things to be 'impossible' according to this epistle (Hebrews 6:4; 6:18; 10:4; 11:6). [16]

The Faith of the Patriarchs (11:8–22)

Abraham is a foremost example of faith in Jewish and early Christian literature (cf. Sirach 44:19–21; 1 Maccabee 2:52; 4 Maccabee 16:20; Wisdom 10:5; Acts 7:2–8; Romans 4; Galatians 3:6–9). [14] Sarah's faith is related to the conception and birth of Isaac (Genesis 17:15–18:15; 21:1–7), Isaac's to the blessings on Jacob and Esau (Genesis 27:27–40), Jacob's to the blessings on Ephraim and Manasseh (Genesis 48:8–22), and Joseph's to the prophecy concerning the transfer of his bones (Genesis 50:24–25) to hint a hope for the future of the family. [14]

The Faith of Moses (11:23–28)

Moses is known as a faithful servant of God in both Jewish and Christian writings (cf. Sirach 45:1–5; Philo, Vit. Mos. 1:10–11; Josephus Antiq. 2.218; Acts 7:20–34; Hebrews 3:1–6). [14]

The Faith of Prophets and Martyrs (11:29–40)

A group of biblical characters is listed with shorter recounts. [18]

Verse 35

Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. [19]

There is hope of eternal life after torture in this world. [21] [22]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ephesians 6</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Ephesians 6 is the sixth chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Traditionally, it is believed to be written by Apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome, but more recently, it is suggested to be written between AD 80 and 100 by another writer using Paul's name and style. This chapter is a part of Paul's exhortation, with the particular section about how Christians should live in their responsibilities as households (5:21–6:9) and in the battle against spiritual forces (6:10–20), with a final benediction to close the epistle (6:21–24).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Corinthians 3</span> Chapter of the New Testament

2 Corinthians 3 is the third chapter of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul the Apostle and Timothy in Macedonia in 55–56 BC. Biblical commentator Heinrich Meyer emphasises that the use of the plural 'we' in 2 Corinthians 3:2 and 2 Corinthians 3:6 includes Timothy in the writing of the letter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Galatians 3</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Galatians 3 is the third chapter of the Epistle to the Galatians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul the Apostle for the churches in Galatia, written between 49–58 CE. This chapter contains Paul's important argument about Abraham's faith and his 'offspring', a designation for "those belong to Jesus Christ".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ephesians 2</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Ephesians 2 is the second chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Traditionally, it is believed to have been written by Apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome, but more recently it has been suggested that it was written between AD 80 and 100 by another writer using Paul's name and style.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Timothy 2</span> Chapter of the New Testament

1 Timothy 2 is the second chapter of the First Epistle to Timothy in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The author has been traditionally identified as Paul the Apostle since as early as AD 180, although most modern scholars consider the letter pseudepigraphical, perhaps written as late as the first half of the second century AD.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James 2</span> Chapter of the New Testament

James 2 is the second chapter of the Epistle of James in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The author identifies himself as "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" and the epistle is traditionally attributed to James the brother of Jesus, written in Jerusalem between 48 and 61 CE. Alternatively, some scholars argue that it is a pseudographical work written after 61 CE. This chapter contains an exposition about the commandment, "You shall love your neighbour as yourself", and about dead faith.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 Peter 3</span> Chapter of the New Testament

