Keraia
Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11:15

The Faith of Abraham and Sarah · Hebrews 11:8–19
Read Hebrews 11

Translations

Modern
If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.
Traditional
And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
Literal
And indeed if they had been remembering that from which they came out, they would have had opportunity to return.
Latin
Et si quidem ipsius meminissent de qua exierunt, habebant utique tempus revertendi:

Original

Greek
English
If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.

Notes

Hebrews 11:14–16

Abraham's family clearly did not want to return to their homeland. If they did, they could have gone back. Their faith showed they longed for a better place. They hoped in God, who rewarded their faith by preparing a heavenly city for them.

Hebrews 11:13–16

The author stops to explain the common lessons seen in the lives he has discussed so far.

Hebrews 11:1–40

Chapter 11 gives a long list of people who trusted God. This shows clearly that living by faith is the only true way to follow God. The writer keeps repeating the words “by faith” to make this message clear. Each example follows the same pattern:

  • (a) the phrase by faith,

  • (b) the person's name,

  • (c) the event or action showing faith, and

  • (d) the result.

Parallels

Genesis 15–22 Romans 4:1–12

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Descent into Hell Hebrews, Letter to the Inheritance Isaac Land Letter to the Romans Obedience Perseverance Zion

Topics

Backsliders: General Scriptures Concerning Faith in the offering up of Isaac Faith: General Scriptures Concerning Immortality: General Scriptures Concerning Obedience: Abraham Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are not Mindful of This World Religious Zeal: General Scriptures Concerning Self-Denial: Becomes Strangers and Pilgrims