Bible Commentaries

Now faith is (εστιν δε πιστις — estin de pistis). He has just said that “we are of faith” (Hebrews 10:39), not of apostasy. Now he proceeds in a chapter of great eloquence and passion to illustrate his point by a recital of the heroes of faith whose example should spur them to like loyalty now.

The assurance of things hoped for (ελπιζομενων υποστασις — elpizomenōn hupostasis). υπιστημι — Hupostasis is a very common word from Aristotle on and comes from υπο — huphistēmi (ιστημι — hupo under, πραγματων ελεγχος ου βλεπομενων — histēmi intransitive), what stands under anything (a building, a contract, a promise). See the philosophical use of it in Hebrews 1:3, the sense of assurance (une assurance certaine, Menegoz) in Hebrews 3:14, that steadiness of mind which holds one firm (2 Corinthians 9:4). It is common in the papyri in business documents as the basis or guarantee of transactions. “And as this is the essential meaning in Hebrews 11:1 we venture to suggest the translation ‹Faith is the title-deed of things hoped for‘” (Moulton and Milligan, Vocabulary, etc.).

The proving of things not seen (ελεγχος — pragmatōn elegchos ou blepomenōn). The only N.T. example of ελεγμον — elegchos (except Textus Receptus in 2 Timothy 3:16 for ελεγχω — elegmon). Old and common word from elegchō (Matthew 18:15) for “proof” and then for “conviction.” Both uses occur in the papyri and either makes sense here, perhaps “conviction” suiting better though not in the older Greek.

Therein (εν ταυτηι — en tautēi). That is, “in faith,” feminine demonstrative referring to πιστις — pistis

The elders (οι πρεσβυτεροι — hoi presbuteroi). More nearly like “the fathers,” not the technical sense of elders (officers) usual in the N.T., but more like “the tradition of the elders” (Mark 7:3, Mark 7:5; Matthew 15:2).

Had witness borne to them (εμαρτυρητησαν — emarturēthēsan). First aorist passive of μαρτυρεω — martureō (cf. Hebrews 7:8), “were testified to.”

By faith (πιστει — pistei). Instrumental case of πιστις — pistis which he now illustrates in a marvellous way. Each example as far as Hebrews 11:31 is formally and with rhetorical skill introduced by πιστει — pistei After that only a summary is given.

We understand (νοουμεν — nooumen). Present active indicative of νοεω — noeō old verb (from νους — nous intellect) as in Matthew 15:17; Romans 1:20. The author appeals to our knowledge of the world in which these heroes lived as an illustration of faith. Recent books by great scientists like Eddington and Jeans confirm the position here taken that a Supreme Mind is behind and before the universe. Science can only stand still in God‘s presence and believe like a little child.

The worlds (τους αιωνας — tous aiōnas). “The ages” as in Hebrews 1:2 (cf. Einstein‘s fourth dimension, time). Accusative case of general reference.

Have been framed (κατηρτισται — katērtisthai). Perfect passive infinitive of καταρτιζω — katartizō to mend, to equip, to perfect (Luke 6:40), in indirect discourse after νοουμεν — nooumen

So that (εις το — eis to). As a rule εις το — eis to with the infinitive is final, but sometimes as here it expresses result as in Romans 12:3 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1003).

Hath been made (γεγονεναι — gegonenai). Perfect active infinitive of γινομαι — ginomai

What is seen (το βλεπομενον — to blepomenon). Present passive articular participle (accusative case of general reference) of βλεπω — blepō

Of things which do appear (εκ παινομενων — ek phainomenōn). Ablative case with εκ — ek (out of) of the present passive participle. The author denies the eternity of matter, a common theory then and now, and places God before the visible universe as many modern scientists now gladly do.

A more excellent sacrifice (πλειονα τυσιαν — pleiona thusian). Literally, “more sacrifice” (comparative of πολυς — polus much). For this rather free use of πλειων — pleiōn with the point implied rather than stated see Matthew 6:25; Luke 10:31; Luke 12:23; Hebrews 3:3.

Than Cain (παρα Καιν — para Kain). For this use of παρα — para after comparative see Hebrews 1:4, Hebrews 1:9. For the incident see Genesis 4:4.

Through which (δι ης — di' hēs). The sacrifice (τυσια — thusia).

