faith
The essence of faith consists in receiving what God has revealed, and may be defined as that trust in the God of the Scriptures and in Jesus Christ whom He hath sent, which receives Him as Saviour and Lord, and impels to loving obedience and good works John 1:12 ; James 2:14-26 . The particular uses of faith give rise to its secondary definitions:
(1) For salvation, faith is personal trust, apart from meritorious works, in the Lord Jesus Christ, as delivered for our offences, and raised again for our justification Romans 4:5 ; Romans 4:23-25 .
(2) As used in prayer, faith is the "confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us" 1 John 5:14 ; 1 John 5:15 .
(3) As used in reference to unseen things of which Scripture speaks, faith "gives substance" to them, so that we act upon the conviction of their reality. Hebrews 11:1-3 .
(4) As a working principle in life, the uses of faith are illustrated in Hebrews 11:1-39 .
Context Summary
Hebrews 11:32-40 - "the Noble Army Of Martyrs"
Strong faith is consistent with very different views of religious truth. The conception that Abel, Enoch or Noah had of so-called Christian truth was very slight; but the faith with which they grasped the scanty truth revealed to them was mighty, soul-transforming and world-moving.
Walk through this long corridor of statuary. These persons were of every age and temperament; shepherds, statesmen, prime ministers, psalmists, poets, border chieftains, prophets, women martyrs-but they are all trophies of faith. The variety is extraordinary, but the unity is undeniable. The beads are many, but there is one golden thread uniting them all. Their circumstances and trials were widely different, but in all the talisman of victory was faith's watchword-God is able. There is no kind of need, trial, persecution, experience, for which faith is not the sufficient answer. It is the master key for every lock of difficulty. Fit your case into one of the clauses and what once was, shall be again. [source]
Chapter Summary: Hebrews 11
1What faith is 6Without faith we cannot please God 7The examples of faithfulness in the fathers of old time
Greek Commentary for Hebrews 11:39
These all [ουτοι παντες] The whole list in verses 5-38. Cf. Hebrews 11:13. Through their faith Here rather than πιστει pistei as so often. Received not the promise 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). [source]
Having obtained a good report [μαρτυρηθέντες] Rend. “having had witness born to them.” See on Hebrews 11:2. [source]
Hebrews 11:13Not having received [μὴ κομισάμενοι] See on Hebrews 10:36. They died according to faith, inasmuch as they did not receive. They died under the regimen of faith, and not of sight. For the phrase κομίζειν τὰς ἐπαγγελίας toreceive the promises, comp. Hebrews 10:36; Hebrews 11:39. [source]
Hebrews 10:36Which [ητις] Your boldness of Hebrews 10:35. Recompense of reward Late double compound, like μισταποδοτης misthapodotēs (Hebrews 11:6), from μιστος misthos (reward, wages) and αποδιδωμι apodidōmi to give back, to pay (repay). In N.T. only here, Hebrews 2:2; Hebrews 11:26. Of patience Old word for remaining under trial (Luke 8:15). This was the call of the hour then as now. Having done the will of God This is an essential prerequisite to the exercise of patience and to obtain the promised blessing. There is no promise to those who patiently keep on doing wrong. That ye may receive the promise (ινα κομισηστε την επαγγελιαν hina komisēsthe tēn epaggelian) Purpose clause with ινα hina and the first aorist middle subjunctive of κομιζω komizō old verb to carry (Luke 7:37), in the middle to get back one‘s own (Matthew 25:27), to receive. See also Hebrews 11:39. Now the author is ready to develop this great idea of receiving the promise in Christ. [source]
Hebrews 11:13In faith [κατα πιστιν] 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 Those in Hebrews 11:9-12 (Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob). Not having the promises 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 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 Foreigners. “To reside abroad carried with it a certain stigma” (Moffatt). But they “confessed” it (Genesis 23:4; Genesis 47:9). Pilgrims 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. [source]
Hebrews 11:33Through faith [δια πιστεως] Change thus from the routine πιστει pistei used so far. Subdued kingdoms 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” 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 First aorist active indicative of πρασσω phrassō old verb to fence in, to block up. See Daniel 6:18-23. [source]
Hebrews 12:1Therefore [τοιγαρουν] Triple compound inferential participle We as well as “these all” of Hebrews 11:39 and all the more because of the “something better” given us in the actual coming of Christ. Compassed about (εχω echontes perikeimenon). Literally, “having (περικειμενον echontes present active participle of περικειμαι echō) lying around us” (νεπος μαρτυρων perikeimenon present middle participle of Νεπελη perikeimai old verb as in Luke 17:2). Cloud of witnesses (μαρτυρες nephos marturōn). Old word (Latin nubes), here only in the N.T., for vast mass of clouds. τεαται Nephelē is a single cloud. The metaphor refers to the great amphitheatre with the arena for the runners and the tiers upon tiers of seats rising up like a cloud. The αποτεμενοι martures here are not mere spectators (αποτιτημι theatai), but testifiers (witnesses) who testify from their own experience (Hebrews 11:2,Hebrews 11:4,Hebrews 11:5,Hebrews 11:33,Hebrews 11:39) to God‘s fulfilling his promises as shown in chapter Heb 11. Laying aside (ογκον παντα apothemenoi). Second aorist-middle (indirect, from ourselves) participle of ενεγκειν περω apotithēmi old verb as in Colossians 3:8 (laying off old clothes). The runners ran in the stadium nearly naked. Every weight (πορτοσ βαρος ogkon panta). Old word (kin to την ευπεριστατον αμαρτιαν enegkein class="normal greek">ευ pherō) like περιιστημι phortos class="normal greek">τρεχωμεν baros Here every encumbrance that handicaps like doubt, pride, sloth, anything. No trailing garment to hinder or trip one. The sin which doth so easily beset us (τρεχω tēn euperistaton hamartian). “The easily besetting sin.” There are a dozen possible renderings of this double compound verbal from δι υπομονης eu well, and τον προκειμενον ημιν αγωνα periistēmi to place around or to stand around (intransitive). The Vulgate has circumstans nos peccatum (the sin standing around us). Probably this is the true idea here, “the easily encompassing (or surrounding) sin.” In this case apostasy from Christ was that sin. In our cases it may be some other sin. The verbal adjective reminds one of the ring of wild beasts in the jungle that encircle the camp-fire at night each ready to pounce upon a careless victim. Let us run (προκειμαι trechōmen). Present active volitive subjunctive of ημιν trechō “let us keep on running.” With patience (di' hupomonēs). Not with impatience, doubt, or despair. The race that is set before us (ton prokeimenon hēmin agōna). Note the article and the present middle participle of prokeimai old compound (already in Hebrews 6:18, and also in Hebrews 12:2). Dative case (hēmin) of personal interest. [source]
1 Peter 1:9Receiving [κομιζόμενοι] The verb originally means to take care of or provide for; thence to receive hospitably or entertain; to bring home with a view to entertaining or taking care of. Hence, to carry away so as to preserve, to save, rescue, and so to carry away as a prize or booty. Generally, to receive or acquire. Paul uses it of receiving the awards of judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10; Ephesians 6:8; Colossians 3:25). In Hebrews it is used of receiving the promise (Hebrews 10:36; Hebrews 11:39), and of Abraham receiving back Isaac (Hebrews 11:19). Peter uses it thrice, and in each case of receiving the rewards of righteousness or of iniquity. See 1 Peter 5:4; 2 Peter 2:13. [source]
1 Peter 1:20Before the foundation of the world [προ καταβολης κοσμου] This precise curious phrase occurs in John 17:24 in the Saviour‘s mouth of his preincarnate state with the Father as here and in Ephesians 1:4. We have απο καταβολης κοσμου apo katabolēs kosmou in Matthew 25:34 The preincarnate Messiah appears in the counsels of God also in 1 Corinthians 2:7; Colossians 1:26.; Ephesians 1:9.; Ephesians 3:9-11; Romans 16:25; 1 Timothy 1:9.But was manifested (πανερωτεντος δε phanerōthentos de). First aorist (ingressive) passive participle of πανεροω phaneroō referring to the Incarnation in contrast with the preexistence of Christ (cf. John 1:31; 1 John 3:5,1 John 3:8).At the end of the times Like επ εσχατου των ημερων ep' eschatou tōn hēmerōn (Hebrews 1:2). The plural χρονοι chronoi doubtless referring to successive periods in human history until the fullness of the time came (Galatians 4:4).For your sake (δι υμας di' humās). Proof of God‘s love, not of their desert or worth (Acts 17:30.; Hebrews 11:39.). [source]
1 Peter 1:20At the end of the times [επ εσχατου των χρονων] Like επ εσχατου των ημερων ep' eschatou tōn hēmerōn (Hebrews 1:2). The plural χρονοι chronoi doubtless referring to successive periods in human history until the fullness of the time came (Galatians 4:4).For your sake (δι υμας di' humās). Proof of God‘s love, not of their desert or worth (Acts 17:30.; Hebrews 11:39.). [source]
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Passive, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: μαρτυρέω
Sense: to be a witness, to bear witness, i.e. to affirm that one has seen or heard or experienced something, or that he knows it because taught by divine revelation or inspiration.
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: πίστις
Sense: conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it.
Greek Commentary for Hebrews 11:39
The whole list in verses 5-38. Cf. Hebrews 11:13. Through their faith Here rather than πιστει pistei as so often. Received not the promise 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). [source]
Rend. “having had witness born to them.” See on Hebrews 11:2. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Hebrews 11:39
So many and so precious (2 Peter 2:4 επαγγελματα epaggelmata Hebrews 11:39.). [source]
See on Hebrews 10:36. They died according to faith, inasmuch as they did not receive. They died under the regimen of faith, and not of sight. For the phrase κομίζειν τὰς ἐπαγγελίας toreceive the promises, comp. Hebrews 10:36; Hebrews 11:39. [source]
Comp. Hebrews 11:13, Hebrews 11:39, and see on 1 Peter 1:8. The verb implies, not mere obtaining, but receiving and carrying away for use and enjoyment. [source]
Your boldness of Hebrews 10:35. Recompense of reward Late double compound, like μισταποδοτης misthapodotēs (Hebrews 11:6), from μιστος misthos (reward, wages) and αποδιδωμι apodidōmi to give back, to pay (repay). In N.T. only here, Hebrews 2:2; Hebrews 11:26. Of patience Old word for remaining under trial (Luke 8:15). This was the call of the hour then as now. Having done the will of God This is an essential prerequisite to the exercise of patience and to obtain the promised blessing. There is no promise to those who patiently keep on doing wrong. That ye may receive the promise (ινα κομισηστε την επαγγελιαν hina komisēsthe tēn epaggelian) Purpose clause with ινα hina and the first aorist middle subjunctive of κομιζω komizō old verb to carry (Luke 7:37), in the middle to get back one‘s own (Matthew 25:27), to receive. See also Hebrews 11:39. Now the author is ready to develop this great idea of receiving the promise in Christ. [source]
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 Those in Hebrews 11:9-12 (Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob). Not having the promises 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 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 Foreigners. “To reside abroad carried with it a certain stigma” (Moffatt). But they “confessed” it (Genesis 23:4; Genesis 47:9). Pilgrims 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. [source]
Change thus from the routine πιστει pistei used so far. Subdued kingdoms 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” 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 First aorist active indicative of πρασσω phrassō old verb to fence in, to block up. See Daniel 6:18-23. [source]
Triple compound inferential participle We as well as “these all” of Hebrews 11:39 and all the more because of the “something better” given us in the actual coming of Christ. Compassed about (εχω echontes perikeimenon). Literally, “having (περικειμενον echontes present active participle of περικειμαι echō) lying around us” (νεπος μαρτυρων perikeimenon present middle participle of Νεπελη perikeimai old verb as in Luke 17:2). Cloud of witnesses (μαρτυρες nephos marturōn). Old word (Latin nubes), here only in the N.T., for vast mass of clouds. τεαται Nephelē is a single cloud. The metaphor refers to the great amphitheatre with the arena for the runners and the tiers upon tiers of seats rising up like a cloud. The αποτεμενοι martures here are not mere spectators (αποτιτημι theatai), but testifiers (witnesses) who testify from their own experience (Hebrews 11:2, Hebrews 11:4, Hebrews 11:5, Hebrews 11:33, Hebrews 11:39) to God‘s fulfilling his promises as shown in chapter Heb 11. Laying aside (ογκον παντα apothemenoi). Second aorist-middle (indirect, from ourselves) participle of ενεγκειν περω apotithēmi old verb as in Colossians 3:8 (laying off old clothes). The runners ran in the stadium nearly naked. Every weight (πορτοσ βαρος ogkon panta). Old word (kin to την ευπεριστατον αμαρτιαν enegkein class="normal greek">ευ pherō) like περιιστημι phortos class="normal greek">τρεχωμεν baros Here every encumbrance that handicaps like doubt, pride, sloth, anything. No trailing garment to hinder or trip one. The sin which doth so easily beset us (τρεχω tēn euperistaton hamartian). “The easily besetting sin.” There are a dozen possible renderings of this double compound verbal from δι υπομονης eu well, and τον προκειμενον ημιν αγωνα periistēmi to place around or to stand around (intransitive). The Vulgate has circumstans nos peccatum (the sin standing around us). Probably this is the true idea here, “the easily encompassing (or surrounding) sin.” In this case apostasy from Christ was that sin. In our cases it may be some other sin. The verbal adjective reminds one of the ring of wild beasts in the jungle that encircle the camp-fire at night each ready to pounce upon a careless victim. Let us run (προκειμαι trechōmen). Present active volitive subjunctive of ημιν trechō “let us keep on running.” With patience (di' hupomonēs). Not with impatience, doubt, or despair. The race that is set before us (ton prokeimenon hēmin agōna). Note the article and the present middle participle of prokeimai old compound (already in Hebrews 6:18, and also in Hebrews 12:2). Dative case (hēmin) of personal interest. [source]
The verb originally means to take care of or provide for; thence to receive hospitably or entertain; to bring home with a view to entertaining or taking care of. Hence, to carry away so as to preserve, to save, rescue, and so to carry away as a prize or booty. Generally, to receive or acquire. Paul uses it of receiving the awards of judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10; Ephesians 6:8; Colossians 3:25). In Hebrews it is used of receiving the promise (Hebrews 10:36; Hebrews 11:39), and of Abraham receiving back Isaac (Hebrews 11:19). Peter uses it thrice, and in each case of receiving the rewards of righteousness or of iniquity. See 1 Peter 5:4; 2 Peter 2:13. [source]
This precise curious phrase occurs in John 17:24 in the Saviour‘s mouth of his preincarnate state with the Father as here and in Ephesians 1:4. We have απο καταβολης κοσμου apo katabolēs kosmou in Matthew 25:34 The preincarnate Messiah appears in the counsels of God also in 1 Corinthians 2:7; Colossians 1:26.; Ephesians 1:9.; Ephesians 3:9-11; Romans 16:25; 1 Timothy 1:9.But was manifested (πανερωτεντος δε phanerōthentos de). First aorist (ingressive) passive participle of πανεροω phaneroō referring to the Incarnation in contrast with the preexistence of Christ (cf. John 1:31; 1 John 3:5, 1 John 3:8).At the end of the times Like επ εσχατου των ημερων ep' eschatou tōn hēmerōn (Hebrews 1:2). The plural χρονοι chronoi doubtless referring to successive periods in human history until the fullness of the time came (Galatians 4:4).For your sake (δι υμας di' humās). Proof of God‘s love, not of their desert or worth (Acts 17:30.; Hebrews 11:39.). [source]
Like επ εσχατου των ημερων ep' eschatou tōn hēmerōn (Hebrews 1:2). The plural χρονοι chronoi doubtless referring to successive periods in human history until the fullness of the time came (Galatians 4:4).For your sake (δι υμας di' humās). Proof of God‘s love, not of their desert or worth (Acts 17:30.; Hebrews 11:39.). [source]
Proof of God‘s love, not of their desert or worth (Acts 17:30.; Hebrews 11:39.). [source]