King James Version

What Does Hebrews 11:9 Mean?

Hebrews 11:9 in the King James Version says “By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

Hebrews 11:9 · KJV


Context

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

8

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

9

By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10

For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

11

Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age , because she judged him faithful who had promised.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Abraham 'sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country' living in tents with Isaac and Jacob who were 'heirs with him of the same promise.' Though God promised him the land, he lived as a foreigner never possessing it. This demonstrated faith that looked beyond earthly inheritance to heavenly reality. His pilgrim lifestyle testified that he sought something better than earthly possession.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Abraham lived in Canaan for 100 years without owning any of it except his burial plot (Genesis 23). This pilgrim existence distinguished faith from sight—he believed God's promise while living as an alien.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you live as a pilgrim in this world or are you too attached to earthly things?
  2. What promises of God are you believing without yet seeing them fulfilled?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Πίστει1 of 22

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

παρῴκησεν2 of 22

he sojourned

G3939

to dwell near, i.e., reside as a foreigner

εἰς3 of 22

in

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν4 of 22
G3588

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

γῆν5 of 22

the land

G1093

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

τῆς6 of 22
G3588

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

ἐπαγγελίας7 of 22

of promise

G1860

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

ὡς8 of 22

as

G5613

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

ἀλλοτρίαν9 of 22

in a strange country

G245

another's, i.e., not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile

ἐν10 of 22

in

G1722

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

σκηναῖς11 of 22

tabernacles

G4633

a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively)

κατοικήσας12 of 22

dwelling

G2730

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

μετὰ13 of 22

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

Ἰσαὰκ14 of 22

Isaac

G2464

isaac (i.e., jitschak), the son of abraham

καὶ15 of 22

and

G2532

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

Ἰακὼβ16 of 22

Jacob

G2384

jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites

τῶν17 of 22
G3588

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

συγκληρονόμων18 of 22

the heirs with him

G4789

a co-heir, i.e., (by analogy) participant in common

τῆς19 of 22
G3588

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

ἐπαγγελίας20 of 22

of promise

G1860

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

τῆς21 of 22
G3588

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

αὐτῆς·22 of 22

of the same

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


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 11:9 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 11:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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