Keraia
Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11:37

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

Translations

Modern
They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated.
Traditional
They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
Literal
They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they died by slaughter of the sword; they wandered in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, being oppressed, being mistreated—
Latin
…lapidati sunt, secti sunt, tentati sunt, in occisione gladii mortui sunt, circuierunt in melotis, in pellibus caprinis, egentes, angustiati, afflicti:

Original

Greek
English
They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated.

Notes

Hebrews 11:37

Tradition says that people killed the prophet Jeremiah by throwing stones at him, and they sawed the prophet Isaiah in half.

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

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

Topics

Faith: General Scriptures Concerning Garments: Materials Used for Skins Martyrdom: Prophets and Saints of Old Martyrdom: The Prophets Persecution of the Righteous Prophets were Mighty Through Faith Prophets: Martyrs Punishments: Capital Kinds of Sawing Asunder Punishments: Secondary Kinds of Torturing Saw used As an Instrument of Torture Sheep: Skins of, Worn As Clothing by the Poor Stoning: Capital Punishment By The Goat: Skin of, often Used As Clothing The Poor: Saints of Old War by Faith Warfare of Saints: Victory In, Is by Faith