Hebrews 11:31
Hebrews 11:31 in Multiple Translations
By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient.
By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, having received the spies with peace.
By faith Rahab, the loose woman, was not put to death with those who had gone against God's orders, because she had taken into her house in peace those sent to see the land.
Trusting in God, Rahab the prostitute didn't die with those who rejected God, because she had welcomed the Israelite spies in peace.
By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them which obeyed not, when she had receiued the spies peaceably.
by faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with those who disbelieved, having received the spies with peace.
By faith Rahab the prostitute didn’t perish with those who were disobedient, having received the spies in peace.
By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, as she had received the spies with peace.
By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with the unbelievers, receiving the spies with peace.
Rahab had been a prostitute, but because she trusted God, she did not perish with those inside Jericho who disobeyed God. Joshua sent some spies into the city in order to find ways to destroy it, but God saved her because she welcomed those spies peaceably.
Berean Amplified Bible — Hebrews 11:31
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Hebrews 11:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Hebrews 11:31
Study Notes — Hebrews 11:31
- Context
- Cross References
- Hebrews 11:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 11:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 11:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 11:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 11:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 11:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 11:31
- Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 11:31
- Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 11:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 11:31
- Sermons on Hebrews 11:31
Context — (Joshua–Malachi)
31By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient.
32And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, 33who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 2:25 | In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off on another route? |
| 2 | Joshua 6:22–25 | Meanwhile, Joshua told the two men who had spied out the land, “Go into the house of the prostitute and bring out the woman and all who are with her, just as you promised her.” So the young spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother and brothers, and all who belonged to her. They brought out her whole family and settled them outside the camp of Israel. Then the Israelites burned up the city and everything in it. However, they put the silver and gold and articles of bronze and iron into the treasury of the LORD’s house. And Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her father’s household and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent to spy out Jericho. So she has lived among the Israelites to this day. |
| 3 | Matthew 1:5 | Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, |
| 4 | Joshua 2:1–24 | Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. And it was reported to the king of Jericho: “Behold, some men of Israel have come here tonight to spy out the land.” So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab and said, “Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, for they have come to spy out the whole land.” But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. So she said, “Yes, the men did come to me, but I did not know where they had come from. At dusk, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I do not know which way they went. Pursue them quickly, and you may catch them!” (But Rahab had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that she had laid out there.) So the king’s men set out in pursuit of the spies along the road to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as they had gone out, the gate was shut. Before the spies lay down for the night, Rahab went up on the roof and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below. Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will deliver us from death.” “Our lives for your lives!” the men agreed. “If you do not report our mission, we will show you kindness and faithfulness when the LORD gives us the land.” Then Rahab let them down by a rope through the window, since the house where she lived was built into the wall of the city. “Go to the hill country,” she said, “so that your pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves there for three days until they have returned; then go on your way.” The men said to her, “We will not be bound by this oath you made us swear unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother and brothers and all your family into your house. If anyone goes out the door of your house into the street, his blood will be on his own head, and we will be innocent. But if a hand is laid on anyone with you in the house, his blood will be on our heads. And if you report our mission, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.” “Let it be as you say,” she replied, and she sent them away. And when they had gone, she tied the scarlet cord in the window. So the spies went out into the hill country and stayed there three days, until their pursuers had returned without finding them, having searched all along the road. Then the two men started back, came down from the hill country, and crossed the river. So they came to Joshua son of Nun and reported all that had happened to them. “The LORD has surely delivered the entire land into our hands,” they said to Joshua. “Indeed, all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of us.” |
| 5 | Matthew 1:1 | This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: |
| 6 | Joshua 1:1 | Now after the death of His servant Moses, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying, |
| 7 | 1 Peter 3:20 | who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In the ark a few people, only eight souls, were saved through water. |
| 8 | 1 Peter 2:8 | and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed. |
| 9 | Hebrews 3:18 | And to whom did He swear that they would never enter His rest? Was it not to those who disobeyed? |
Hebrews 11:31 Summary
Hebrews 11:31 tells us that Rahab, a prostitute, was saved from destruction because of her faith. She welcomed the Israelite spies and hid them, which showed that she believed in the God of the Israelites and was willing to take a risk to follow Him (Joshua 2:1-24). This verse reminds us that faith is not just about what we believe, but also about what we do, and that anyone can demonstrate great faith, no matter what their background or circumstances may be (James 2:14-26). By trusting in God and taking action, we can, like Rahab, experience salvation and be used by Him to bring glory to His name (Romans 10:9-10).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Rahab, a prostitute, included in the list of heroes of faith?
Rahab is included because she demonstrated faith by welcoming the spies and hiding them, as seen in Joshua 2:1-24, and this act of faith saved her and her family from destruction, as referenced in Hebrews 11:31.
What does it mean to 'welcome the spies in peace'?
Welcoming the spies in peace means that Rahab received them with kindness and hospitality, and did not harm them, as stated in Joshua 2:1-7, and this act of peace was a demonstration of her faith.
How did Rahab's faith save her from perishing with the disobedient?
Rahab's faith saved her because she believed in the God of the Israelites and took action to align herself with them, as seen in Joshua 2:8-13, and as a result, she and her family were spared from the destruction of Jericho, as referenced in Hebrews 11:31 and Joshua 6:22-25.
What can we learn from Rahab's example of faith?
We can learn that faith is not just about what we believe, but also about what we do, as seen in James 2:14-26, and that even those who may be considered outsiders or sinners can demonstrate great faith and be used by God, as referenced in Matthew 1:5 and Hebrews 11:31.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate faith like Rahab, by taking risks and trusting in God's plan?
- How can I balance my desire to fit in with the world with my need to stand out as a follower of Christ, like Rahab did?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to 'welcome the spies in peace', by receiving God's messengers and obeying His commands?
- How can I, like Rahab, use my circumstances and position to bring glory to God and demonstrate my faith to others?
Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 11:31
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 11:31
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 11:31
Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 11:31
Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 11:31
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 11:31
Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 11:31
Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 11:31
Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 11:31
Sermons on Hebrews 11:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Devil Is After One Thing in Your Trial by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having God's word deeply rooted within us to resist the devices of darkness. They rebuke depression and lies of the devil, |
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The Red Light of Warning on the Red Light District by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher, Talmadge, describes a series of acts that depict the consequences of sin and the destruction it brings. The first act portrays a woman who has lost he |
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Trophies of His Grace by Steve Mays | In this sermon, Pastor Steve Mays shares a personal anecdote about his grandson wanting to go to the zoo but not having enough time. He then transitions into discussing how sometim |
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Old Testament Survey - Part 26 by Dick Woodward | This sermon delves into the book of Joshua as a powerful illustration of faith, contrasting it with the book of Numbers which focuses on unbelief. It highlights the perpetuation of |
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Exodus for All the Earth by John Piper | John Piper preaches on God's purpose in creating humanity in His image, to reflect His glory and fill the earth with His praise. Despite the entrance of sin through Adam, God initi |
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She Bound the Scarlet Line in the Window by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the faith and obedience of Rahab, who tied a scarlet line in her window as a sign of her trust in the spies and, ultimately, in God. This seemingly trivial |
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Living by Faith by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes that believers are called to live by faith, as stated in Romans 1:17, rather than being swayed by visible joys or blessings. He highlights that true faith i |







