Keraia
Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11:32

The Faith of Many · Hebrews 11:30–40
Read Hebrews 11

Translations

Modern
And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets,
Traditional
And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
Literal
And what more shall I say? For the time will fail me recounting fully about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, also David and Samuel and the prophets,
Latin
Et quid adhuc dicam? deficiet enim me tempus enarrantem de Gedeon, Barac, Samson, Jephte, David, Samuel, et prophetis:

Original

Greek
English
And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets,

Notes

Hebrews 11:32

  • And what more shall I say? The author transitions to a concluding summary, starting with six faith heroes from the time of the judges and the united monarchy:

    • Gideon defeated the Midianites using torches and jars (Judges 7:7–25).

    • Barak defeated Sisera and the Canaanites (Judges 4:8–16).

    • Samson, despite his moral weaknesses, was used by God to fight the Philistines for Israel (Judges 13–16).

    • Jephthah achieved victory over the Amorites and Ammonites (Judges 10:6–12:7).

    • David, the only king in the group, loved God and generally led a life of faith (1 Samuel 16—1 Kings 1).

    • Samuel was a key leader between the time of the judges and Israel's first kings. He listened to God's voice and followed his will (1 Samuel 1–15).

  • The phrase and the prophets includes Elijah, Elisha, and the prophets from Isaiah to Malachi. These prophets often showed great faith despite facing hostility.

Hebrews 11:32–40

The author quickly highlights other faithful people from the old covenant era. In Hebrews 11:32–35a, faith leads to rescue and triumph. In 11:35b–38, however, faith results in harsh persecution and even death for their beliefs. Despite these outcomes, God honored both groups with a good reputation because of their faith (11:39).

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.

People

Barak: An Israelite commander who defeated Canaanite forces with Deborah David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Gideon: Judge of Israel; defeated Midianites; tested and reassured by God Jephthah: A judge of Israel, known for his tragic vow Samson: Israelite judge with great strength from God Samuel: Prophet and last judge of Israel before the kings

Glossary

Barak Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Descent into Hell Gedeon Gideon Hebrews, Letter to the Inheritance Jephthah Letter to the Romans Obedience Persecution Perseverance Samuel (Person)

Topics

Barak: A Judge in Israel Extraordinary Judges: Remarkable for Their Faith Faith: Conquests By Faith: General Scriptures Concerning Faith: Gideon Faith: Trial of Daniel, when Forbidden to Pray to Jehovah Faith: Trial of Gideon, when Commanded to Deliver Israel Faith: Trial of The Three Hebrews, when Commanded to Worship the Image Gideon: Faith of Jephthah: Faith of Martyrdom: The Prophets Prophets were Mighty Through Faith Samson is Blinded by the Philistines and Confined to Hard Labor in Prison Samson: His Great Strength Samuel: His Integrity As a Judge and Ruler