He had Witness borne to him (εμαρτυρητη — emarturēthē). First aorist passive indicative of μαρτυρεω — martureō as in Hebrews 11:2, “he was witnessed to.”

That he was righteous (ειναι δικαιος — einai dikaios). Infinitive in indirect discourse after εμαρτυρητη — emarturēthē personal construction of δικαιος — dikaios (predicate nominative after ειναι — einai) agreeing with the subject of εμαρτυρητη — emarturēthē (cf. Romans 1:22, ειναι σοποι — einai sophoi).

God bearing witness (μαρτυρουντος του τεου — marturountos tou theou). Genitive absolute with present active participle of μαρτυρεω — martureō

Through it (δι αυτης — di' autēs). Through his faith (as shown by his sacrifice). Precisely why Abel‘s sacrifice was better than that of Cain apart from his faith is not shown.

Being dead (αποτανων — apothanōn). Second aorist active participle of αποτνησκω — apothnēskō “having died.”

Yet speaketh (ετι λαλει — eti lalei). Cf. Genesis 4:10; Hebrews 12:24. Speaks still through his faith.

Was translated (μετετετη — metetethē). First aorist passive indicative of μετατιτημι — metatithēmi old verb to transpose, to change as in Hebrews 7:12; Acts 7:16.

That he should not see death (του μη ιδειν τανατον — tou mē idein thanaton). Here again του — tou with the infinitive usually expresses purpose, but in this case result is the idea as in Matthew 21:23; Romans 1:24; Romans 7:3, etc. (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1002).

He was not found (ουχ ηυρισκετο — ouch hēurisketo). Imperfect passive of ευρισκω — heuriskō from Genesis 5:24. Was still not found.

Translated (μετετηκεν — metethēken). First aorist active of same verb as μετετετη — metetethē just before.

Translation (μετατεσεως — metatheseōs). Substantive from the same verb μετατιτημι — metatithēmi used already in Hebrews 7:12 for change. See also Hebrews 12:27. Our very word “metathesis.”

He hath had witness borne him (μεμαρτυρηται — memarturētai). Perfect passive indicative of μαρτυρεω — martureō stands on record still, “he has been testified to.”

That he had been well-pleasing unto God (ευαρεστηκεναι τωι τεωι — euarestēkenai tōi theōi). Perfect active infinitive of ευαρεστεω — euaresteō late compound from ευαρεστος — euarestos (well-pleasing), in N.T. only in Hebrews 11:5.; Hebrews 13:16. With dative case τεωι — theōi Quoted here from Genesis 5:22, Genesis 5:24. The word is common of a servant pleasing his master.

Impossible (αδυνατον — adunaton). Strong word as in Hebrews 6:4, Hebrews 6:18. See Romans 8:8 for same idea with αρεσαι — aresai (αρεσκω — areskō Galatians 1:10).

Must believe (πιστευσαι δει — pisteusai dei). Moral necessity to have faith (trust, πιστευω — pisteuō). This is true in business also (banks, for instance).

That he is (οτι εστιν — hoti estin). The very existence of God is a matter of intelligent faith (Romans 1:19.) So that men are left without excuse.

He is a rewarder (μισταποδοτης γινεται — misthapodotēs ginetai). Rather, “becomes a rewarder” (present middle indicative of γινομαι — ginomai not of ειμι — eimi). Only N.T. example of μισταποδοτης — misthapodotēs late and rare double compound (one papyrus example, from μιστος — misthos (reward) and αποδιδωμι — apodidōmi (to pay back) like μισταποδοσια — misthapodosia (Hebrews 10:35; Hebrews 11:26).

Seek after (εκζητουσιν — ekzētousin). That seek out God.

Being warned of God (χρηματιστεις — chrēmatistheis). First aorist passive participle of χρηματιζω — chrēmatizō old word for oracular or divine communications as already in Hebrews 8:5 (cf. Matthew 2:12, Matthew 2:22, etc.).

Moved with godly fear (ευλαβητη — eulabēthē). First aorist passive indicative of ευλαβεομαι — eulabeomai old verb from ευλαβης — eulabēs (from ευ — eu and λαβειν — labein to take hold well or carefully), to show oneself ευλαβης — eulabēs to act circumspectly or with reverence, here only in N.T. (save Textus Receptus in Acts 23:10), often in lxx.

