King James Version

What Does Hebrews 11:32 Mean?

Hebrews 11:32 in the King James Version says “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; o... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

Hebrews 11:32 · KJV


Context

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

32

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:

33

Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

34

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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: 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 (Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah), kings (David), prophets (Samuel and others). Each name represents detailed Old Testament accounts of faith triumphing through God's power despite human weakness.

Significantly, this list includes deeply flawed individuals. Gideon doubted and demanded signs; Barak required Deborah's presence; Samson repeatedly violated his Nazirite vow; Jephthah made a rash vow resulting in tragedy; David committed adultery and murder. Yet all are commended for faith, demonstrating that God's grace works through imperfect vessels. Faith isn't perfection but persistent trust in God despite personal failures. These heroes' lives testify that justification comes through faith, not moral perfection.

The phrase 'time would fail me' (epileisei me ho chronos, ἐπιλείψει με ὁ χρόνος) shows the author's awareness of Scripture's abundant testimony to faith. He could have written volumes but selected representative examples. This implies that all of Scripture, properly understood, is the story of God's faithfulness and the faith He produces in His people. The Old Testament, far from being obsolete, remains vital testimony to the same faith that saves in the New Covenant era.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The judges period (approximately 1375-1050 BC) featured cyclical apostasy and deliverance as Israel repeatedly abandoned God, suffered oppression, cried for help, and received divinely appointed deliverers. Gideon defeated Midianites with 300 men (Judges 7); Barak and Deborah defeated Canaanites (Judges 4-5); Samson harassed Philistines despite personal moral failures (Judges 13-16); Jephthah defeated Ammonites (Judges 11). David (c. 1040-970 BC) united Israel and established the Davidic covenant. Samuel (c. 1100-1020 BC) served as prophet transitioning from judges to monarchy. All these flawed individuals accomplished God's purposes through faith, providing rich Old Testament testimony to grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the inclusion of flawed heroes like Samson and David encourage you that God works through imperfect people?
  2. What does this rapid summary teach about Scripture's consistent testimony to salvation by faith across all eras?
  3. In what ways should the 'great cloud of witnesses' (Hebrews 12:1) motivate your own persevering faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
καὶ1 of 25

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τί2 of 25

what

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἔτι3 of 25

more

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

λέγω4 of 25

say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἐπιλείψει5 of 25

would fail

G1952

to leave upon, i.e., (figuratively) to be insufficient for

γὰρ6 of 25

for

G1063

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

με7 of 25

me

G3165

me

διηγούμενον8 of 25

to tell

G1334

to relate fully

9 of 25
G3588

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

χρόνος10 of 25

the time

G5550

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

περὶ11 of 25

of

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

Γεδεών12 of 25

Gedeon

G1066

gedeon (i.e., gid(e)on), an israelite

Βαράκ13 of 25

of Barak

G913

barak, an israelite

τε14 of 25

and

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

καὶ15 of 25

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Σαμψών16 of 25

of Samson

G4546

sampson (i.e., shimshon), an israelite

καὶ17 of 25

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἰεφθάε18 of 25

of Jephthae

G2422

jephtha (i.e., jiphtach), an israelite

Δαβίδ19 of 25

of David

G1138

david, the israelite king

τε20 of 25

and

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

καὶ21 of 25

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Σαμουὴλ22 of 25

Samuel

G4545

samuel (i.e., shemuel), an israelite

καὶ23 of 25

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῶν24 of 25
G3588

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

προφητῶν25 of 25

of the prophets

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet


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 11:32 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 11:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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