Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 11:2
For by it the elders obtained a good report.
2. For by it the elders obtained a good report ] Lit., “For therein the elders had witness borne to them.” Their “good report” was won in the sphere of faith. The elders a technical Jewish term ( Zekenm) means the ancient fathers of the Church of Israel (Heb 1:1).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
For by it – That is, by that faith which gives reality to things hoped for, and a certain persuasion to the mind of the existence of those things which are not seen.
The elders – The ancients; the Hebrew patriarchs and fathers.
Obtained a good report – Literally, were witnessed of; that is, an honorable testimony was borne to them in consequence of their faith. The idea is, that their acting under the influence of faith, in the circumstances in which they were, was the ground of the honorable testimony which was borne to them in the Old Testament; see this use of the word in Heb 7:8, and in Heb 7:4 of this chapter. Also Luk 4:22; Act 15:8. In the cases which the apostle proceeds to enumerate in the subsequent part of the chapter, he mentions those whose piety is particularly commended in the Old Testament, and who showed in trying circumstances that they had unwavering confidence in God.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 2. For by it the elders obtained a good report.] By the elders are meant ancestors, forefathers, such as the patriarchs and prophets, several of whom he afterwards particularly names, and produces some fact from the history of their lives.
It is very remarkable that among the whole there is root one word concerning poor Adam and his wife, though both Abraham and Sarah are mentioned. There was no good report concerning them; not a word of their repentance, faith, or holiness. Alas! alas! did ever such bright suns set in so thick a cloud? Had there been any thing praiseworthy in their life after their fall, any act of faith by which they could have been distinguished, it had surely come out here; the mention of their second son Abel would have suggested it. But God has covered the whole of their spiritual and eternal state with a thick and impenetrable veil. Conjectures relative to their state would be very precarious; little else than hope can be exercised in their favour: but as to them the promise of Jesus was given, so we may believe they found redemption in that blood which was shed from the foundation of the world. Adam’s rebellion against his Maker was too great and too glaring to permit his name to be ever after mentioned with honour or respect.
The word , which we translate obtained a good report, literally signifies, were witnessed of; and thus leads us naturally to GOD, who by his word, as the succeeding parts of the chapter show, bore testimony to the faith and holiness of his servants. The apostle does not mention one of whom an account is not given in the Old Testament. This, therefore, is God’s witness or testimony concerning them.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
This is a proof of the first part of faiths description, that it is the substance of things hoped for; for all the fathers were testified of to have this work of faith in realizing their hopes. were the fathers and ancestors of these Hebrews, run up through their genealogies to Adam, the special instances of whom follow. These received a testimony or witness, truly and fully from God himself, in some signal acceptance of them, eminent appearances and providences to them, with a Scripture record of them, that through this grace of our Lord Jesus Christ they walked with, worshipped, and pleased God, and were saved by him, even as these Christians; and all this by the same grace of faith, Act 15:17, which wrought kindly in them, and made the invisible things of God to subsist with them.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
2. ForSo high a descriptionof faith is not undeserved; for . . . [ALFORD].
by itGreek, “init”: in respect to . . . in the matter of,” it, “or,as Greek more emphatically, “this.”
the eldersas thoughstill living and giving their powerful testimony to thereasonableness and excellence of faith (Heb12:1). Not merely the ancients, as though they were peoplesolely of the past; nay, they belong to the one and the same blessedfamily as ourselves (Heb 11:39;Heb 11:40). “Theelders,” whom we all revere so highly. “Paul shows how weought to seek in all its fulness, under the veil of history, theessential substance of the doctrine sometimes briefly indicated”[BENGEL]. “Theelders,” as “the fathers,” is a title of honor givenon the ground of their bright faith and practice.
obtained a good reportGreek,“were testified of,” namely, favorably (compare Heb7:8). It is a phrase of Luke, Paul’s companion. Not only men, butGod, gave testimony to their faith (Heb 11:4;Heb 11:5; Heb 11:39).Thus they being testified of themselves have become “witnesses”to all others (Heb 12:1). Theearlier elders had their patience exercised for a long period oflife: those later, in sharper afflictions. Many things which theyhoped for and did not see, subsequently came to pass and wereconspicuously seen, the event confirming faith [BENGEL].