An ark (κιβωτον — kibōton). Genesis 6:15; Matthew 24:38. Shaped like a box (cf. Hebrews 9:4).

Through which (δι ης — di' hēs). Through his faith as shown in building the ark.

The world (τον κοσμον — ton kosmon). Sinful humanity as in Hebrews 11:38.

Heir (κληρονομος — klēronomos). In 2 Peter 2:5 Noah is called “a preacher of righteousness” as here “heir of righteousness.” He himself believed his message about the flood. Like Enoch he walked with God (Genesis 6:9).

Not knowing whither he went (μη επισταμενος που ερχεται — mē epistamenos pou erchetai). Usual negative μη — mē with a participle (present middle from επισταμαι — epistamai old and common verb to put the mind on). Present middle indicative (ερχεται — erchetai) preserved in the indirect question after the secondary tense εχηλτεν — exēlthen (went out) from which επισταμενος — epistamenos gets its time. Abraham is a sublime and graphic example of faith. He did not even know where the land was that he was going to receive “as an inheritance” (εις κληρονομιαν — eis klēronomian).

Became a sojourner (παρωικησεν — parōikēsen). First aorist active indicative of παροικεω — paroikeō old verb to dwell (οικεω — oikeō) beside (παρα — para), common in lxx, in N.T. only here and Luke 24:18. Called παροικον — paroikon (sojourner) in Acts 7:6.

In the land of promise (εις γην της επαγγελιας — eis gēn tēs epaggelias). Literally, “land of the promise.” The promise made by God to him (Genesis 12:7; Genesis 13:15; Genesis 17:8).

As in a land not his own (ως αλλοτριαν — hōs allotrian). For αλλοτριος — allotrios (belonging to another) see Hebrews 9:25; Hebrews 11:34.

The heirs with him of the same promise (των συνκληρομενων της επαγγελιας της αυτης — tōn sunklēromenōn tēs epaggelias tēs autēs). Late double compound (συν κληροσ νεμομαι — sun class="translit"> klēros class="translit"> nemomai), found in Philo, inscriptions and papyri, in N.T. only here, Romans 8:17; Ephesians 3:6; 1 Peter 3:7. “Co-heirs” with Abraham.

He looked for (εχεδεχετο — exedecheto). Imperfect middle of εκδεχομαι — ekdechomai (see note on Hebrews 10:13) picturesque progressive imperfect, his steady and patient waiting in spite of disappointment.

The foundations (τους τεμελιους — tous themelious). Not just “tents” (σκηναις — skēnais Hebrews 11:9). Abraham set his steady gaze on heaven as his real home, being a mere pilgrim (παροικος — paroikos) on earth.

Builder (τεχνιτης — technitēs). Old word from τεχνη — technē (craft) or trade (Acts 17:29; Acts 18:3), craftsman, artificer, in N.T. only here and Acts 19:24, Acts 19:38.

Maker (δημιουργος — dēmiourgos). Old word from δημιος — dēmios (public) and εργον — ergon a worker for the public, artisan, framer, here only in N.T.

To conceive seed (εις καταβολην σπερματος — eis katabolēn spermatos). For deposit of seed. See Hebrews 4:3 for καταβολη — katabolē

Past age (παρα καιρον ηλικιας — para kairon hēlikias). Beyond (παρα — para with the accusative) the season of age.

Since she counted him faithful who had promised (επει πιστον ηγησατο τον επαγγειλαμενον — epei piston hēgēsato ton epaggeilamenon). Sarah herself (αυτηΣαρρα — autē -Sarra). Even Sarah, old as she was, believed God who had promised. Hence she received power.

And that as good as dead (και ταυτα νενεκρωμενου — kai tauta nenekrōmenou). Accusative of general reference (ταυτα — tauta), sometimes singular as in 1 Corinthians 6:8. The perfect passive participle from νεκροω — nekroō late verb to make dead, to treat as dead (Romans 4:19), here by hyperbole.

By the sea shore (παρα το χειλος της ταλασσης — para to cheilos tēs thalassēs). “Along the lip of the sea” (from Genesis 22:17), χειλος — cheilos here alone in this sense in the N.T.

Innumerable (αναριτμητος — anarithmētos). Old compound verbal adjective (alpha privative and αριτμεω — arithmeō to number), here alone in N.T.

