Keraia
Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11:35

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

Translations

Modern
Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection.
Traditional
Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
Literal
Women received their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not having accepted release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection.
Latin
…acceperunt mulieres de resurrectione mortuos suos: alii autem distenti sunt non suscipientes redemptionem ut meliorem invenirent resurrectionem.

Original

Greek
English
Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection.

Notes

Hebrews 11:35

  • Elijah and Elisha both brought women's loved ones back from death (see 1 Kings 17:17–24; 2 Kings 4:17–37).

  • Others were tortured: Faith does not always lead to a positive outcome in this life. The author might be referring to the 170s and 160s BC, when many Jews suffered and died rather than abandon their faith (see, for example, 1 Maccabees 1:20–64).

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.

Glossary

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

Topics

Dead (People): Raised to Life, (See Faith: General Scriptures Concerning Martyrdom: The Prophets Persecution of the Righteous Prophets were Mighty Through Faith Resurrection: General Scriptures Concerning The Resurrection: Credibility of, Shown by the Resurrection of Individuals The Resurrection: Expected by the Jews War by Faith Warfare of Saints: Victory In, Is by Faith