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
For by it the elders obtained a good report. By whom are meant, not merely old men, or elders in age, but such who lived in ancient times; some before the flood, and to a great age, and others who were in office, civil or ecclesiastical, and were the ancestors and predecessors of the Hebrews; who in general obtained or received a good report from God; that they were the chosen of God, and were justified and accepted with him; that they were the children and friends of God, and should be glorified; and from men, from good men, for their faith and holiness; and from evil men, for their good works: and these also believed the report of the Gospel, and gave a good report of God, and of the good land, and adorned their profession; particularly, Abel received a good report, that he was righteous; and Enoch, that he pleased God, and walked with him; and Noah, that he was a just man, perfect in his generation, and also walked with God; and Abraham, that he was a believer, a friend of God, and one that feared and obeyed him; and Job, that he was a man that feared God, and shunned evil; and Moses, that he was a meek man, and a faithful one; and David, that he was a man after God’s own heart, and fulfilled his will; and so others: and they received this report by faith, and as a fruit of it; which shows that faith is no new thing, and that the character of a believer is an old and honourable one. The apostle mentions this, to take off the Hebrews from any esteem of their traditionary elders, who had got a name, not by their faith, but by their traditions; and to engage their imitation of men of antiquity, authority, and wisdom superior to them; and to let them know, unless they had the same faith with their ancestors, it would be a vain thing to boast of descent from them.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Therein ( ). That is, “in faith,” feminine demonstrative referring to .
The elders ( ). More nearly like “the fathers,” not the technical sense of elders (officers) usual in the N.T., but more like “the tradition of the elders” (Mark 7:3; Mark 7:5; Matt 15:2).
Had witness borne to them (). First aorist passive of (cf. 7:8), “were testified to.”
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
For by it [ ] . Lit. for in this. Rend. therein : in the sphere and exercise of faith : as believers. Comp. 1Ti 5:10. For introduces a proof of the preceding statement concerning the nature of faith. Faith has power to see and realize the unseen, for the experience of the fathers proves it.
The elders obtained a good report [ ] . The elders for the more common the fathers : the saints of the O. T. dispensation, many of whose names are recorded in this chapter. Emarturhqhsan, lit. were born witness to. God bore witness to them in the victory of their faith over all obstacles, and their characters and deeds as men of faith were recorded in Scripture. For this use of maturein in the passive, see Act 6:3; Act 10:22; Act 16:12; Rom 3:21; Heb 7:8, 17. Notice that the statement in this verse does not begin the list of examples, which commences with ver. 4, but is closely attached to the definition in ver. 1 as a comprehensive justification of it.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “For by it,” (en taute gar) “Because by this,” By or in this foundation, faith exists, keeps on existing, as a gift of God, to the believer, Eph 2:8-9; 1Co 13:13; Joh 1:11-12. It is a gift that is to grow, be strengthened, and increase, Luk 17:5; and by it there is access to God, Rom 5:2.
2) “The elders obtained a good report,” (emarturethesan hoi presbuteroi) “The elders obtained witness,” a good testimony or report, in its practical effects, Exo 3:8; Num 13:27. Faith in Jesus Christ, exercised in daily obedience to “the faith,” the system or body of truth he taught, still gives his elders and all saints a good report today, 1Th 1:3-10; Jud 1:3; Mat 5:15-16; Eph 2:10; Jas 1:22.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
2. For by it the elders, (203) etc. He handles this subject to the end of the chapter — that the fathers obtained salvation and were accepted by God in no other way than by faith.
