Hebrews 11:13

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Κατὰ

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

πίστιν

G4102

faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ἀπέθανον

G599

died

to die off (literally or figuratively)

οὗτοι

G3778

These

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

πάντες

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

λαβόντες

G2983

having received

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τὰς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐπαγγελίας

G1860

the promises

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

#10

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#11

πόῤῥωθεν

G4207

afar off

from far, or (by implication) at a distance, i.e., distantly

#12

αὐτὰς

G846

them

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#13

ἰδόντες

G1492

having seen

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#14

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#15

πεισθέντες,

G3982

were persuaded of

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

ἀσπασάμενοι

G782

embraced

to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#19

ὁμολογήσαντες

G3670

confessed

to assent, i.e., covenant, acknowledge

#20

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#21

ξένοι

G3581

strangers

foreign (literally, alien, or figuratively, novel); by implication, a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#23

παρεπίδημοί

G3927

pilgrims

an alien alongside, i.e., a resident foreigner

#24

εἰσιν

G1526

they were

they are

#25

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#26

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#27

γῆς

G1093

the earth

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hebrews, this passage highlights covenant through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of faith connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about faith, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Hebrews.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant within the theological tradition of Hebrews Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of covenant, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology of covenant and God's relational commitment?
How does this verse's literary context within Hebrews chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of faith differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Faith
Hope