Hebrews 11:8
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
Original Language Analysis
Πίστει
By faith
G4102
Πίστει
By faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
1 of 19
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
καλούμενος
when he was called
G2564
καλούμενος
when he was called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
2 of 19
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
ὑπήκουσεν
obeyed
G5219
ὑπήκουσεν
obeyed
Strong's:
G5219
Word #:
4 of 19
to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τόπον
a place
G5117
τόπον
a place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
8 of 19
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
ὃν
which
G3739
ὃν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἤμελλεν
he should after
G3195
ἤμελλεν
he should after
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
10 of 19
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
λαμβάνειν
receive
G2983
λαμβάνειν
receive
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
11 of 19
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
κληρονομίαν
an inheritance
G2817
κληρονομίαν
an inheritance
Strong's:
G2817
Word #:
13 of 19
heirship, i.e., (concretely) a patrimony or (genitive case) a possession
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
16 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐπιστάμενος
knowing
G1987
ἐπιστάμενος
knowing
Strong's:
G1987
Word #:
17 of 19
to put the mind upon, i.e., comprehend, or be acquainted with
Cross References
1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:Genesis 12:7And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.Romans 10:16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?Genesis 22:18And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.Hebrews 11:33Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,Isaiah 41:2Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow.Isaiah 51:2Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.Romans 6:17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.Romans 1:5By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:Genesis 17:8And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
Historical Context
Abraham's call came in Ur of the Chaldees (Genesis 12:1), requiring him to leave family, culture, comfort, and security. His obedience became the pattern for all who walk by faith, not sight.
Questions for Reflection
- What is God calling you to obey without knowing the full outcome?
- How does Abraham's example encourage you to trust God's word over visible circumstances?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Abraham 'when he was called to go out' into an inheritance, 'obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.' This is faith's essence—trusting God's word enough to obey without seeing the outcome. He left the familiar (Ur, a sophisticated city) for the unknown (Canaan) based solely on God's promise. Faith acts on God's word before seeing fulfillment.