About Hebrews

Hebrews demonstrates Christ's superiority over all Old Testament institutions, calling readers to persevere.

Author: UnknownWritten: c. AD 64-68Reading time: ~5 minVerses: 40
Christ's SuperiorityNew CovenantFaithPriesthoodPerseveranceBetter

King James Version

Hebrews 11

40 verses with commentary

Faith Defined

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. substance: or, ground, or, confidence

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.</strong> This verse introduces Scripture Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11), providing foundational definition of biblical faith. Rather than abstract philosophy, this grounds faith in confidence regarding God promises and unseen realities.<br><br>"Faith" means trust, confidence, reliance, firm conviction. Biblical fa...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(1) We have seen how the writer approached the subject which is the chief theme of this last division of this Epistle. The coming of the Lord, for judgment upon His adversaries, for salvation to His people, draws nigh. In the midst of dangers and judgments God’s righteous servant shall live, and the ground, of his life is his steadfast faith—if he shrink back, destruction will overtake him. “Our p...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**11. Which ... was ... unprofitable--**belying his name Onesimus, which means "profitable." Not only was he "unprofitable," but positively injurious, having "wronged" his master. Paul uses a mild expression. **now profitable--**Without godliness a man has no station. Profitable in spiritual, as well as in temporal things.

For by it the elders obtained a good report.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For by it the elders obtained a good report.</strong> The pronoun 'it' refers to faith defined in verse 1. The 'elders' (<em>presbyteroi</em>, πρεσβύτεροι) denotes the Old Testament saints whose testimonies fill this chapter—patriarchs, prophets, and heroes of faith. They 'obtained a good report' (<em>emartyrethesan</em>, ἐμαρτυρήθησαν), literally 'were witnessed to' or 'received divine te...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(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 Hebrews 11:4-5; Hebrews 11:39) to them and to their noble deeds. This verse, then, is added to confirm the first.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12. mine own bowels--**as dear to me as my own heart [Alford]. Compare Phm 17, "as myself." The object of my most intense affection as that of a parent for a child.

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> This verse establishes faith as the foundation for understanding creation's origin. "Through faith we understand" (<em>pistei nooumen</em>, πίστει νοοῦμεν) indicates that comprehending creation requires faith, not merely scientific obse...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Through faith.**—Rather, *By faith, *as in the following verses. The first place is not given to “the elders,” for the writer’s object is to set forth the achievements of *faith.* With these, he would say, the Scripture record is filled. Even where there is no mention of this principle we must trace it in the lives of God’s servants; even where there is no history of men, there is a necessit...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**13. I--**emphatical. I for my part. Since I had such implicit trust in him as to desire to keep him with me for his services, thou mayest. **I would have retained--**different Greek from the "would," Phm 14, "I could have wished," "I was minded" here; but "I was not willing," Phm 14. **in thy stead--**that he might supply in your place all the services to me which you, if you were here, woul...
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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 . yet: or, is yet spoken of

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KJV Study Commentary

Abel offered 'a more excellent sacrifice than Cain' (Genesis 4:3-5), demonstrating faith. The quality difference showed Abel understood God's requirement of blood sacrifice for sin, while Cain brought mere produce. 'By it he obtained witness that he was righteous'—God testified to his righteousness by accepting his sacrifice. Though dead, Abel's faith 'yet speaketh,' testifying that faith pleases ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **A more excellent.**—The Greek literally means that Abel’s sacrifice was “more than” Cain’s (comp. Hebrews 3:3, “more glory”; Matthew 6:25; Luke 11:32, *et al.*)*.* The word “sacrifice” (which, as is the case with very many words in this chapter, is taken directly from the LXX.) has not its special sense (see Note on Hebrews 10:5) in the narrative of Genesis 4; for the offerings of the two br...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**14. without thy mind--**that is, consent. **should not be as--**"should not appear as a matter of necessity, but of free will." Had Paul kept Onesimus, however willing to gratify Paul Philemon might be, he would have no opportunity given him of showing he was so, his leave not having been asked.

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

Enoch 'was translated that he should not see death' (Genesis 5:24), demonstrating exceptional faith. The phrase 'was not found' indicates a search was made after his translation. 'Before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God'—his faith was evident in his life. His translation without death foreshadows the rapture of believers and proves God can deliver from death entirely.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **See death.**—See Luke 2:26; Psalm 89:48 (John 8:51). **And was not found . . . translated him.—**An exact quotation from the LXX. (Genesis 5:24). The word rendered “translated” is a very simple one, denoting merely change of place; but nothing can equal the simplicity of the Hebrew, “he was not. for God took him.” **He had this testimony.**—Better, *he hath had witness borne to him* (Hebrews...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15. perhaps--**speaking in human fashion, yet as one believing that God's Providence probably (for we cannot dogmatically define the hidden purposes of God in providence) overruled the past evil to ultimately greater good to him. This thought would soften Philemon's indignation at Onesimus' past offense. So Joseph in Ge 45:5. **departed--**literally, "was parted from thee"; a softening term fo...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse establishes the absolute necessity of faith for pleasing God and the essential content of saving faith. The emphatic construction 'chōris de pisteōs' (χωρὶς δὲ πίστεως, 'without faith') followed by 'adunaton' (ἀδύνατον, 'impossible') creates the strongest possible negation—not merely difficult but categorically impossible to please God apart from faith. The verb 'euarestēsai' (εὐαρεστῆσ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **But without faith.**—Better, *and apart from faith it is impossible to be* “*well pleasing*” (unto Him); *for he that draweth near* (Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:1; Hebrews 10:22) *to God must believe* . . . Thus the very statement that Enoch pleased God is an assertion that in him faith was found. No one can be the habitual worshipper of God (this is what the phrase implies) if his faith does n...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

16. No longer as a mere servant or slave (though still he is that), but above a servant, so that thou shalt derive from him not merely the services of a slave, but higher benefits: a servant "in the flesh," he is a brother "in the Lord." **beloved, specially to me--**who am his spiritual father, and who have experienced his faithful attentions. Lest Philemon should dislike Onesimus being called ...
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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. moved: or, being wary

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KJV Study Commentary

Noah 'warned of God of things not yet seen' (the flood) responded with faith by building an ark. His faith was demonstrated by obedience to God's warning over decades despite no visible evidence. 'By the which he condemned the world' means his obedient faith stood as judgment on unbelief around him. He 'became heir of the righteousness which is by faith,' showing that even before Abraham, righteou...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **Being warned of God.**—(See Hebrews 8:5.) **Moved with fear.**—The marginal rendering “being wary” (or better, *taking forethought*) is preferred by some, and agrees very well with the proper meaning of the word; but it is more probable that the writer-has in view that devout godly fear which the words akin to this regularly denote in the New Testament. (See the Notes on Hebrews 5:7; Hebrews...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17. a partner--**in the Christian fellowship of faith, hope, and love. **receive him as myself--**resuming "receive him that is mine own bowels."

The Faith of the Patriarchs

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

Abraham 'when he was called to go out' into an inheritance, 'obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.' This is faith's essence—trusting God's word enough to obey without seeing the outcome. He left the familiar (Ur, a sophisticated city) for the unknown (Canaan) based solely on God's promise. Faith acts on God's word before seeing fulfillment.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **When he was called to go out.**—Our older versions are here better than the Authorised, bringing in the word “obeyed” after “called”—“obeyed to go out into,” &c. **Which he should after receive.**—The English rendering may seem to imply that when “called” Abraham received the promise that the land to which he would be directed should in the future be his inheritance. It is not so (Acts 7:5);...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

18. Greek, "But it (thou art not inclined to 'receive him' because) he hath wronged thee"; a milder term than "robbed thee." Onesimus seems to have confessed some such act to Paul. **put that on mine account--**I am ready to make good the loss to thee if required. The latter parts of Phm 19, 21, imply that he did not expect Philemon would probably demand it.

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:

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KJV Study Commentary

Abraham 'sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country' living in tents with Isaac and Jacob who were 'heirs with him of the same promise.' Though God promised him the land, he lived as a foreigner never possessing it. This demonstrated faith that looked beyond earthly inheritance to heavenly reality. His pilgrim lifestyle testified that he sought something better than earthly possessi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **The land of promise**—More correctly, according to the true reading, *a land of the promise:* into a land which the promise (Genesis 12:7) made his own he came as a sojourner, and sojourned in it as in a land belonging to others, making his settled abode there in tents. The words of which this is a paraphrase are very expressive, especially those of the last clause. Abraham there “made his h...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**19. with mine own hand--**not employing an amanuensis, as in other Epistles: a special compliment to Philemon which he ought to show his appreciation of by granting Paul's request. Contrast Col 4:18, which shows that the Epistle to the Colossian Church, accompanying this Epistle, had only its closing "salutation" written by Paul's own hand. **albeit, &amp;c.--**literally, "that I may not say ....
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For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