The Jews indeed had some reasons for paying great deference to the fathers; but a foolish admiration of the fathers had so prevailed among them, that it proved a great hindrance to a thorough surrender of themselves to Christ and to his government. It was occasioned either by ambition or superstition, or by both. For when they heard that they were the blessed and holy seed of Abraham, inflated with this distinction they fixed their eyes on men rather than on God. Then added to this was a false emulation; for they did not consider what was mainly worthy of imitation in their fathers. It thus happened that they became attached to the old ceremonies, as though the whole of religion and perfect holiness consisted in them. This error the Apostle exposes and condemns; and be shows what was the chief excellency of the fathers, in order that their posterity might understand how they might become really like them.
Let us then bear in mind that the main point and the very hinge on which the Apostle’s argument turns is this, — That all the fathers from the beginning of the world, were approved by God in no other way than by being united to him by faith: and this he shows, that the Jews might know that by faith alone they could be bound together in holy unity with the fathers, and that as soon as they renounced faith, they became banished from the Church, and that they were then no longer the legitimate children of Abraham, but a degenerate race and bastards. (204)
(203) Macknight and Stuart render the word “ancients” and more suitably in our language. The word “elders” most commonly refers to age, but “ancients” to time: those meant here were such as lived before and under the Law. — Ed.
(204) The verb rendered in our version “obtained a good report,” is rendered by Calvin, “obtained a testimony;” by Beza, “were approved;” by Macknight “were born witness to;” and Stuart, “obtained commendation”. It is better to retain the idea of a testimony, as a reference is made either to the written testimony of Scripture, or to some express testimony given by God, as in the case of Abel. As the verb is everywhere used in a good sense, as referring to a good testimony, “the good report” of our version, or “the honorable testimony” of Doddridge, seems to convey the right meaning. — Ed.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(2) For by it.Better, For therein the elders had witness borne to them. The connection seems to be this: Faith truly accomplishes all this; for it was in the exercise of such a faith that the elders gained the witness which the Scripture bears (see Heb. 11:4-5; Heb. 11:39) to them and to their noble deeds. This verse, then, is added to confirm the first.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
2. For In proof of its high inspiring power is the whole line of heroic examples. Not by it, as an instrument, but rather in it, as a state or condition. It was as in a frame or atmosphere of faith that the worthies were heroes. Its air was an exhilaration and a tonic.
The elders The men of the olden time, our illustrious spiritual ancestry.
Obtained a good report Literally, were well witnessed to received a noble testimony, that is, from God, as Abel and Enoch, in Heb 11:4-5. The witness to them was immediate and direct; and it is also in the whole line verified by the Old Testament record.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Heb 11:2 . Justification of the characteristics mentioned, Heb 11:1 , as those that are essential to the faith. Just this quality of faith was it by which the Old Testament saints were distinguished, and on that account became objects of the divine satisfaction and the divine favour.
] not equivalent to (Luther, Vatablus, Calvin, Schlichting, Jac. Cappellus, Grotius, Bengel, Bhme, and the majority; comp. Heb 11:4 ; Heb 11:39 ), or: ob eam (Wolf and others), or: touching faith, in point of faith (de Wette, Tholuck, Moll); but: in possession of a faith so constituted (Winer, Gramm. , 7 Aufl. p. 362, Obs .; Bleek, Bloomfield, Kurtz).
] to obtain a testimony , and that according to the connection, a good, commendatory testimony , whether by words or deeds. Oecumenius: .
] the ancients (Schulz: the early ancestors ), i.e. the forefathers under the Old Covenant; with the accessory idea of venerableness. A like name of honour, as elsewhere (Heb 1:1 , al .) .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Ver. 2. The elders obtained, &c. ] Gr. , were attested unto; and are here eternalized in this notable chapter, this little book of martyrs, as one fitly calleth it. Faith honoureth God, and gives him a testimonial, Joh 3:33 , such as is that Deu 32:4 . God therefore honoureth faith, according to 1Sa 2:30 , and gives it his testimonial, as here in this truly named golden legend.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
2 .] For (q. d. ‘and so high a description of faith is not undeserved, seeing that ’ The does not bring in any proof of the foregoing description, only shews that faith is noble enough to be dignified with the offices just named) in (not, “ by ,” merely: but elemental; in the domain, or region, or matter, of: so , 1Co 11:22 ; and “ vituperari in amicitia ,” in Cicero (Del.)) this (not , “ it :” but more graphic and encomiastic: in this it was, that ) the elders (i. e. not merely those who lived before us, but those ancients whom we dignify with the name of elders: cf. Philo de Abrahamo, 46, vol. ii. p. 39, , , : and Thdrt., , . Bleek cites schin. p. 20. 4, , . So also , see Rom 9:5 ; Heb 1:1 ) were testified of (so reff. In this absolute usage, it is of course implied, that the testimony was a good one. The usage is principally that of St. Luke, Act 6:3 ; Act 10:22 ; Act 16:2 ; Act 22:12 . There is no need with Bleek and Lnem. to separate the verb from , and supply after ‘hac in fide,’ “ constituti ” or the like: see on the construction above).
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
2.] For (q. d. and so high a description of faith is not undeserved, seeing that The does not bring in any proof of the foregoing description, only shews that faith is noble enough to be dignified with the offices just named) in (not, by, merely: but elemental; in the domain, or region, or matter, of: so , 1Co 11:22; and vituperari in amicitia, in Cicero (Del.)) this (not , it: but more graphic and encomiastic: in this it was, that ) the elders (i. e. not merely those who lived before us, but those ancients whom we dignify with the name of elders: cf. Philo de Abrahamo, 46, vol. ii. p. 39, , , : and Thdrt., , . Bleek cites schin. p. 20. 4, , . So also , see Rom 9:5; Heb 1:1) were testified of (so reff. In this absolute usage, it is of course implied, that the testimony was a good one. The usage is principally that of St. Luke, Act 6:3; Act 10:22; Act 16:2; Act 22:12. There is no need with Bleek and Lnem. to separate the verb from , and supply after hac in fide, constituti or the like: see on the construction above).
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Heb 11:2. , in it) in faith, i.e. by faith, in the following verses: , according to (in) faith; , through faith, Heb 11:13; Heb 11:33.-, for) Paul shows the nature of faith from the examples of men in the times of old. Many things, which they hoped for and did not see, subsequently came to pass and were conspicuously seen, the event confirming faith.-, obtained a good report) This word is very full of meaning. GOD not only gave His testimony concerning them, but also partly to them. They RECEIVED THE TESTIMONY, an equivalent to the things themselves; comp. Heb 11:4-5; Heb 11:39. From this circumstance, they also became witnesses; so that they themselves might testify to others, and that others might testify concerning them; ch. Heb 12:1.- ) the elders, who lived both formerly and for a long time. He does not say, , the ancients, but the elders, as it were by personification, inasmuch as they still give their powerful testimony, as if they were present; comp. ch. Heb 12:1. This is an excellent summary of the Old Testament, in which the apostle, by a remarkable gradation, comprehends the pursuits of those men of former times-their labours, journeyings, expectations, temptations, martyrdoms; and shows how we ought to seek, in all its fulness, under the veil of history, the substance of doctrine sometimes briefly indicated. Those of them who were earlier, had the exercise of their patience most chiefly during a long period of life; those who were later, in the midst of sharper afflictions.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
That the description which he hath given of faith, and the efficacy which he hath assigned thereunto, are true, and to be relied on, the apostle proves by the effects which, as such, it hath had in those of old in whom it was.
Heb 11:2. .
, in hac, de hac, ob hanc, ob eam; all to the same purpose. , testimonium consequuti, adepti; testimonio ornati. Syr., , And hereof (or of this faith) there is extant a testimony concerning the ancients; which somewhat changeth the sense.
, seniores, majores, antiqui. Syr., those of ancient times; properly, not but , priores, those of old. is to testify, to bear witness, absolutely; but it is generally used only in the better sense, to give a good testimony, to approve by testimony, to adorn with a good testimony. So is the passive, , used: which I observe only because the word is here used absolutely, , were witnessed unto; which we render, obtained a good report. So is it also used, Act 6:3, , men witnessed unto, men of good report; and Act 10:22, , of good report; and so in other places.
