King James Version

What Does Hebrews 11:4 Mean?

Hebrews 11:4 in the King James Version says “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous,... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 11:4 · KJV


Context

2

For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3

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.

4

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

5

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.

6

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.


Commentary

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 God and the way to God is through blood sacrifice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Abel's sacrifice predates the Mosaic law by millennia, showing that the principle of substitutionary blood atonement has always been God's plan. The first biblical martyr died at the hands of unbelieving religious activity.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Abel's sacrifice teach about approaching God on His terms rather than yours?
  2. How does your faith speak testimony to others even beyond your lifetime?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
Πίστει1 of 27

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

πλείονα2 of 27

a more excellent

G4119

more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion

θυσίαν3 of 27

sacrifice

G2378

sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)

Ἅβελ4 of 27

Abel

G6

abel, the son of adam

παρὰ5 of 27

than

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

Κάϊν6 of 27

Cain

G2535

cain, (i.e., cajin), the son of adam

προσήνεγκεν7 of 27

offered

G4374

to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat

τῷ8 of 27
G3588

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

θεοῦ9 of 27

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

δι'10 of 27

by

G1223

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

ἧς11 of 27

which

G3739

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

μαρτυροῦντος12 of 27

he obtained witness

G3140

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)

εἶναι13 of 27

that he was

G1511

to exist

δίκαιος14 of 27

righteous

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

μαρτυροῦντος15 of 27

he obtained witness

G3140

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ16 of 27

of

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοῖς17 of 27
G3588

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

δώροις18 of 27

gifts

G1435

a present; specially, a sacrifice

αὐτῆς19 of 27

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τοῦ20 of 27
G3588

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

θεοῦ21 of 27

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ22 of 27

and

G2532

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

δι'23 of 27

by

G1223

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

αὐτῆς24 of 27

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀποθανὼν25 of 27

he being dead

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

ἔτι26 of 27

yet

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

λαλεῖται27 of 27

speaketh

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words


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 11:4 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 11:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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