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KJV Study Commentary

Abraham's tent dwelling was purposeful—'he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.' He sought something more permanent than earthly real estate. The 'city which hath foundations' contrasts with tents (temporary) and points to the heavenly Jerusalem (12:22; Revelation 21:2). His faith looked beyond present circumstances to eternal realities prepared by God.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **A city which hath foundations.**—Rather, *the city which hath the foundations.* The general thought is that which we find expressed in Hebrews 11:14-16. There, the strangers and pilgrims are seeking for a *country* of their own; here, the dweller in tents is waiting for the *city* that hath the foundations. All these verses clearly teach that the promise as apprehended by the patriarchs was...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20. let me--**"me" is emphatic: "Let me have profit (so Greek 'for joy,' onainen, referring to the name Onesimus, 'profitable') from thee, as thou shouldst have had from Onesimus"; for "thou owest thine ownself to me." **in the Lord--**not in worldly gain, but in thine increase in the graces of the Lord's Spirit [Alford]. **my bowels--**my heart. Gratify my feelings by granting this request....
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> Sarah's faith triumphed despite overwhelming natural impossibility. At ninety years old and barren her entire life, she received supernatural <em>dynamis</em> (δύναμις, 'power' or 'miraculous strength') to conceiv...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **Through faith also Sara herself.**—Rather, *By faith Sarah herself also, *or, *even Sarah herself.* This emphatic introduction of the name of Sarah may point to the unbelief which for a brief while she displayed (Genesis 18:12); but the words may simply mean, “Sarah also, on her part”—the joint recipient with Abraham of the divine promise, a promise in which it might at first seem that she ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**21. Having confidence in thy obedience--**to my apostolic authority, if I were to "enjoin" it (Phm 8), which I do not, preferring to beseech thee for it as a favor (Phm 9). **thou will also do more--**towards Onesimus: hinting at his possible manumission by Philemon, besides, being kindly received.

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> From one man, Abraham, who was 'as good as dead' (<em>nenekromenou</em>, νενεκρωμένου, perfect passive participle—'having been deadened') regarding reproductive capacity, God brought forth descendants beyond counting. Thi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **The stars of the sky.**—Better, *the stars of the heaven.* (See Genesis 15:5; Genesis 22:17.) **And as the sand.**—“And as the sand by the seashore, which is innumerable” (Genesis 22:17). With the first words of the verse compare Romans 4:19.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

22. This prospect of Paul's visiting Colosse would tend to secure a kindly reception for Onesimus, as Paul would know in person how he had been treated. **your ... you--**referring to Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and the Church in Philemon's house. The same expectation is expressed by him, Php 2:23, 24, written in the same imprisonment.

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. in faith: Gr. according to faith

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> This verse summarizes the patriarchs' faith (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) and establishes a pattern for all believers. "Died in faith" (<em>kata pistin apethanon</em>, κατὰ πίστιν ἀπέθαν...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **These all died in faith.**—We must not change the order of the original. Seven verses up to this point have begun with the emphatic words “by faith.” There is a change here, but not in the emphasis of this thought. We should not expect to read “*By faith* these died;” what is said is, “In accordance with faith all these died;” faith had been the support and guide of their life, and their de...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

23. The same persons send salutations in the accompanying Epistle, except that "Jesus Justus" is not mentioned here. **Epaphras, my fellow prisoner--**He had been sent by the Colossian Church to inquire after, and minister to, Paul, and possibly was cast into prison by the Roman authorities on suspicion. However, he is not mentioned as a prisoner in Col 4:12, so that "fellow prisoner" here may m...
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For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.</strong> The patriarchs' words and actions 'declare plainly' (<em>emphanizousin</em>, ἐμφανίζουσιν, 'make manifest' or 'show clearly') that they were pilgrims seeking a homeland beyond this world. Their confession of being 'strangers and pilgrims' (v.13) revealed hearts set on heavenly realities, not earthly possession...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **Such things.**—“I am a stranger and a sojourner with you” (Genesis 23:4). “The days of the years of my pilgrimage. . . . the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage” (Genesis 47:9). **Declare plainly that they seek a country.**—Rather, *make it plain that they are seeking a home, *or fatherland.

And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.</strong> This addresses a potential objection: perhaps the patriarchs remained pilgrims only because returning home was impractical. The author refutes this, noting they had ample 'opportunity' (<em>kairos</em>, καιρός, 'occasion' or 'favorable time') to return t...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **They might have had.**—Rather, *they would have had opportunity to return.* All their life long they would have been able to claim again their earlier fatherland, by returning whence they came.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**25. be with your spirit--**(Ga 6:18; 2Ti 4:22).