Were testified unto: wherein and for what is not expressed; that we shall immediately inquire into. There is a testimony extant concerning their faith, as the Syriac reads it, doth not reach the sense of the place; for it intends not so much what good testimony they had, as the way whereby they obtained it, for , as is usual; by it, through it as the means and instrumental cause of it. Our Rhemists render the words somewhat in an uncouth manner, for in it the old men obtained testimony; as if it were on purpose to obscure the text.
Heb 11:2. For by it the elders obtained a good report: [or, were well testified unto.] The coherence of the words with the foregoing is expressed in the conjunctive particle , for: and it declares that a proof is tendered, by way of instance, of what was before asserted. The nature and efficacy of faith is such as I have described; for by it the elders, etc.This they could no way have done, but by that faith whereof these are the properties.
Obs. 1. Instances or examples are the most powerful confirmations of practical truths.
For the exposition of the words, it must be declared,
1. Who were the elders intended.
2. How they were testified unto, or from whom they obtained this testimony.
3. What it was that was testified concerning them.
4. On what account they had this testimony.
1. Who these elders were is put beyond dispute by the ensuing discourse. All true believers from the foundation of the world, or the giving of the first promise, unto the end of the dispensation of the old testament, are intended; for in all sorts of them he giveth particular instances, from Abel unto those who suffered the last persecution that the church of the Jews underwent for religion, verses 36-38. What befell them afterward was judgment and punishment for sin, not persecution for religion. All these, by one general name, he calleth the elders, comprising all that went before them. Thus was it constantly with all believers from the beginning of the world, the elders, those who lived before us, in ancient times.
2. This testimony was given unto them in the Scripture; that is, it is so in particular of many of them, and of the rest in the general rules of it. It is the Holy Spirit in the Scripture that gives them this good testimony; for thereunto doth the apostle appeal for the proof of his assertion. In and from the world things were otherwise with them; none so defamed, so reproached, so reviled as they were. If they had had such a good report in the world, their example would not have been of use unto the apostles design; for he applies it unto them who were made a gazing-stock, both by reproaches and afflictions, Heb 10:33; and so it was with many of them, who yet obtained this testimony. They had trial of cruel mockings, etc., verses 36,37.
Obs. 2. They who have a good testimony from God shall never want reproaches from the world.
3. What was so testified of them is expressly declared afterwards; and this is, that they pleased God, or were accepted with him. The Holy Ghost in Scripture gives testimony unto them, that they pleased God, that they were righteous, that they were justified in the sight of God, verses 4-6, etc.
4. That whereon this testimony was founded, is their faith. In, by, or through their believing it was, that they obtained this report. Many other great and excellent things, some heroic actions, some deep sufferings, are ascribed unto them, but their obtaining this testimony is assigned to faith alone; as for other reasons, so because all those other things were fruits of their faith, whose acceptance with God depended thereon. And we may observe,
Obs. 3. It is faith alone which from the beginning of the world (or from the giving of the first promise) was the means and way of obtaining acceptance with God. There hath been great variety in the revelations of the object of this faith. The faith of some, as of Noah and some others, was principally and signally exercised on especial objects, as we shall see in our progress; but it is faith of the same nature and kind in all from first to last that gives acceptance with God. And all the promises of God, as branches of the first promise, are in general the formal object of it; that is, Christ in them, without faith in whom none was ever accepted with God, as we shall see.
Obs. 4. The faith of true believers from the beginning of the world was fixed on things future, hoped for, and invisible; that is, eternal life obtained a good report, as the apostle here testifies. So vain is the imagination of them who affirm that all the promises under the old testament respected only things temporal; so making the whole church to have been Sadducees The contrary is here expressly affirmed by the apostle.
