King James Version

What Does Hebrews 11:38 Mean?

Hebrews 11:38 in the King James Version says “(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.”

Hebrews 11:38 · KJV

Context

36

And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

37

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;

38

(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

39

And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

40

God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. provided: or, foreseen

Read Hebrews 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Of whom the world was not worthy: they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 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' (ouk ēn axios ho kosmos, οὐκ ἦν ἄξιος ὁ κόσμος) means the world didn't deserve such noble inhabitants. Those the world deemed worthless are actually too valuable for the world.

Their wandering 'in deserts, mountains, dens and caves' describes fugitive existence, hiding from persecution like David fleeing Saul in Adullam cave (1 Samuel 22:1), Elijah at Horeb (1 Kings 19:9), Maccabean rebels in wilderness caves (1 Maccabees 2:29-31). Yet God values these refugees above the world's powerful who oppress them. This reflects Jesus' beatitude: 'Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you...for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you' (Matthew 5:11-12).

This verse encourages suffering believers that God's value system inverts the world's. Those whom the world rejects, God receives. Those whom society marginalizes, God honors. Those who lose everything for faith are richest in God's economy. Paul echoes this: 'as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things' (2 Corinthians 6:9-10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout redemptive history, God's faithful remnant often found themselves marginalized, persecuted, and forced into hiding. During various periods of apostasy in Israel's history, faithful believers became minorities fleeing corrupt authorities. The image of caves as refuge appears repeatedly—Lot's daughters in cave after Sodom's destruction (Genesis 19:30), Israelites hiding from Midianites (Judges 6:2), David's mighty men gathering in caves (1 Samuel 22:1), prophets hidden in caves during Jezebel's persecution (1 Kings 18:4). This pattern continued into intertestamental and New Testament eras. The statement that 'the world was not worthy' of such faithful sufferers would powerfully encourage early Christians facing Roman persecution.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's declaration that the world 'was not worthy' of persecuted believers reshape how you view suffering for righteousness?
  2. What worldly values, status, or security must you be willing to lose to be counted worthy of Christ?
  3. In what ways does this verse encourage you to value God's approval above human recognition or comfort?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ὧν1 of 18

“(Of whom”

G3739

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

οὐκ2 of 18

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἦν3 of 18

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἄξιος4 of 18

“worthy”

G514

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

ὁ5 of 18
G3588

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

κόσμος6 of 18

“the world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

ἐν7 of 18

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐρημίαις8 of 18

“deserts”

G2047

solitude (concretely)

πλανώμενοι9 of 18

“they wandered”

G4105

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

καὶ10 of 18

“and”

G2532

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

ὄρεσιν11 of 18

“in mountains”

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

καὶ12 of 18

“and”

G2532

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

σπηλαίοις13 of 18

“in dens”

G4693

a cavern; by implication, a hiding-place or resort

καὶ14 of 18

“and”

G2532

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

ταῖς15 of 18
G3588

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

ὀπαῖς16 of 18

“caves”

G3692

a hole (as if for light), i.e., cavern; by analogy, a spring (of water)

τῆς17 of 18
G3588

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

γῆς18 of 18

“of the earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

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 11:38 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 11:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 18:41 Kings 19:91 Samuel 22:1Isaiah 57:11 Samuel 24:1-31 Kings 18:13

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