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> This verse reveals the true orientation of authentic faith—it looks beyond earthly circumstances to heavenly realities. The patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob "desire" (<em>oregontai</em>, ὀρέγονται) a better country, using a verb...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) They confess themselves but sojourners (Hebrews 11:13), and thus make it plain that they are still seeking their true home (14); and yet, if. they had sought nothing more than an earthly home, there is one already, which was once theirs, and to which they might return (15); hence it is no earthly but a heavenly-country that they desire. This is the general current of thought in these verses, ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE HEBREWS

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,</strong> This recounts Abraham's supreme test of faith: God's command to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise, the 'only begotten' (<em>monogenēs</em>, μονογενής—'unique,' 'one-of-a-kind') through whom all covenant promises depended. The verb 'offered up' (<em>prose...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) The patriarchs displayed their faith in the attitude of their whole life, and in their death. This has been the thought of the preceding verses; the writer now passes to the lessons taught by particular actions and events. **Tried.**—Genesis 22:1 : “God did tempt Abraham.” The following word is in the Greek “*hath* offered up Isaac,” and several other examples of a similar peculiarity will pr...
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Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: of: or, to

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:</strong> This verse heightens the theological tension of God's command. God had explicitly promised that Abraham's covenant seed—the lineage through which Messiah would come and all nations be blessed—would come specifically through Isaac (Genesis 21:12). Not through Ishmael or any other son, but Isaac alone. How then could God c...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **Of whom.**—That is, Isaac. But the Greek words should perhaps be rendered *to whom* (Abraham): “Even he to whom it was said.” On this quotation from Genesis 21:12 see the Note on Romans 9:7.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

INTRODUCTION **Canonicity and authorship.--**Clement of Rome, at the end of the first century (A.D), copiously uses it, adopting its words just as he does those of the other books of the New Testament; not indeed giving to either the term "Scripture," which he reserves for the Old Testament (the canon of the New Testament not yet having been formally established), but certainly not ranking it bel...
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Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.</strong> Abraham resolved the impossible paradox through resurrection faith. He 'accounted' (<em>logisamenos</em>, λογισάμενος, 'reckoned' or 'calculated'—same root used for imputed righteousness) that if Isaac died, God could and would raise him from the dead to fulfill His prom...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **That God was able.**—These words are better taken as the expression of a general truth—“Accounting that God is able to raise up even from the dead.’ The faith which tests and brings conviction of the things not seen made this reasoning possible, and gave power to act upon it even when Isaac must be slain. **From whence also.—**Better, *from whence he did in a figure* (literally, *a parable*...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2. in these last days--**In the oldest manuscripts the Greek is. "At the last part of these days." The Rabbins divided the whole of time into "this age," or "world," and "the age to come" (He 2:5; 6:5). The days of Messiah were the transition period or "last part of these days" (in contrast to "in times past"), the close of the existing dispensation, and beginning of the final dispensation of wh...
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By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.</strong> Despite being old and blind, Isaac blessed his sons by faith, speaking prophetically about their futures. The Greek <em>peri mellontōn</em> (περὶ μελλόντων, 'concerning things to come') indicates Isaac's blessings weren't mere wishes but prophetic declarations about God's sovereign purposes for his descendants. Thoug...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **Concerning things to come.**—It is probable, though not certain, that the word “even” should be inserted before “concerning”; on these words, then, the emphasis will rest. Not having regard to things present only, or things almost at hand, but looking far into the future, through the divine revelation which opened to him the meaning of the promises received by Abraham, he gave to each son t...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. Who being--**by pre-existent and essential being. **brightness of his glory--**Greek, the effulgence of His glory. "Light of (from) light" [Nicene Creed]. "Who is so senseless as to doubt concerning the eternal being of the Son? For when has one seen light without effulgence?" [Athanasius, Against Arius, Orations, 2]. "The sun is never seen without effulgence, nor the Father without the Son...
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By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.</strong> On his deathbed in Egypt, Jacob exercised faith by blessing Joseph's sons Ephraim and Manasseh (Genesis 48), allocating the covenant inheritance to the next generation. His worship while 'leaning upon the top of his staff' pictures weakness sustained by divine s...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **Both the sons.**—Rather, *each of the sons.* The separate character of the two blessings is thus brought out (Genesis 48:14-19). (See the last Note.) In the case of the two events mentioned in this verse the order of time is reversed, probably that the blessing of Jacob may immediately follow the similar record of Hebrews 11:20. **And worshipped.**—The incident referred to will be found in ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4. Being made ... better--**by His exaltation by the Father (He 1:3, 13): in contrast to His being "made lower than the angels" (He 2:9). "Better," that is, superior to. As "being" (He 1:3) expresses His essential being so "being made" (He 7:26) marks what He became in His assumed manhood (Php 2:6-9). Paul shows that His humbled form (at which the Jews might stumble) is no objection to His divin...
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By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. made: or, remembered