Obs. 5. That faith whereby men please God acts itself in a fixed contemplation on things future and invisible, from whence it derives encouragement and strength to endure and abide firm in profession against all oppositions and persecutions.
Obs. 6. However men may be despised, vilified, and reproached in the world, yet if they have faith, if they are true believers, they are accepted with God, and he will give them a good report.
Fuente: An Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews
the elders: Heb 11:4-39
Reciprocal: Gen 26:4 – multiply Jos 2:9 – I know Ecc 7:1 – name Jer 6:16 – Stand Luk 5:39 – General Act 10:22 – of good Act 16:2 – was Act 22:12 – having Phi 4:8 – are of Heb 11:39 – General Heb 12:1 – seeing
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Heb 11:2. Elders is from PREBUTEROS and Thayer defines it at this place as “forefathers.” Good report is used in the sense that they obtained a good reputation by their faith that was “put into practice.”
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Heb 11:2. For in it. In just such and no other faith all the heroes of the older economy were testified of, and obtained a [good] reportbecame, through their stedfastness and amid inferior means of grace, examples to the younger generation, ourselves (see Heb 11:40). The forms of expression used to describe a life of faith are all instructive. Here it is in it, as the region or state in which the good report and testimony was gained; later it is by it (Heb 11:3-5, etc.); through it, as the instrumentcalling attention not to it, but to some living force which is behind it (Heb 11:33); in accordance with it, i.e in such a way as faith requires or prompts (Heb 11:7; Heb 11:13). All those phrases are common in Pauls writingsout of faithi.e having its origin in faith, another of Pauls expressions, is also found (chap. Heb 10:38).
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Having in the former verse described faith, in this and the following verses he enters upon the just praise and deserved commendation of this divine and excellent grace, which has such an universal influence into all the parts of the Christian life.
In this verse, to commend that faith which he had in the former verse described, he brings in the experience of the elders, or Old Testament saints, all true believers from the foundation of the world, who by faith obtained from God a good testimony, recorded in the holy Scriptures. By it, or through it, as a condition appointed and ordained of God; not for it, or by the worth and influence of it, as the meritorious cause, the elders or saints of God, from the beginning of the world, obtained a good report.
Learn hence, 1. That the Old Testament saints had the same kind of faith that we have, and were saved in the same manner that we are; they had the same promises, the same terms of grace, the same meritorious purchase by the blood of Christ: He is therefore called the Lamb slain from the beginning of the world, slain in God’s purpose and decree, slain in the types and figures of his death; though his blood was not actually shed, yet was it decree to be shed, and so was as effectual to them as to us.
Learn, 2. That the renown of the Old Testament saints was their faith, that made them famous; not their priority in living before us, not their longevity in living many years beyond us, not upon the account of their other graces, which yet rendered them truly excellent, are they said to obtain a good report, but upon the score and account of their faith. Abel was famous for righteousness, Enoch for walking with God, Abraham for obedience, Moses for meekness, but the crown is set upon the head of their faith only; by it the elders obtained, &c.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Heb 11:2. By it the elders Our forefathers, or the pious of former ages; obtained a good report , received testimony, of Gods approbation of them, or were borne witnesses to by God as persons accepted of him. The word is very comprehensive, implying that God gave a testimony, not only of them, but to them, and they received his testimony, as if it had been the things themselves, of which he testified, Heb 11:4-5; Heb 11:39. Hence they also gave testimony to others, and others testified of them. This chapter is a kind of summary of the Old Testament, in which the apostle comprises the designs, labours, sojournings, expectations, martyrdoms of the ancients. The former of them had a long exercise of their patience; the latter suffered shorter, but sharper trials.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Verse 2
The elders; the persons living in former times; those enumerated in the sequel.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
11:2 {2} For by it the {a} elders obtained a good report.
(2) He shows that the fathers ought to be accounted of by this virtue.
(a) That is, those fathers from whom we came: and whose authority and example ought to move us very much.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
God has approved such confidence, as is clear from His commendations of Old Testament men and women who walked by faith.