Hebrews 11:9

Authorized King James Version

By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

Word-by-Word Analysis

Πίστει

G4102

By faith

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

παρῴκησεν

G3939

he sojourned

to dwell near, i.e., reside as a foreigner

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν

G3588

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

γῆν

G1093

the land

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

τῆς

G3588

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

ἐπαγγελίας

G1860

of promise

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

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἀλλοτρίαν

G245

in a strange country

another's, i.e., not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile

#10

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#11

σκηναῖς

G4633

tabernacles

a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively)

#12

κατοικήσας

G2730

dwelling

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

#13

μετὰ

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#14

Ἰσαὰκ

G2464

Isaac

isaac (i.e., jitschak), the son of abraham

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#16

Ἰακὼβ

G2384

Jacob

jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites

#17

τῶν

G3588

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

#18

συγκληρονόμων

G4789

the heirs with him

a co-heir, i.e., (by analogy) participant in common

#19

τῆς

G3588

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

#20

ἐπαγγελίας

G1860

of promise

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

#21

τῆς

G3588

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

#22

αὐτῆς·

G846

of the same

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hebrews, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood faith. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on faith address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding faith in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about covenant?

Related Resources

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

Topics

Faith
Hope