King James Version

What Does Hebrews 11:29 Mean?

Hebrews 11:29 in the King James Version says “By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 11:29 · KJV

Faith

Context

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.

30

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

31

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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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. 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 waters; Israel crossed on dry ground; pursuing Egyptians drowned when waters returned. Faith obeyed God's command to move forward despite impossible barriers.

The contrast between Israel's safe passage and Egypt's destruction illustrates that identical actions produce opposite results depending on faith's presence. Both groups entered the sea; only Israel crossed safely. The Egyptians 'assaying' (peiran labontes, πεῖραν λαβόντες, 'taking trial of' or 'attempting') presumed they could follow, but lacked faith in God's power and promise. Presumption without faith leads to destruction. God's miraculous provision benefits those who trust Him; the same divine power that saves believers judges unbelievers.

Paul writes that Israel's Red Sea crossing prefigures baptism (1 Corinthians 10:1-2), picturing believers' identification with Christ in death and resurrection. Just as Israel passed through water from bondage to freedom, believers pass through baptism from death to life in Christ. The Red Sea crossing demonstrates salvation as God's supernatural deliverance, impossible for human effort, requiring faith to enter God's provision.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Red Sea crossing (approximately 1446 BC) occurred shortly after the Exodus, with Pharaoh's army pursuing to recapture fleeing slaves. Traditional and most conservative scholars identify the crossing site in the Gulf of Suez region, though exact location is debated. Egyptian chariot forces represented Bronze Age military superiority; Israel's deliverance was humanly impossible without divine intervention. No Egyptian records acknowledge this defeat, unsurprising given ancient Near Eastern propaganda practices. Archaeological evidence shows Egyptian military presence in Sinai during this period, consistent with biblical narrative. The miracle established God's power over nature and nations, forming Israel's national identity as God's redeemed people.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'Red Sea' impossible barrier in your life requires faith that God can provide passage?
  2. How does this passage warn against presumption—attempting what God enables for believers without genuine faith?
  3. In what ways does your baptism symbolize passing through judgment waters to new life, like Israel's Red Sea crossing?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Πίστει1 of 14

“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

διέβησαν2 of 14

“they passed through”

G1224

to cross

τὴν3 of 14
G3588

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

Ἐρυθρὰν4 of 14

“the Red”

G2063

red, i.e., (with g2281) the red sea

Θάλασσαν5 of 14

“sea”

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

ὡς6 of 14

“as”

G5613

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

διὰ7 of 14

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ξηρᾶς8 of 14

“dry”

G3584

arid; by implication, shrunken, earth (as opposed to water)

ἡς9 of 14

“land which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

πεῖραν10 of 14

“assaying”

G3984

a test, i.e., attempt, experience

λαβόντες11 of 14

“to do”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

οἱ12 of 14
G3588

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

Αἰγύπτιοι13 of 14

“the Egyptians”

G124

an egyptian or inhabitant of aegyptus

κατεπόθησαν14 of 14

“were drowned”

G2666

to drink down, i.e., gulp entire (literally or figuratively)

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 11:29 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 11:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 14:13-15:21Psalms 78:13Psalms 106:9-11Joshua 2:10Isaiah 63:11-16Psalms 66:6

Places in This Verse

Red Sea 1Body of Water · Modern: Gulf of Suez · 28.75°N, 33.00°E21 verses across 9 books
View all places in Hebrews 11 →

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