Hebrews 11:5
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Original Language Analysis
Πίστει
By faith
G4102
Πίστει
By faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
1 of 24
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
μετέθηκεν
had translated
G3346
μετέθηκεν
had translated
Strong's:
G3346
Word #:
3 of 24
to transfer, i.e., (literally) transport, (by implication) exchange, (reflexively) change sides, or (figuratively) pervert
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 24
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἰδεῖν
see
G1492
ἰδεῖν
see
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
6 of 24
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
θάνατον
death
G2288
θάνατον
death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
7 of 24
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μετέθηκεν
had translated
G3346
μετέθηκεν
had translated
Strong's:
G3346
Word #:
12 of 24
to transfer, i.e., (literally) transport, (by implication) exchange, (reflexively) change sides, or (figuratively) pervert
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 24
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ·
God
G2316
θεῷ·
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
15 of 24
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πρὸ
before
G4253
πρὸ
before
Strong's:
G4253
Word #:
16 of 24
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
17 of 24
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μεταθέσεως
translation
G3331
μεταθέσεως
translation
Strong's:
G3331
Word #:
19 of 24
transposition, i.e., transferral (to heaven), disestablishment (of a law)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
20 of 24
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
μεμαρτύρηται
he had this testimony
G3140
μεμαρτύρηται
he had this testimony
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
21 of 24
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
2 Kings 2:11And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.Jude 1:14And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,Hebrews 11:6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.Psalms 89:48What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.1 John 3:22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
Historical Context
Enoch walked with God 300 years (Genesis 5:22-24), an extraordinary testimony in the pre-flood world's wickedness. Only he and Elijah escaped death by translation, pointing to Christ's power over death.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it look like to walk with God in a wicked generation?
- How can your life testimony be that you please God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Enoch 'was translated that he should not see death' (Genesis 5:24), demonstrating exceptional faith. The phrase 'was not found' indicates a search was made after his translation. 'Before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God'—his faith was evident in his life. His translation without death foreshadows the rapture of believers and proves God can deliver from death entirely.