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.</strong> Joseph's deathbed instructions (Genesis 50:24-25) demonstrated faith in God's promises despite contrary circumstances. Though second-in-command of Egypt, honored and prosperous, Joseph believed God would bring Israel out of Egypt to Canaan as promised....
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **When he died.**—Literally, *drawing to his end.* The word is taken from Genesis 50:26; and the mention of the departure (literally, *the Exodus*) of the children of Israel is found in Hebrews 11:24-25. This example of faith in the promise and clinging to the hope which it held forth needs no comment. For the fulfilment of Joseph’s dying request see Exodus 13:19, “Moses took the bones of Jos...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5. For--**substantiating His having "obtained a more excellent name than the angels." **unto which--**A frequent argument in this Epistle is derived from the silence of Scripture (He 1:13; He 2:16; 7:3, 14) [Bengel]. **this day have I begotten thee--**(Psa 2:7). Fulfilled at the resurrection of Jesus, whereby the Father "declared," that is, made manifest His divine Sonship, heretofore veiled...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> Moses' parents, Amram and Jochebed, exercised civil disobedience through faith, refusing Pharaoh's decree to kill Hebrew male infants (Exodus 1:22). They 'were not afraid' (<em>ouk ephobēthēsan</em>, οὐκ ἐφοβήθησαν) of t...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **Because they saw he was a proper child.**—“Proper” has its now obsolete sense of *handsome, comely, *a meaning not uncommon in Shakespeare. The word used in the Greek translation of Exodus 2:2 is preserved both in Acts 7:20 (see the Note) and in this place. It would seem that the remarkable beauty of the infant was understood by his parents as a divine sign given for the guidance of their c...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6. And--**Greek, "But." Not only this proves His superiority, BUT a more decisive proof is Psa 97:7, which shows that not only at His resurrection, but also in prospect of His being brought into the world (compare He 9:11; 10:5) as man, in His incarnation, nativity (Lu 2:9-14), temptation (Mt 4:10, 11), resurrection (Mt 28:2), and future second advent in glory, angels were designed by God to be ...
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By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;</strong> At approximately age 40, Moses renounced his privileged position in Egypt's royal household. 'Come to years' (<em>megas genomenos</em>, μέγας γενόμενος, 'having become great' or 'mature') indicates he reached adulthood with full awareness of his choices. He deliberately 'refused' (<em>ēr...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **Come to years**—*i.e.*, grown up, “when he was full forty years old” (Acts 7:23). The words here used are taken from the Greek translation of Exodus 2:11, where we first read of Moses as openly Associating himself with his oppressed people. When Moses slew the Egyptian who was “smiting a Hebrew, one of his brethren,” he in act “refused to be called a son of Pharaoh’s daughter,” and chose “t...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7. of--**The Greek is rather, "In reference TO the angels." **spirits--**or "winds": Who employeth His angels as the winds, His ministers as the lightnings; or, He maketh His angelic ministers the directing powers of winds and flames, when these latter are required to perform His will. "Commissions them to assume the agency or form of flames for His purposes" [Alford]. English Version, "maketh...
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Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;</strong> Moses made a deliberate, reasoned choice: 'choosing' (<em>helomenos</em>, ἑλόμενος, 'having chosen' or 'having preferred') suffering with God's people over temporary sinful pleasure. This wasn't passive acceptance but active preference, demonstrating faith's value system r...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **Choosing.**—Better, *having chosen.* His act was an expression of his deliberate choice. He joined his people because it was “the people of God.” To stand aloof for the sake of ease and pleasure would for him have been apostasy from God (“sin,” comp. Hebrews 10:26). The faith of Moses had brought “conviction of the things not seen,” which “are eternal *; hence he looked not at “the things s...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8. O God--**the Greek has the article to mark emphasis (Psa 45:6, 7). **for ever ... righteousness--**Everlasting duration and righteousness go together (Psa 45:2; 89:14). **a sceptre of righteousness--**literally, "a rod of rectitude," or "straightforwardness." The oldest manuscripts prefix "and" (compare Es 4:11).

Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. of Christ: or, for Christ

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.</strong> Moses' value system calculated that 'the reproach of Christ' (<em>ton oneidismon tou Christou</em>, τὸν ὀνειδισμὸν τοῦ Χριστοῦ) outweighed Egypt's treasures. Though Christ hadn't yet come incarnate, Moses suffered reproach associated with the Messiah—r...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **The reproach of Christ.**—Better, *The reproach of the Christ.* Many explanations have been proposed of this remarkable phrase, some of which—as “reproach for Christ,” “reproach similar to that which Christ endured”—cannot possibly give the true meaning. The first point to be noted is that the words are almost exactly a quotation from one of the chief of the Messianic Psalms (Psalm 89:50-51...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9. iniquity--**"unnrighteousness." Some oldest manuscripts read, "lawlessness." **therefore--**because God loves righteousness and hates iniquity. **God ... thy God--**Jerome, Augustine, and others translate Psa 45:7, "O God, Thy God, hath anointed thee," whereby Christ is addressed as God. This is probably the true translation of the Hebrew there, and also of the Greek of Hebrews here; for ...
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By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.</strong> Moses' departure from Egypt demonstrated faith conquering fear. 'Not fearing the wrath of the king' shows faith in God overcomes fear of human authority. The verb 'endured' (<em>ekarteresenem</em>, ἐκαρτέρησεν) means 'persevered with steadfast patience,' indicating sustain...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **By faith he forsook Egypt.**—It is a matter of great difficulty to decide whether these words refer to the flight into Midian (Exodus 2:15), or to the Exodus. The former view, which seems to be taken by all ancient writers and by most in modern times, is supported by the following arguments:—(1) The institution of the Passover is mentioned later in this chapter (Hebrews 11:28); (2) the seco...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10. And--**In another passage (Psa 102:25-27) He says. **in the beginning--**English Version, Psa 102:25, "of old": Hebrew, "before," "aforetime." The Septuagint, "in the beginning" (as in Ge 1:1) answers by contrast to the end implied in "They shall perish," &amp;c. The Greek order here (not in the Septuagint) is, "Thou in the beginning, O Lord," which throws the "Lord" into emphasis. "Christ...
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Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.</strong> Moses instituted the Passover by faith, trusting that sprinkled blood would protect Israelite firstborn from the destroying angel (Exodus 12). This inaugural Passover established the pattern for Israel's most significant feast, commemorating deliverance from Egy...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **Through faith he kept.**—Rather, *By faith he hath kept* (see Hebrews 11:17). The celebration of the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood were acts of obedience, having reference to a danger as yet un seen, but present in God’s word (Exodus 12:12). **Lest he that destroyed.**—Better, *that the destroyer of the first-born may not touch them.* (See Exodus 12:21-22; Exodus 12:28-29.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**11. They--**The earth and the heavens in their present state and form "shall perish" (He 12:26, 27; 2Pe 3:13). "Perish" does not mean annihilation; just as it did not mean so in the case of "the world that being overflowed with water, perished" under Noah (2Pe 3:6). The covenant of the possession of the earth was renewed with Noah and his seed on the renovated earth. So it shall be after the per...
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By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.</strong> Israel's Red Sea crossing epitomizes salvation by faith through God's power despite impossible circumstances. Trapped between Egyptian army and sea, Israel had no natural escape. Moses declared, 'Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD' (Exodus 14:13). God divided the w...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29) **Which the Egyptians assaying to do.**—Literally, *Of which the Egyptians making trial were swallowed up* (Exodus 14, 15). In the same “trial,” but with the support of the word of God, had consisted Israel’s faith. The word *land* is not in the ordinary Greek text (and hence stands in italics), but is found in the best MSS. It is with this word that the following clause (“of which . . .”) co...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12. vesture--**Greek, "an enwrapping cloak." **fold them up--**So the Septuagint, Psa 102:26; but the Hebrew, "change them." The Spirit, by Paul, treats the Hebrew of the Old Testament, with independence of handling, presenting the divine truth in various aspects; sometimes as here sanctioning the Septuagint (compare Is 34:4; Re 6:14); sometimes the Hebrew; sometimes varying from both. **cha...
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By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.</strong> Jericho's conquest demonstrated faith's victory through obedience to seemingly foolish divine commands. God instructed Israel to march around Jericho silently for six days, then seven times on the seventh day, followed by trumpet blast and shout—military nonsense, but divine wisdom. The walls 'fel...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **Seven days.**—It is the persistence of Israel’s obedience (in the midst, we cannot doubt, of the unmeasured contempt and ridicule of their foes) during the seven days of almost total inaction (Joshua 6) that is here brought into relief.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

13. Quotation from Psa 110:1. The image is taken from the custom of conquerors putting the feet on the necks of the conquered (Jos 10:24, 25).

