1.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
faith . Greek. pi stis. App-150 .
substance . Greek. hupostasis. See Hebrews 1:3 and 2 Corinthians 9:4 . Used of title-deeds in the Papyri.
evidence = proof. Greek. elenchos. Only here and 2 Timothy 3:16 . Compare Romans 10:17 .
seen . Greek. blepo . App-133 .
obtained, &c . = were borne witness to. Greek. martureo . See p. 1511.
2.
For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3.
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
worlds = ages. Greek. aion . App-129 .
framed = prepared, as Hebrews 10:5 . Greek. katartizo . App-125 .
word . Greek. rhema. See Mark 9:32 .
God . App-98 .
so = to (Greek. eis) the end.
were . . . made = came into being. Greek. ginomai, to become.
appear . Greek. phaino. App-106 . The reference is not to creation, but to the ordering by God of the dispensations, each of which succeeded but did not spring from its predecessor as a plant does from its seed. By rendering aionas as "worlds" here; katertisthai as "framed", instead of "prepared"; and gegonenai as "made", instead of "came into being", or "came to pass", the meaning of this important statement is lost.
4.
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
Abel . Abel illustrates faith's worship.
unto = to.
than . Greek. para . App-104 .
obtained witness . Greek. marlureo , as in Hebrews 11:2 .
righteous . Greek. dikaios. App-191 .
testifying . Greek. martureo, as above.
of = upon. Greek. epi . App-104 .
speaketh . Greek. laleo . App-121 .
5.
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Enoch . In Enoch we see faith's walk.
translated . Greek. metatithemi. See Acts 7:16 .
see . Greek. eidon. App-133 .
before . Greek. pro. App-104 .
translation . Greek. metathesis. See Hebrews 7:12 .
had this testimony = was borne witness to, as Hebrews 11:2 .
pleased . Greek. euaresteo. Only here, Hebrews 11:6 , and Hebrews 13:16 .
6.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
without . Greek. choris. See Hebrews 4:15 .
believe . Greek. pisteuo. App-150 .
is . Greek. esti. The verb substantive.
is . Greek. ginomai, to become.
rewarder . Greek. misthapodotes. Only here. Compare Hebrews 11:26 , and Hebrews 10:35 .
diligently seek . Greek. ekzeteo. See Acts 15:17 .
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.
Noah . Noah is an example of faith's witness. Compare 2 Peter 2:5 .
being warned of God . Greek. chrematizo. See Luke 2:26 .
not . . . as yet . Greek. medepo. Only here.
moved with fear . Greek. eulabeomai. See Acts 23:10 .
to = for. Greek. eis . App-104 .
saving = salvation.
condemned . Greek. katakrino. App-122 .
world . Greek. kosmos. App-129 .
righteousness . Greek. dikaiosune. App-191 .
by = according to. Greek. k ata. App-104 .
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.
Abraham . In Abraham we see the obedience of faith (compare Romans 4:3-22 ), and in Sarah faith's reckoning, or judging.
should after = was about to.
knowing . Greek. epistamai. App-132 . See App-50 . Part I.
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:
sojourned . Greek. paroikeo. Only here and Luke 24:18 .
in . Greek. eis. App-104 .
land . Greek. ge . App-129 .
strange . Greek. allotrios. App-124 .
tabernacles = tents.
heirs with him . Greek. sunkleronomos. See Romans 8:17 .
10.
