Bible Commentary

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. 13. in faith ] Lit. “according to faith.” not having received the promises ] They received the promises in one … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 11:13”

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. 12. as the stars as the sand ] Gen 22:17; Deu 1:10. Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Therefore sprang … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 11:12”

Through faith also Sarah 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. 11. also Sara herself ] Rather “even.” Perhaps the “even” refers to her original weakness of faith when she laughed (Gen 18:12; Gen 21:2; comp. Rom … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 11:11”

For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God. 10. a city which hath foundations ] Rather, “the city which hath the foundations,” namely, “the Jerusalem above” (Gal 4:26; Heb 12:22; Heb 13:14; Rev 21:2; Rev 21:14). The same thought is frequently found in Philo. The tents of the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 11:10”

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: 9. as in a strange country ] “I am a stranger and a sojourner with you” (Gen 23:3). The patriarchs are constantly called paroikoi, “dwellers beside,” … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 11:9”

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. 8. Abraham ] As was natural, the faith of “the father of the faithful was one of the commonest topics of discussion in the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 11:8”

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. 7. warned of God ] The same word is used as in Heb … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 11:7”

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. 6. that he is ] The object of Faith is both the existence and the Divine government of God. “We trust in the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 11:6”

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. 5. Enoch was translated ] Lit., “was transferred (hence)” (Gen 5:24; Sir 44:16 ; Sir 49:14 ; Jos. Antt. i. 3. 4. was … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 11:5”

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. 4. By faith Abel ] Intending, so to speak, “to pluck only the flowers which happen to come within his reach, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 11:4”