2 Peter 3 is the third chapter of the Second Epistle of Peter in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The author identifies himself as "Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ". The epistle is traditionally attributed to Peter the Apostle, but some scholars consider it to be a work of Peter's followers, written between 60 and 90 CE.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Revelation 2</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Revelation 2 is the second chapter of the Book of Revelation or the Apocalypse of John in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The book is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, but the precise identity of the author remains a point of academic debate. This chapter contains messages to churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum and Thyatira, four of the seven churches of Asia located in modern-day Turkey, with messages for the other three churches appearing in chapter 3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hebrews 1</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Hebrews 1 is the first chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The author is anonymous, although the internal reference to "our brother Timothy" causes a traditional attribution to Paul, but this attribution has been disputed since the second century and there is no decisive evidence for the authorship. This chapter contains the introduction ('exordium') about God's final revelation ('word') through his son and how the son is superior to angels.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hebrews 2</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Hebrews 2 is the second chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The author is anonymous, although the internal reference to "our brother Timothy" causes a traditional attribution to Paul, but this attribution has been disputed since the second century and there is no decisive evidence for the authorship. This chapter contains the implications for responding to God's Son, the Son's subjection and glorification, to the believers' benefits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hebrews 3</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Hebrews 3 is the third chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The author is anonymous, although the internal reference to "our brother Timothy" causes a traditional attribution to Paul, but this attribution has been disputed since the second century and there is no decisive evidence for the authorship. This chapter contains the comparison of Moses to Jesus, as well as the application and warning for the congregation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hebrews 4</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Hebrews 4 is the fourth chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The author is anonymous, although the internal reference to "our brother Timothy" causes a traditional attribution to Paul, but this attribution has been disputed since the second century and there is no decisive evidence for the authorship. This chapter contains the admonition to press on toward 'God's Rest' and a reflection on the power of God's Word.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hebrews 5</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Hebrews 5 is the fifth chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The author is anonymous, although the internal reference to "our brother Timothy" causes a traditional attribution to Paul, but this attribution has been disputed since the second century and there is no decisive evidence for the authorship. This chapter contains the exposition about the merciful Christ and the High Priests, followed by an exhortation to challenge the readers beyond the elementary catechism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hebrews 6</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Hebrews 6 is the sixth chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The author is anonymous, although the internal reference to "our brother Timothy" causes a traditional attribution to Paul, but this attribution has been disputed since the second century and there is no decisive evidence for the authorship. This chapter contains the admonition to progress and persist in faithfulness.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hebrews 7</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Hebrews 7 is the seventh chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The author is anonymous, although the internal reference to "our brother Timothy" causes a traditional attribution to Paul, but this attribution has been disputed since the second century and there is no decisive evidence for the authorship. This chapter contains the exposition about the superiority of Christ's Priesthood through Melchizedek to the Levitical Priesthood.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hebrews 8</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Hebrews 8 is the eighth chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The author is anonymous, although the internal reference to "our brother Timothy" causes a traditional attribution to Paul, but this attribution has been disputed since the second century and there is no decisive evidence for the authorship. This chapter contains the exposition about the better ministry of the New Covenant.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hebrews 9</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Hebrews 9 is the ninth chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The author is anonymous, although the internal reference to "our brother Timothy" causes a traditional attribution to Paul, but this attribution has been disputed since the second century and there is no decisive evidence for the authorship. This chapter contains the exposition about the ministry of the first covenant and Christ's effective sacrifice.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hebrews 10</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Hebrews 10 is the tenth chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The author is anonymous, although the internal reference to "our brother Timothy" causes a traditional attribution to Paul, but this attribution has been disputed since the second century and there is no decisive evidence for the authorship. This chapter contains the exposition about Christ's effective sacrifice and the exhortation to continue in faithfulness and expectancy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hebrews 12</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Hebrews 12 is the twelfth chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The author is anonymous, although the internal reference to "our brother Timothy" causes a traditional attribution to Paul, but this attribution has been disputed since the second century and there is no decisive evidence for the authorship. This chapter contains the call to respond gratefully and nobly to God's invitation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hebrews 13</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Hebrews 13 is the thirteenth chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The author is anonymous, although the internal reference to "our brother Timothy", caused a traditional attribution to Paul. This attribution has been disputed since the second century, and there is no decisive evidence for the authorship. This closing chapter contains the author's concluding exhortations, final benediction and epistolary postscript.

References

  1. ↑ Attridge 2007, p. 1236.
  2. ↑ deSilva 2005, p. 201.
  3. ↑ Attridge 2007, pp. 1251–3.
  4. ↑ deSilva 2005, p. 203.
  5. 1 2 deSilva 2005, p. 202.
  6. 1 2 3 "Biblical concordances of Hebrews 11 in the 1611 King James Version".
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Attridge 2007, p. 1251.
  8. ↑ Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
  9. ↑ Hebrews 11:2 NKJV
  10. 1 2 deSilva 2005, p. 239.
  11. ↑ Hebrews 11:3 NKJV
  12. ↑ deSilva 2005, pp. 239–240.
  13. 1 2 3 deSilva 2005, p. 240.
  14. 1 2 3 4 Attridge 2007, p. 1252.
  15. ↑ Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
  16. ↑ Attridge 2007, p. 1245.
  17. ↑ Gill, John. Exposition of the Entire Bible - Hebrews 11:6
  18. ↑ Attridge 2007, pp. 1252–53.
  19. ↑ Hebrews 11:35 NRSV
  20. ↑ 2 Maccabees 7
  21. ↑ Akin, James, "Defending the Deuterocanonicals", Library, EWTN
  22. ↑ "The Real Meaning of Hebrews 11:1", Bible teaching, Christian walls

Bibliography

PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain :Gill, John. Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–1763).

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.