Hebrews 11:32
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:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
2 of 25
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
λέγω
say
G3004
λέγω
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 25
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἐπιλείψει
would fail
G1952
ἐπιλείψει
would fail
Strong's:
G1952
Word #:
5 of 25
to leave upon, i.e., (figuratively) to be insufficient for
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
6 of 25
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χρόνος
the time
G5550
χρόνος
the time
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
10 of 25
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
11 of 25
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
1 Samuel 16:1And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.1 Samuel 1:20Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.1 Samuel 16:13Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.Acts 3:24Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.Acts 13:20And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.Acts 10:43To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.2 Peter 1:21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.Romans 4:1What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?Romans 7:7What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.1 Samuel 12:11And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe.
Historical Context
The judges period (approximately 1375-1050 BC) featured cyclical apostasy and deliverance as Israel repeatedly abandoned God, suffered oppression, cried for help, and received divinely appointed deliverers. Gideon defeated Midianites with 300 men (Judges 7); Barak and Deborah defeated Canaanites (Judges 4-5); Samson harassed Philistines despite personal moral failures (Judges 13-16); Jephthah defeated Ammonites (Judges 11). David (c. 1040-970 BC) united Israel and established the Davidic covenant. Samuel (c. 1100-1020 BC) served as prophet transitioning from judges to monarchy. All these flawed individuals accomplished God's purposes through faith, providing rich Old Testament testimony to grace.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the inclusion of flawed heroes like Samson and David encourage you that God works through imperfect people?
- What does this rapid summary teach about Scripture's consistent testimony to salvation by faith across all eras?
- In what ways should the 'great cloud of witnesses' (Hebrews 12:1) motivate your own persevering faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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: The author accelerates his survey, acknowledging he could continue indefinitely cataloging faithful heroes. The rhetorical question 'what shall I more say?' introduces a rapid summary of additional examples—judges (Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah), kings (David), prophets (Samuel and others). Each name represents detailed Old Testament accounts of faith triumphing through God's power despite human weakness.
Significantly, this list includes deeply flawed individuals. Gideon doubted and demanded signs; Barak required Deborah's presence; Samson repeatedly violated his Nazirite vow; Jephthah made a rash vow resulting in tragedy; David committed adultery and murder. Yet all are commended for faith, demonstrating that God's grace works through imperfect vessels. Faith isn't perfection but persistent trust in God despite personal failures. These heroes' lives testify that justification comes through faith, not moral perfection.
The phrase 'time would fail me' (epileisei me ho chronos, ἐπιλείψει με ὁ χρόνος) shows the author's awareness of Scripture's abundant testimony to faith. He could have written volumes but selected representative examples. This implies that all of Scripture, properly understood, is the story of God's faithfulness and the faith He produces in His people. The Old Testament, far from being obsolete, remains vital testimony to the same faith that saves in the New Covenant era.