By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. that: or, that were disobedient

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.</strong> Rahab's inclusion in faith's hall demonstrates God's grace extending even to unlikely candidates. A Canaanite prostitute from doomed Jericho, she exercised saving faith while her entire culture 'believed not' (<em>apeithēsasin</em>, ἀπειθήσασιν, 'disobeyed' or 'disbeliev...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31) **That believed not.**—Bather, *that were disobedient* (see Hebrews 3:18; Hebrews 4:6; Hebrews 4:11). To her and to her countrymen alike had come the knowledge of what the Lord had done for Israel (Joshua 2:10). She recognised from these signs, and acknowledged, the supremacy of Jehovah (Hebrews 11:11), and she cast in her lot with His servants; the men of Jericho continued in their disobedie...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**14. ministering spirits--**referring to He 1:7, "spirits ... ministers." They are incorporeal spirits, as God is, but ministering to Him as inferiors. **sent forth--**present participle: "being sent forth" continually, as their regular service in all ages. **to minister--**Greek, "unto (that is, 'for') ministry." **for them--**Greek, "on account of the." Angels are sent forth on ministrati...
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The Triumph of Faith

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:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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:</strong> The author accelerates his survey, acknowledging he could continue indefinitely cataloging faithful heroes. The rhetorical question 'what shall I more say?' introduces a rapid summary of additional examples—judges (G...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(32) The sacred writer has lingered over the life and deeds of the greatest of the patriarchs and of Moses the legislator of the nation: two examples only—differing in kind from those which have preceded, and peculiarly suggestive and important—have been taken from the history of the people after the death of Moses. Enough has now been said to guide all who are willing to search the Scriptures for...
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Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,</strong> This verse begins summarizing faith's diverse accomplishments through Old Testament saints. 'Subdued kingdoms' references conquests by Joshua, David, and other leaders who defeated powerful enemies through faith in God's power. 'Wrought righteousness' (<em>eirgasanto dikaiosy...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(33) **Subdued kingdoms.**—Better, *overcame kingdoms.* To all the deliverers of Israel of whom we have read in Hebrews 11:32 (and especially to David, 2 Samuel 8, 10, 11) these words will apply. They also “wrought righteousness,” as each judge or king or prophet “executed judgment and justice unto all his people” (2Samuel 8:15). **Obtained promises.**—Do these words mean that these men of faith w...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 2 He 2:1-18. Danger of Neglecting So Great Salvation, First Spoken by Christ; to Whom, Not to Angels, the New Dispensation Was Subjected; though He Was for a Time Humbled below the Angels: This Humiliation Took Place by Divine Necessity for Our Salvation. **1. Therefore--**Because Christ the Mediator of the new covenant is so far (He 1:5-14) above all angels, the mediators of the old cove...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> 'Quenched the violence of fire' references Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's deliverance from Nebuchadnezzar's furnace (Daniel 3). Their faith declaration—'our God whom we serve is able to deliver us...But if not...' (Da...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(34) **The violence.**—Rather, *the power* (Daniel 3.). **Escaped the edge of the sword.**—Though it would not be difficult to trace the application of this and the following clauses to the heroes of Israel celebrated in the Old Testament history (the perils of David and Elijah and the “weakness” of Samson and Hezekiah will occur to the mind of all), it seems likely that the writer’s thought is re...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2. (Compare He 2:3.) Argument a fortiori. **spoken by angels--**the Mosaic law spoken by the ministration of angels (De 33:2; Psa 68:17; Ac 7:53; Ga 3:19). When it is said, Ex 20:1, "God spake," it is meant He spake by angels as His mouthpiece, or at least angels repeating in unison with His voice the words of the Decalogue; whereas the Gospel was first spoken by the Lord alone. **was steadfas...
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Women received their dead raised to life again : and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:</strong> This verse presents faith's two contrasting outcomes. First, miraculous deliverance: 'women received their dead raised' references the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:17-24) and Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:18-37) whose sons Elijah and El...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(35) **Raised to life again.**—Literally, *by a resurrection.* (See 1Kings 17:22-23; 2Kings 4:35-37.) At this point the character of the record is changed; hitherto we have heard of the victories of faith in action, now it is of the triumph of faith over suffering that the writer speaks. Those who “escaped the edge of the sword” (Hebrews 11:34) and those who “were slain with the sword” alike exemp...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. we--**who have received the message of salvation so clearly delivered to us (compare He 12:25). **so great salvation--**embodied in Jesus, whose very name means "salvation," including not only deliverance from foes and from death, and the grant of temporal blessings (which the law promised to the obedient), but also grace of the Spirit, forgiveness of sins, and the promise of heaven, glory,...
