King James Version

What Does Hebrews 11:27 Mean?

Hebrews 11:27 in the King James Version says “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.”

Hebrews 11:27 · KJV

Faith

Context

25

Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

26

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

27

By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

28

Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

29

By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 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' (ekarteresenem, ἐκαρτέρησεν) means 'persevered with steadfast patience,' indicating sustained courage through long trial, not momentary bravery.

The phrase 'seeing him who is invisible' (ton gar aoraton hōs horōn, τὸν γὰρ ἀόρατον ὡς ὁρῶν) captures faith's essence: perceiving spiritual realities more clearly than physical circumstances. Though God is invisible to physical eyes, faith sees Him with greater certainty than visible things. This paradox—seeing the unseen—characterizes all biblical faith. Moses oriented his life around God's invisible presence and promises rather than Pharaoh's visible power.

This teaches that genuine faith produces courage in adversity by fixing attention on God rather than threats. The same God who is invisible is also immutable, omnipotent, and faithful—therefore infinitely more reliable than visible, mutable circumstances. Christians today endure persecution, suffering, and opposition by 'seeing him who is invisible' through faith, enabled by God's Word and Spirit to perceive eternal realities clearer than temporal ones.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses' departure from Egypt could refer to his initial flight to Midian (Exodus 2:14-15) or the Exodus itself (Exodus 12-14). Context suggests the Exodus, where Moses confronted Pharaoh repeatedly despite threats, led Israel out despite Egyptian army pursuit, and trusted God's invisible presence symbolized by the pillar of cloud and fire. Ancient Near Eastern kings wielded absolute power; defying Pharaoh required extraordinary courage grounded in faith. Moses' endurance through forty years wilderness wandering further demonstrates sustained faith in God's invisible presence despite lack of visible evidence of promised land inheritance.

Reflection Questions

  1. What visible threats or circumstances tempt you to fear rather than trust God's invisible presence and power?
  2. How can you cultivate seeing 'him who is invisible' more clearly than your visible circumstances?
  3. In what areas do you need Moses' enduring faith to persevere despite opposition and lack of visible progress?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Πίστει1 of 15

“By faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

κατέλιπεν2 of 15

“he forsook”

G2641

to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining

Αἴγυπτον3 of 15

“Egypt”

G125

aegyptus, the land of the nile

μὴ4 of 15

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

φοβηθεὶς5 of 15

“fearing”

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

τὸν6 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θυμὸν7 of 15

“the wrath”

G2372

passion (as if breathing hard)

τοῦ8 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλέως·9 of 15

“of the king”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

τὸν10 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ11 of 15

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἀόρατον12 of 15

“him who is invisible”

G517

invisible

ὡς13 of 15

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ὁρῶν14 of 15

“seeing”

G3708

by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear

ἐκαρτέρησεν15 of 15

“he endured”

G2594

to be strong, i.e., (figuratively) steadfast (patient)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 11:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 11:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 4:18Hebrews 11:13Hebrews 11:1Exodus 2:14-15James 5:11Exodus 4:19

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Hebrews 11 →

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