For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
looked . Greek. ekdechomai. See Hebrews 10:13 .
a = the.
foundations = the foundations. Greek. themelios. Revelation 21:14-20 . See App-146 .
builder . Greek. technites = Architect or Designer. See Acts 19:24 . From the same root we have tekton , rendered "carpenter", Matthew 13:55 .Mark 6:3 , meaning builder or constructor. The word used in contempt of our Lord's earthly occupation (as being apart from Rabbinical connexion and teaching) is profoundly significant. Does it not suggest the reason why He elected for the period of His Incarnation to become a carpenter, rather than, e.g., a shepherd, as the Antitype of David? He, the great Architect, Designer, and Fabricator of "all things visible", including "the city which hath the foundations"! He, the Preparer, Arranger, and Constitutor of the ages or dispensations ( aions, Hebrews 11:3 and Hebrews 1:2 ), condescended to follow during "the days of His flesh"a trade involving the planning, calculation, and manual skill of a craftsman!
maker . Greek. demiourgos. Only here. A word used by the Gnostics; and by Plato and Xenophon for the Creator of the world.
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.
also = even.
received . It was given from above.
strength . Greek. dunamis. App-172 .
to conceive . Literally for (Greek. eis) casting down (Greek. kataboe. See App-146 ). Compare 2 Kings 19:3 . The strength was Divinely supplied not only to conceive, but to bring to the birth.
was delivered of = brought forth.
past . Greek. para . App-104 .
age = season. Greek. kairos. Genesis 18:11 .
judged . Same as "counted", Hebrews 10:29 .
faithful . Greek. pistos. App-150 .
12.
Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
sprang = were begotten.
him, &c . = and that too, one having become dead. Greek. nekroo. See Romans 4:19 .
stars, sand . Genesis 15:5 ; Genesis 22:17 ; Genesis 26:4 .Exodus 32:13 .Isaiah 48:19 .
sky = heaven. See Matthew 6:9 , Matthew 6:10 .
by . Greek. para . App-104 .
innumerable . Greek. anarithmetos. Only here.
13.
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
in = according to. Greek. kata . App-104 . Compare Hebrews 11:7 .
promises . i.e. the things promised. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct).
afar off = from afar. Greek. porrothen. Only here and Luke 17:12 .
and were persuaded of . The texts omit.
embraced . Greek. aspazomai. Same as "salute", Hebrews 13:24 .
strangers . Greek. xenos . See Acts 17:18 .
pilgrims . Greek. parepidemos. Only here, 1 Peter 1:1 ; 1 Peter 2:11 . We must be strangers to the world ere we can become pilgrims in it. See Genesis 23:4 . 1 Chronicles 29:15 .Psalms 39:12 .
earth . Greek. ge , as Hebrews 11:9 .
14.
For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
declare plainly . Greek. emphanizo. See Hebrews 9:24 . App-106 .
country = a (true) home. Greek. patris . Only here and seven times in the Gospels.
15.
And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
truly if = if indeed.
if . Greek. ei . App-118 .
returned . Greek. anakampto. See Acts 18:21 .
16.
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
now = as a matter of fact.
desire . Greek. oregomai. Only here, 1 Timothy 3:1 ; 1 Timothy 6:10 .
heavenly . See Hebrews 3:1 .
ashamed . See Hebrews 2:11 . Add "of them". Figure of speech Tapeinosis. App-6 .
called . Greek. epikaleomai. See Acts 2:21 .
hath . Omit.
city . See Hebrews 11:10 .
17.
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18.
Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
Of = With reference to. Greek. pros. App-104 .
shall, &c . Literally shall a seed be called for thee. This is quoted from Genesis 21:12 .
19.
Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
Accountings = Reckoning. Greek. logizomai. See Romans 4:4 .
raise up . Greek. egeiro. App-178 .
from the dead . Greek. ek nekron. App-139 .
also, &c . = he did even in a figure receive (Greek. komizo, RS Matthew 25:27 ) him back.
figure . Greek. parabole. See Hebrews 9:9 . Isaac was, as far as Abraham was concerned, to all intents and purposes, dead, and so became a type of Christ in resurrection.
20.
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
Isaac . Isaac shows us faith overcoming the will of the flesh, in that he blessed Jacob instead of Esau.
concerning . Greek. peri . App-104 .
21.
By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
Jacob . Jacob's faith was manifested by his blessing each of Joseph's sons, putting Ephraim first according to God's will. See Genesis 48:5-20 ,
both = each of.
sons . Greek. huios. App-108 .
worshipped . Greek. proskuneo. App-137 .
upon . Greek. epi. App-104 . Jacob's worship was because he had just secured Joseph's promise that he would not bury him in Egypt but in Machpelah, thus enabling him to express his confidence in God's promises. This is recorded in Genesis 47:31 , before the blessing of Joseph's sons.
22.
By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
he died = was ending (life).
departing . Greek. exodos. Only here, Luke 9:31 , and 2 Peter 1:15 .
children = sons, as in Hebrews 11:21 .
gave commandment . Greek. entellomai. First occurance: Matthew 4:6 . The faith of Joseph was shown in his confidence that God would fulfil the promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Genesis 50:24 , Genesis 50:25 . Compare Genesis 48:21 .
23.
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
Moses . See Hebrews 3:2 .
three months . Greek. trimenon. Only here.
of = by. Greek. hupo. App-104 .
proper . Greek. asteios. See Acts 7:20 .
child . Greek. paidion. App-108 .
commandment . Greek. diatagma. Only here. Compare Romans 13:2 . Moses' parents must have had some revelation from God, on which their faith could act.
24.
By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
when he was, &c . Literally having become great, i.e. grown up.
refused . Greek. arneomai . Genitive translation "deny".
25.
Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Choosing = Having chosen. Greek. haireomai. See Philippians 1:1 , Philippians 1:22 .
suffer affliction with . Greek. sunka koucheomai. Only here.
people . Greek. laos . See Acts 2:47 .
enjoy the pleasures = have enjoyment (Greek. apolausis. See 1 Timothy 6:17 ).
sin . Greek. hamartia . App-128 .
for a season . Greek. proskairos . See 2 Corinthians 4:18 .
26.
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
Esteeming . Same as judged, Hebrews 11:11 .
reproach . Greek. oneidismos. See Hebrews 10:33 .
Christ . i.e. the Messiah. App-98 . Genitive of Relation. App-17 . Moses, as well as Abraham, looked forward to His day. John 8:56 .
in . The texts read "of".
had respect . Greek. apoblepo, literally look away. Only here.
recornpence, &c . Greek. misthapodoaia. See Hebrews 2:2 .
27.
By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
wrath . See Exodus 10:28 , Exodus 10:29 ; Exodus 11:4-8 .
endured . Greek. kartereo. Only here. Compare Acts 1:14 .
seeing . Greek. horao. App-133 .
invisible . Greek. aoratos. See Romans 1:20 . He feared not the visible king, because he had seen the Invisible. Compare Elijah (1 Kings 17:1 ; 1 Kings 18:15 ), and Elisha (2 Kings 3:14 ; 2 Kings 5:16 ).
28.
Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
Through . In verses: Hebrews 11:3 , Hebrews 11:11 , Hebrews 11:28 , the dative case is rendered "Through", in fourteen other verses: it is rendered "By".
passover . Greek. pascha. After the Gospels only here, Acts 12:4 (Easter), 1 Corinthians 5:7 .
sprinkling . Greek. proschusis. Only here.
lest = in order that (Greek. hina) not (Greek. me) .
destroyed . Greek. olothreuo. Only here.
firstborn . Greek. prototokos. See Romans 8:29 . This adjective is neuter plural. Compare Hebrews 12:23 .
touch . Greek. thingano. See Hebrews 12:20 . Colossians 2:21 .
29.
By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
passed through . Greek. diabaino. See Acts 16:9 .
assaying = endeavouring or attempting (Greek. peira ; here and Hebrews 11:36 ).
drowned = swallowed up. Greek. katapino, as 1 Corinthians 15:54 .
30.
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
compassed about = encircled. Greek. kukloo . See Acts 14:20 .
seven days = for (Greek. epi . App-104 .) seven days.
31.