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And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:</strong> This continues cataloging faith's costly consequences. 'Cruel mockings' (<em>empaigmōn</em>, ἐμπαιγμῶν, 'ridicule' or 'jeering') describes psychological torture and public humiliation endured by prophets like Jeremiah, mocked by false prophets and faithless leaders (Jeremiah 20:7). 'Sco...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(36) The language becomes more general, but still chiefly refers to the same troublous times. **Yea, moreover of bonds.**—Lasting and cruel captivity, a worse fate even than “mockings and scourgings.”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4. them--**rather, "God also [as well as Christ, He 2:3] bearing witness to it," &amp;c., joining in attestation of it." **signs and wonders--**performed by Christ and His apostles. "Signs" and miracles, or other facts regarded as proofs of a divine mission; "wonders" are miracles viewed as prodigies, causing astonishment (Ac 2:22, 33); "powers" are miracles viewed as evidences of superhuman p...
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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;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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;</strong> This verse intensifies the catalog of suffering. 'Stoned' references martyrdoms like Zechariah son of Jehoiada, stoned by royal command for rebuking idolatry (2 Chronicles 24:20-22)—Jesus references this martyr (...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(37) **They were stoned.**—As Zechariah (2Chronicles 24:20-22), and—according to a Jewish tradition mentioned by Tertullian and others—Jeremiah. (See Matthew 23:35; Matthew 23:37.) **They were sawn asunder.**—An ancient tradition, mentioned both by Jewish and by early Christian writers, relates that Isaiah was thus put to death by order of Manasseh. The following words, “they were tempted,” are ve...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5. For--**confirming the assertion, He 2:2, 3, that the new covenant was spoken by One higher than the mediators of the old covenant, namely, angels. Translate in the Greek order, to bring out the proper emphasis, "Not the angels hath He," &amp;c. **the world to come--**implying, He has subjected to angels the existing world, the Old Testament dispensation (then still partly existing as to its...
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(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Of whom the world was not worthy: they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.</strong> This stunning statement reverses worldly values. These persecuted, impoverished, hunted believers whom the world rejected, tortured, and killed are declared superior to the world itself. 'The world was not worthy' (<em>ouk ēn axios ho kosmos</em>, οὐκ ἦν ἄξιος ὁ κόσμος...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6. But--**It is not to angels the Gospel kingdom is subject, BUT ... **one ... testified--**the usual way of quoting Scripture to readers familiar with it. Psa 8:5-7 praises Jehovah for exalting MAN, so as to subject all the works of God on earth to him: this dignity having been lost by the first Adam, is realized only in Christ the Son of man, the Representative Man and Head of our redeemed r...
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And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.</strong> This verse concludes the catalog of Old Testament faith heroes with sobering observation: despite exemplary faith that earned divine commendation, none received the ultimate promise during their earthly lives. "These all" (<em>houtoi pantes</em>, οὗτοι πάντες) encompasses everyone mentioned in He...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(39) **Having obtained a good report.**—Now that the history is concluded the word of Hebrews 11:2 is resumed. That in such a faith as was described in Hebrews 11:1 “the elders” received their witness from God, the records themselves have shown; yet “these all, having had witness borne to them through their faith, received not the promise,” *i.e., *the promised blessing. There are three passages o...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7. a little--**not as Bengel, "a little time." **than the angels--**Hebrew, "than God," "Elohim," that is, the abstract qualities of God, such as angels possess in an inferior form; namely, heavenly, spiritual, incorporeal natures. Man, in his original creation, was set next beneath them. So the man Jesus, though Lord of angels, when He emptied Himself of the externals of His Divinity (see on ...
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God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. provided: or, foreseen

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.</strong> This climactic verse explains why Old Testament saints, despite exemplary faith, didn't receive the ultimate promise in their lifetimes. God 'provided' (<em>problepomenou</em>, προβλεψομένου, 'having foreseen' or 'having planned ahead') 'some better thing for us'—the fuller revelation an...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(40) **For us.**—Rather, *concerning us, that without* (or, *apart from*)* us they should not be made perfect. “*Some better thing”—better than they had received (Matthew 13:17; 1Peter 1:10-11). The design of God was that they and we may be perfected together; first in the joint reception of mature knowledge and privilege through the High-priestly work of the Lord Jesus (comp. Ephesians 3:10; 1Pet...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

8. (1Co 15:27.) **For in that--**that is, "For in that" God saith in the eighth Psalm, "He put the all things (so the Greek, the all things just mentioned) in subjection under him (man), He left nothing ... As no limitation occurs in the sacred writing, the "all things" must include heavenly, as well as earthly things (compare 1Co 3:21, 22). **But now--**As things now are, we see not yet the a...
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