In faith (κατα πιστιν — kata pistin). Here a break in the routine πιστει — pistei (by faith), “according to faith,” either for literary variety “or to suggest πιστις — pistis as the sphere and standard of their characters” (Moffatt).

These all (ουτοι παντες — houtoi pantes). Those in Hebrews 11:9-12 (Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob).

Not having the promises (μη κομισαμενοι τας επαγγελιας — mē komisamenoi tas epaggelias). First aorist middle participle of κομιζω — komizō to obtain, as in Hebrews 10:36; Hebrews 11:39. And yet the author mentions Abraham (Hebrews 6:15) as having obtained the promise. He received the promise of the Messiah, but did not live to see the Messiah come as we have done. It is in this sense that we have “better promises.”

Greeted them (ασπασαμενοι — aspasamenoi). First aorist middle participle of ασπαζομαι — aspazomai to salute (Matthew 5:47). Abraham rejoiced to see Christ‘s day in the dim distance (John 8:56).

Strangers (ζενοι — zenoi). Foreigners. “To reside abroad carried with it a certain stigma” (Moffatt). But they “confessed” it (Genesis 23:4; Genesis 47:9).

Pilgrims (παρεπιδημοι — parepidēmoi). Late double compound (παρα επι δημος — para class="translit"> epi class="translit"> dēmos), a sojourner from another land, in N.T. only here and 1 Peter 1:1; 1 Peter 2:11.

A country of their own (πατριδα — patrida). Land of the fathers (πατηρ — patēr), one‘s native land (John 4:44). Cf. our patriotic, patriotism.

Had been mindful (εμνημονευον — emnēmoneuon) - would have had (ειχον αν — eichon an). Condition of second class (note αν — an in conclusion) with the imperfect (not aorist) in both condition and conclusion. So it means: “If they had continued mindful, they would have kept on having” (linear action in both cases in past time).

Opportunity to return (καιρον ανακαμπσαι — kairon anakampsai). Old verb ανακαμπτω — anakamptō to bend back, to turn back (Matthew 2:12), here first aorist active infinitive. Continual hankering would have found a way. Cf. the Israelites in the wilderness yearning after Egypt.

They desire (ορεγονται — oregontai). Present middle indicative of ορεγω — oregō old word for stretching out after, yearning after as in 1 Timothy 3:1.

Their God (τεος αυτων — theos autōn). Predicate nominative with the epexegetic infinitive επικαλεισται — epikaleisthai (to be called) used with ουκ επαισχυνεται — ouk epaischunetai (is not ashamed).

Being tried (πειραζομενος — peirazomenos). Present passive participle of πειραζω — peirazō The test was still going on.

Offered up (προσενηνοχεν — prosenēnochen). Perfect active indicative of προσπερω — prospherō the verb so often used in this Epistle. The act was already consummated so far as Abraham was concerned when it was interrupted and it stands on record about him. See Gen 22:1-18.

He that had gladly received the promises (ο τας επαγγελιας αναδεχαμενος — ho tas epaggelias anadexamenos). Αναδεχομαι — Anadechomai is old verb to welcome, to entertain, in N.T. only here and Acts 28:7. It seemed the death of his hopes.

Was offering up (προσεπερεν — prosepheren). It is the imperfect of an interrupted action like εκαλουν — ekaloun in Luke 1:59.

To whom it was said (προς ελαλητη — pros elalēthē). First aorist passive indicative of λαλεω — laleō (Genesis 21:12). God‘s very words were in the heart of Abraham now about Isaac “his only son” (τον μονογενη — ton monogenē Cf. Luke 7:12).

Accounting (λογισαμενος — logisamenos). First aorist middle participle of λογιζομαι — logizomai Abraham had God‘s clear command that contravened God‘s previous promise. This was his solution of his difficult situation.

God is able (δυναται ο τεος — dunatai ho theos). God had given him Isaac in his old age. God can raise him from the dead. It was Abraham‘s duty to obey God.

In a parable (εν παραβοληι — en parabolēi). See note on Hebrews 9:9 for παραβολη — parabolē Because of (οτεν — hothen whence) Abraham‘s superb faith Isaac was spared and so he received him back (εκομισατο — ekomisato) as almost from the dead. This is the test that Abraham stood of which James speaks (James 2:23).

Even concerning things to come (και περι μελλοντων — kai peri mellontōn). As told in Genesis 27:28-40 when Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau.

Leaning upon the top of his staff (επι το ακρον της ραβδου αυτου — epi to akron tēs rabdou autou). From Genesis 47:31, but no word for “leaning.” The quotation is from the lxx, the Hebrew having “the head of the bed,” but the Hebrew word allows either meaning with different vowel points.

When his end was nigh (τελευτων — teleutōn). Present active participle of τελευταω — teleutaō to finish or close (Matthew 2:19), “finishing his life.”

Of the departure (περι της εχοδου — peri tēs exodou). Late compound for way out, exit as here, metaphorically of death as here (Luke 9:31; 2 Peter 1:15).

Concerning his bones (περι των οστεων αυτου — peri tōn osteōn autou). Uncontracted form as in Matthew 23:27.

Was hid (εκρυβη — ekrubē). Second aorist passive indicative of κρυπτω — kruptō to hide, as in Matthew 5:14.

Three months (τριμηνον — trimēnon). Old adjective used as neuter substantive in accusative case for extent of time, here only in N.T.

A goodly child (αστειον το παιδιον — asteion to paidion). Literally, “the child was goodly” (predicate adjective). Old adjective from αστυ — astu (city), “of the city” (“citified”), of polished manners, genteel. In N.T. only here and Acts 7:20, about Moses both times. Quoted from Exodus 2:2.

The king‘s commandment (το διαταγμα του βασιλεως — to diatagma tou basileōs). Late compound for injunction from διατασσω — diatassō only here in the N.T.

When he was grown up (μεγας γενομενος — megas genomenos). “Having become great” (from Exodus 2:11).

Refused (ηρνεσατο — ērnesato). First aorist middle indicative of αρνεομαι — arneomai to deny, to refuse. He was of age and made his choice not from ignorance.

Son (υιος — huios). Predicate nominative with λεγεσται — legesthai (to be spoken of, present passive infinitive, of λεγω — legō).

Choosing rather (μαλλον ελομενος — mallon helomenos). “Rather having chosen” (second aorist middle of αιρεω — haireō to take for oneself a position).

To be entreated with (συνκακουχεισται — sunkakoucheisthai). Present passive infinitive of the double compound συνκακουχεω — sunkakoucheō (from συν κακοσ εχω — sun κακουχεω — kakos προσκαιρον εχειν αμαρτιας απολαυσιν — echō), to treat ill with (associative instrumental case), only known example save one in the papyri (second century a.d.), though Απολαυσις — kakoucheō in Hebrews 11:37; Hebrews 13:3.

To enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (απολαυω — proskairon echein hamartias apolausin). Literally, “to have temporary pleasure of sin.” Προσκαιρος — Apolausis is old word from προσ καιρος — apolauō to enjoy, in N.T. only here and 1 Timothy 6:17. αιωνιος — Proskairos (from pros class="translit"> kairos) is a common Koiné word as the antithesis to aiōnios (eternal) as in Matthew 13:21; Mark 4:17; 2 Corinthians 4:18 (only N.T. examples). To have been disloyal to God‘s people would have brought enjoyment to Moses in the Egyptian Court for a short while only.

The reproach of Christ (τον ονειδισμον του Χριστου — ton oneidismon tou Christou). See Psalm 89:51 for the language where “the Messiah” (“The Anointed One”) is what is meant by του Χριστου — tou Christou here rightly applied by the writer to Jesus as the Messiah who had his own shame to bear (Hebrews 12:2; Hebrews 13:12). There is today as then (Hebrews 13:13) a special reproach (ονειδισμος — oneidismos already, Hebrews 10:33) in being a follower of Jesus Christ. Moses took this obloquy as “greater riches” (μειζονα πλουτον — meizona plouton) than “the treasures of Egypt” (των Αιγυπτου τησαυρων — tōn Aiguptou thēsaurōn ablative case after comparative μειζονα — meizona for which see Matthew 6:19.). Moses was laying up treasure in heaven.

For he looked unto the recompense of reward (απεβλεπεν γαρ εις την μισταποδοσιαν — apeblepen gar eis tēn misthapodosian). In perfect active of αποβλεπω — apoblepō “for he was looking away (kept on looking away).” For μισταποδοσια — misthapodosia see Hebrews 10:35.

Not fearing (μη ποβητεις — mē phobētheis). Negative μη — mē with first aorist passive participle of ποβεω — phobeō here used transitively with the accusative as in Matthew 10:26. Moses did flee from Egypt after slaying the Egyptian (Exodus 2:15), but the author omits that slaughter and ignores it as the dominant motive in the flight of Moses. Τυμον — Thumon (wrath) is common in the N.T. (Luke 4:28), though here only in Hebrews.

He endured (εκαρτερησεν — ekarterēsen). First aorist (constative) active indicative of καρτερεω — kartereō old word from καρτερος — karteros strong, here only in N.T. Moses had made his choice before slaying the Egyptian. He stuck to its resolutely.

As seeing him who is invisible (τον αορατον ως ορων — ton aoraton hōs horōn). This is the secret of his choice and of his loyalty to God and to God‘s people. This is the secret of loyalty in any minister today who is the interpreter of God to man (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

He kept (πεποιηκεν — pepoiēken). Perfect active indicative of ποιεω — poieō to make, “he has made,” emphasizing the permanent nature of the feast.

The sprinkling of the blood (την προσχυσιν του αιματος — tēn proschusin tou haimatos). Rather, “the pouring of the blood” (προσχυσις — proschusis from προσχεω — proscheō to pour upon), only here in the N.T. (earliest known example). An allusion to the command in Exodus 12:7, Exodus 12:22 but in the lxx προσχεω — proscheō is the usual term for the act (Exod 24:6; 29:16; Lev 1:5, 11; Deut 16:6).

That the destroyer of the first-born should not touch them (ινα μη ο ολοτρευων τα πρωτοτοκα τιγηι αυτων — hina mē ho olothreuōn ta prōtotoka thigēi autōn). Negative final clause with ινα μη — hina mē and the second aorist active subjunctive of τιγγανω — thigganō old verb to touch with genitive, in the N.T. only here, Hebrews 12:20; Colossians 2:21. The articular participle ο ολοτρευων — ho olothreuōn is from Exodus 12:23. For πρωτοτοκα — prōtotoka see Luke 2:7; Exodus 12:29.

Which assaying to do (ης πιεραν λαβοντες — hēs pieran labontes). Literally, “of which taking trial” (second aorist active participle of λαμβανω — lambanō to take). The idiom πειραν λαμβανειν — peiran lambanein occurs in Deuteronomy 28:56, in N.T. only here and Hebrews 11:36, though a classical idiom (Demosthenes, etc.).

Were swallowed up (κατεποτησαν — katepothēsan). First aorist passive indicative of καταπινω — katapinō to drink down, to swallow down (Matthew 23:24).

Fell down (επεσαν — epesan). “Fell,” second aorist active indicative of πιπτω — piptō with first aorist endings as often in the Koiné.

After they had been compassed (κυκλωτεντα — kuklōthenta). First aorist passive participle of κυκλοω — kukloō old verb to encircle (from κυκλος — kuklos circle) as in Acts 14:20. Antecedent action here.

Having received the spies with peace (δεχαμενη τους κατασκοπους μετ ειρηνης — dexamenē tous kataskopous met' eirēnēs). First aorist middle participle of δεχομαι — dechomai to welcome (Luke 10:8, Luke 10:10). Κατασκοπος — Kataskopos is an old compound (κατασκοπεω — kataskopeō Galatians 2:4), used of scout or spy, in lxx, here only in N.T.

And what shall I more say? (Και τι ετι λεγω — Kai ti eti legō). Deliberative present active subjunctive (same form as indicative, λεγω — legō). It is both a literary and an oratorical idiom here. He feels helpless to go on in the same style as he has done from Abel to Rahab (11:4-31).

Will fail me if I tell about (επιλειπσει με διηγουμενον περι — epileipsei me diēgoumenon peri). Literally, “will leave me telling about.” Present middle participle of διηγεομαι — diēgeomai to lead through, carry a discussion through, and masculine (disposing of Priscilla as possible author) with με — me Vivid and picturesque description of the author‘s embarrassment of riches as he contemplates the long list of the heroes of faith during the long years in Palestine. He mentions six names (Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephtha, David, Samuel) and then summarizes the rest under “the prophets” (των προπητων — tōn prophētōn the for-speakers for God) of whom Samuel was the leader.

Through faith (δια πιστεως — dia pisteōs). Change thus from the routine πιστει — pistei used so far.

Subdued kingdoms (κατηγωνισαντο βασιλειας — katēgōnisanto basileias). First aorist middle indicative of καταγωνιζομαι — katagōnizomai Koiné verb to struggle against, to overcome, here alone in the N.T. Used by Josephus of David‘s conquests. The author has here (Hebrews 11:33, Hebrews 11:34), “nine terse clauses” (Moffatt) with no connective (asyndeton) with great rhetorical and oratorical force (sledge-hammer style). For “wrought righteousness” (ηργασαντο δικαιοσυνην — ērgasanto dikaiosunēn first aorist middle indicative of εργαζομαι — ergazomai) see Acts 10:35.

Obtained promises (επετυχον επαγγελιων — epetuchon epaggeliōn). Second aorist active indicative of επιτυγχανω — epitugchanō old verb (already in Hebrews 6:15) with genitive. But they did not see the fulfilment of the Messianic promise (Hebrews 11:39.).

Stopped the mouths of lions (επραχαν στοματα λεοντων — ephraxan stomata leontōn). First aorist active indicative of πρασσω — phrassō old verb to fence in, to block up. See Daniel 6:18-23.

Quenched the power of fire (εσβεσαν δυναμιν πυρος — esbesan dunamin puros). First aorist active indicative of σβεννυμι — sbennumi (Matthew 12:20). See Daniel 3:19-28.

Escaped the edge of the sword (επυγον στοματα μαχαιρης — ephugon stomata machairēs). Second aorist active indicative of πευγω — pheugō old verb to flee. “Mouths (στοματα — stomata) of the sword” (Luke 21:24). See 1 Samuel 18:11; 1 Kings 19:2.

Were made strong (εδυναμωτησαν — edunamōthēsan). First aorist passive indicative of δυναμοω — dunamoō late verb from δυναμις — dunamis as in Colossians 1:11.

Waxed mighty in war (εγενητησαν ισχυροι εν πολεμωι — egenēthēsan ischuroi en polemōi). “Became strong in battle” (Psalm 18:34.).

Armies of aliens (παρεμβολας αλλοτριων — parembolas allotriōn). Late compound (παρα εν βαλλω — para class="translit"> en class="translit"> ballō) for encampment (Polybius, Plutarch), barracks (Acts 21:34, Acts 21:37), armies in battle line (Revelation 20:9 and here as in lxx and Polybius). Apparently a reference to the campaigns of Judas Maccabeus.

By a resurrection (εχ αναστασεως — ex anastaseōs). Cf. 1 Kings 17:17.; 2Kings 4:8-37.

Were tortured (ετυμπανιστησαν — etumpanisthēsan). First aorist passive indicative of τυμπανιζω — tumpanizō late verb from τυμπανον — tumpanon (kettledrum, drumstick), to beat the drum, to beat to death (cf. 2Macc 7 about Eleazar and the Mother and the seven sons), once in lxx (1Sam 21:13).

Not accepting their deliverance (ου προσδεχαμενοι την απολυτρωσιν — ou prosdexamenoi tēn apolutrōsin). Offered at the price of disloyalty as in 2Macc 6:21-27.

That they might obtain a better resurrection (ινα κρειττονος αναστασεως τυχωσιν — hina kreittonos anastaseōs tuchōsin). Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the second aorist active subjunctive of τυγχανω — tugchanō to obtain with the genitive case. A “better resurrection” than the temporary ones alluded to in this verse by the women.

Of mockings and scourgings (εμπαιγμων και μαστιγων — empaigmōn kai mastigōn). Εμπαιγμος — Empaigmos is from εμπαιζω — empaizō (Matthew 20:19), late word, in lxx, here alone in N.T. Μαστιγων — Mastigōn (μαστιχ — mastix a whip, a scourge) is old and common enough (Acts 22:24).

They were stoned (ελιταστησαν — elithasthēsan). Like Zechariah son of Jehoiada (2 Chronicles 24:20). “A characteristic Jewish punishment” (Vincent). First aorist passive indicative of λιταζω — lithazō (John 10:31).

They were sawn asunder (επριστησαν — epristhēsan). First aorist passive indicative of πριω — priō or πριζω — prizō old verb (πριον — prion a saw). Cruel Jewish punishment (Amos 1:3) said to have been inflicted on Isaiah.