By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
perished . . . with . Greek. sunapollumi. Only here.
believed not = were disobedient. See Hebrews 3:18 .
spies . Greek. kataskopos. Only here. The verb, in Galatians 1:2 , Galatians 1:4 .
32.
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:
fail. Greek. epileipo. Only here.
to tell = in narrating. Greek. diegeomai. See Acts 8:33 . By Figure of speech Paraleipsis ( App-6 ), the writer briefly alludes to many worthies, of whom time fails to speak in detail. Also Figure of speech Epitrochasmos, or Summarising. In the summary are four judges, two prophets, and a group in which all other prophets are included. Gedeon and Jephthae stand out together as higher examples of faith, Barak and Samson as associated with women, the former in his rise, the latter in his fall.
33.
Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
through . Greek. dia . App-104 .Hebrews 11:1 .
subdued . Greek. katagonizomai. Only here. Compare Luke 13:24 .
kingdoms . See Deuteronomy 4:46 , Deuteronomy 4:47 . Jos 5-14.
obtained, &c . See Hebrews 6:15 .
stopped . Greek. phrasso. See Romans 3:19 . Judges 14:5 , Jdg 14:6 ; 1 Samuel 17:34-37 . Daniel 6:22 , Daniel 6:23 .
34.
Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
violence = strength, Hebrews 11:11 . See Daniel 3:27 .
edge = mouth. A Hebraism; occurs over thirty times in the O.T. Compare Luke 21:24 . See Joshua 6:21 . 2 Kings 10:25 ; &c.
out of . Greek. apo. App-104 .
made strong . Greek. endunamoo. Compare Exodus 4:10-16 . Isaiah 6 . Jeremiah 1:6-10 .
waxed, & c. = became mighty in battle.
turned . . . armies = overturned the camps.
aliens . Same as strange, Hebrews 11:9 .
35.
Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
raised, &c . = from (Greek. ek) resurrection ( App-178 .)
others . Greek. allos. App-124 .
tortured = bastinadoed to death Greek. tumpanizomai. Only here.
deliverance . Same as "redemption", Hebrews 9:15 . See 2 Macc. 6:19-30; 7:1-42.
that = in order that. Greek. hina .
resurrection . Greek. anastasis, as above.
36.
And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
others . Greek. heteros. App-124 .
trial . See Hebrews 11:29 .
mockings . Greek. empaigmos. Only here.
imprisonment = prison. See Genesis 39:20 (Joseph). 1 Kings 22:26 , 1 Kings 22:27 (Micaiah).
37.
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;
stoned . 1 Kings 21:13 (Naboth). 2 Chronicles 24:20 , 2 Chronicles 24:21 (Zechariah). Jeremiah after the scene in Pathros ( Hebrews 44 ), according to the Gemara.
sawn asunder . Greek. pri z o . Only here. This was the death of Isaiah during the Manassean persecution (compare 2 Kings 21:16 ), according to the Gemara.
were slain = died.
with the sword . Literally in (Greek. en) the slaughter of the sword.
wandered about . Greek. perierchomai . See Acts 19:13 .
sheepskins . Greek. melote. Only here.
and . Read "in" (Greek. en) .
goatskins . Greek. aigeios ( derma ). Only here.
destitute . Greek. hustereo, to lack. See Luke 15:14 .
afflicted . Greek. thlibo. See 2 Corinthians 1:6 .
tormented = vilely treated. Greek. kakoucheo. Compare Hebrews 11:25 ; Hebrews 13:3 (suffer adversity). See 1 Thessalonians 2:2 .
38.
(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
in . The texts read epi . App-104 .
dens . Greek. spelaion. See Luke 19:46 .
caves . Greek. ope . Only here and James 3:11 (place).
39.
And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
received . Same Greek. word as in 19. See Note there.
40.
God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
provided . Greek. problepo. Only here.
for = concerning. Greek. peri . App-104 .
made perfect = perfected. Greek. teleioo. App-125 . Compare Hebrews 2:10 .