King James Version

What Does Hebrews 11:5 Mean?

Hebrews 11:5 in the King James Version says “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for befor...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Hebrews 11:5 · KJV

Faith

Context

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.

7

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. moved: or, being wary

Read Hebrews 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Enoch 'was translated that he should not see death' (Genesis 5:24), demonstrating exceptional faith. The phrase 'was not found' indicates a search was made after his translation. 'Before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God'—his faith was evident in his life. His translation without death foreshadows the rapture of believers and proves God can deliver from death entirely.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Enoch walked with God 300 years (Genesis 5:22-24), an extraordinary testimony in the pre-flood world's wickedness. Only he and Elijah escaped death by translation, pointing to Christ's power over death.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it look like to walk with God in a wicked generation?
  2. How can your life testimony be that you please God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
Πίστει1 of 24

“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

Ἑνὼχ2 of 24

“Enoch”

G1802

enoch (i.e., chanok), an antediluvian

μετέθηκεν3 of 24

“had translated”

G3346

to transfer, i.e., (literally) transport, (by implication) exchange, (reflexively) change sides, or (figuratively) pervert

τοῦ4 of 24
G3588

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

μὴ5 of 24

“not”

G3361

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

ἰδεῖν6 of 24

“see”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

θάνατον7 of 24

“death”

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

καὶ8 of 24

“and”

G2532

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

οὐχ9 of 24

“not”

G3756

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

εὑρίσκετο,10 of 24

“found”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

διότι11 of 24

“because”

G1360

on the very account that, or inasmuch as

μετέθηκεν12 of 24

“had translated”

G3346

to transfer, i.e., (literally) transport, (by implication) exchange, (reflexively) change sides, or (figuratively) pervert

αὐτοῦ13 of 24

“him”

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

ὁ14 of 24
G3588

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

θεῷ·15 of 24

“God”

G2316

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

πρὸ16 of 24

“before”

G4253

"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to

γὰρ17 of 24

“for”

G1063

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

τῆς18 of 24
G3588

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

μεταθέσεως19 of 24

“translation”

G3331

transposition, i.e., transferral (to heaven), disestablishment (of a law)

αὐτοῦ20 of 24

“him”

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

μεμαρτύρηται21 of 24

“he had this testimony”

G3140

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

εὐηρεστηκέναι22 of 24

“that he pleased”

G2100

to gratify entirely

τῷ23 of 24
G3588

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

θεῷ·24 of 24

“God”

G2316

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

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 11:5 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 11:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 5:21-24Jude 1:14Hebrews 11:62 Kings 2:11Revelation 11:9-12Psalms 89:48

Test Your Knowledge

Hebrews 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHebrews Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Hebrews 11 with CommentaryAll Hebrews ChaptersComplete Hebrews QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes