Hebrews 11:10
For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Original Language Analysis
ἐξεδέχετο
he looked for
G1551
ἐξεδέχετο
he looked for
Strong's:
G1551
Word #:
1 of 13
to accept from some source, i.e., (by implication) to await
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεμελίους
foundations
G2310
θεμελίους
foundations
Strong's:
G2310
Word #:
5 of 13
something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)
ἔχουσαν
which hath
G2192
ἔχουσαν
which hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
6 of 13
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἧς
whose
G3739
ἧς
whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δημιουργὸς
maker
G1217
δημιουργὸς
maker
Strong's:
G1217
Word #:
11 of 13
a worker for the people, i.e., mechanic (spoken of the creator)
Cross References
Hebrews 13:14For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.Hebrews 12:22But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,Philippians 3:20For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:Hebrews 3:4For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.2 Corinthians 5:1For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.John 14:2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.Revelation 21:2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.Hebrews 12:28Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:Isaiah 14:32What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.
Historical Context
Abraham left the city of Ur to seek God's city. This reversal—trading human civilization for divine promise—demonstrates faith's priorities. The patriarchs' pilgrim lifestyle testified to their hope in God's eternal city.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you seeking God's eternal city more than earthly security and success?
- How does your lifestyle demonstrate that you are looking for a city whose builder and maker is God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Abraham's tent dwelling was purposeful—'he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.' He sought something more permanent than earthly real estate. The 'city which hath foundations' contrasts with tents (temporary) and points to the heavenly Jerusalem (12:22; Revelation 21:2). His faith looked beyond present circumstances to eternal realities prepared by God.