They were tempted (επειραστησαν — epeirasthēsan). First aorist passive indicative of πειραζω — peirazō The MSS. vary greatly in the text here and the order of these two items. This mild word seems an anticlimax after επριστησαν — epristhēsan One of the seven brothers was fried (2Macc 7:4) and so επρηστεσαν — eprēsthesan (were burned) from πιμπραω — pimpraō (Acts 28:6) has been suggested.

With the sword (εν πονωι μαχαιρης — en phonōi machairēs). “In (by) slaughter of the sword” (Ionic form of the genitive μαχαιρες — machaires as in Exodus 17:13; Numbers 21:24). The fate of unpopular prophets (1 Kings 10:10; Jeremiah 26:23).

They went about (περιηλτον — periēlthon). Constative aorist active indicative of περιερχομαι — perierchomai (picturesque compound verb). Here the sufferings of the living.

In sheep skins (εν μηλωταις — en mēlōtais). Late word from μηλον — mēlon (sheep), rough garment of prophets as Elijah (1 Kings 19:13, 1 Kings 19:19), here only in N.T. In Byzantine Greek a monk‘s garb.

In goatskins (εν αιγειοις δερμασιν — en aigeiois dermasin). Δερμα — Derma old word from δερω — derō to flay (Matthew 21:35), here only in N.T. Αιγειος — Aigeios old adjective (from αιχ — aix goat), here only in N.T.

Being destitute (υστερουμενοι — husteroumenoi). Present passive participle of υστερεω — hustereō old verb to be left behind, used by Paul of himself (2 Corinthians 11:9).

Afflicted (τλιβομενοι — thlibomenoi). Present passive participle of τλιβω — thlibō common verb to oppress.

Evil entreated (κακουχουμενοι — kakouchoumenoi). Present passive participle of κακουχεω — kakoucheō late compound verb from obsolete κακουχος — kakouchos (κακος — kakos and εχω — echō), in lxx (1Kings 2:26), in N.T. only here and Hebrews 13:3. See συνκακουχεισται — sunkakoucheisthai in Hebrews 11:25.

Of whom the world was not worthy (ων ουκ ην αχιος ο κοσμος — hōn ouk ēn axios ho kosmos). Graphic picture in a short parenthetical relative clause (ων — hōn genitive plural with αχιος — axios), a phrase to stir the blood of the readers.

Wandering (πλανωμενοι — planōmenoi). Present middle participle of πλαναω — planaō like lost sheep, hunted by wolves.

Caves (σπηλαιοις — spēlaiois). Old word from σπεος — speos (cavern) as in Matthew 21:13.

Holes (οπαις — opais). Old word, perhaps from οπς — ops (root of οραω — horaō to see), opening, in N.T. only here and James 3:11. Cf. 1 Kings 18:4; 2Macc 5:27; 10:6 (about Judas Maccabeus and others).

These all (ουτοι παντες — houtoi pantes). The whole list in verses 5-38. Cf. Hebrews 11:13.

Through their faith (δια πιστεως — dia pisteōs). Here rather than πιστει — pistei as so often.

Received not the promise (ουκ εκομισαντο την επαγγελιαν — ouk ekomisanto tēn epaggelian). First aorist middle of κομιζω — komizō The Messianic promise they did not live to see (Hebrews 11:13), though they had individual special promises fulfilled as already shown (Hebrews 11:33).

God having provided (του τεου προβλεπσαμενου — tou theou problepsamenou). Genitive absolute with first aorist middle participle of προβλεπω — problepō late compound to foresee, here only in the N.T.

Some better thing (κρειττον τι — kreitton ti). “Something better,” “the better promises” of Hebrews 8:6.

That apart from us they should not be made perfect (ινα μη χωρις ημων τελειωτωσιν — hina mē chōris hēmōn teleiōthōsin). Negative purpose clause with ινα μη — hina mē and the first aorist passive subjunctive of τελειοω — teleioō But this glorious and gracious purpose (foresight) of God is not due to any special merit in us. It is simply the fulness of the time in God‘s dispensation of grace of which we are the beneficiaries. But all the same and all the more (noblesse oblige), we should prove worthy of our heritage and of God‘s goodness to us and be loyal to Christ.