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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.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Hebrews 11:31

BAB
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Hebrews 11:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK πιστει ρααβ η πορνη ου συναπωλετο τοις απειθησασιν δεξαμενη τους κατασκοπους μετ ειρηνης
πιστει pistis G4102 faith Noun-DSF
ρααβ Rhaab G4460 Rahab Noun-PRI
η ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSF
πορνη pornē G4204 prostitute Noun-NSF
ου ou G3756 no Particle-N
συναπωλετο sunapollumi G4881 to die/destroy with Verb-2AMI-3S
τοις ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DPM
απειθησασιν apeitheō G544 to disobey Verb-AAP-DPM
δεξαμενη dechomai G1209 to receive Verb-ADP-NSF
τους ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APM
κατασκοπους kataskopos G2685 spy Noun-APM
μετ meta G3326 with/after Prep
ειρηνης eirēnē G1515 peace Noun-GSF
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Greek Word Reference — Hebrews 11:31

πιστει pistis G4102 "faith" Noun-DSF
Faith is the meaning of this word, which involves trust and confidence in God or Jesus Christ. It's used in Matthew 8:10 and Romans 1:8, showing reliance on God's power and promises.
Definition: πίστις, -εως, ἡ (πείθω), [in LXX chiefly for אֱמוּנָה ;] __1. in active sense, faith, belief, trust, confidence, in NT always of religious faith in God or Christ or spiritual things: Mat.8:10, Luk.5:20, Act.14:9, Rom.1:8, 1Co.2:5, 2Co.1:24, 1Ti.1:5, al.; with genitive obj., Mrk.11:22, Act.3:16, Rom.3:22, Gal.2:16, Eph.3:12, Jas.2:1, al.; with prep., ἐν, Rom.3:25, Gal.3:26, Eph.1:15, Col.1:24, 1Ti.1:14 3:13, 2Ti.1:13 3:15, 2Pe.1:1; εἰς, Act.20:21 24:24 26:18, Col.2:5, 1Pe.1:21; πρός, 1Th.1:8, Phm 5; ἐπί, with accusative Heb.6:1; ἐν τῇ π. στήκειν (εἶναι, μένειν), 1Co.16:13, 1Co.13:5, 1Ti.2:15; ὑπακοὴ τῆς π., Rom.1:5 16:26; ὁ ἐκ π., Rom.3:26 4:16, Gal.3:12; διὰ (τῆς) π., Rom.3:30, Gal.2:16, Php.3:9. By meton., objectively, that which is the object or content of belief, the faith: Act.6:7 14:22, Gal.1:23 3:23 6:10, Php.1:26, 27 Ju 3, 20, and perh. also Act.13:8 16:5, Rom.1:5 and 16:26 (see supr.), 1Co.16:13, Col.1:23, 2Th.3:2 (Lft., Notes, 125), 1Ti.1:19 3:9 4:1, 6 5:8 6:10, 12, 2Ti.3:8 4:7 Tit.1:4, 13 3:15, 1Pe.5:9. __2. In passive sense, __(a) fidelity, faithfulness: Mat.23:23, Gal.5:22; ἡ π. τοῦ θεοῦ, Rom.3:3; __(b) objectively, plighted faith, a pledge of fidelity: 1Ti.5:12. (On the various shades of meaning in which the word is used in NT, see esp. ICC on Rom.1:17, pp. 31ff.; Lft., Ga., 154ff.; Stevens, Th. NT, 422, 515ff.; DB, i, 830ff.; Cremer, see word) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 228 NT verses. KJV: assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity See also: 1 Corinthians 2:5; Galatians 3:23; 1 Peter 1:5.
ρααβ Rhaab G4460 "Rahab" Noun-PRI
Rahab was a Canaanite woman who helped the Israelites in the book of Joshua. She is also mentioned in Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25 as an example of faith. Rahab's story is significant in the Bible.
Definition: Ῥαάβ (and Ραχάβ, Mat.1:5; Ραχάβη, -ης, in FlJ), ἡ, indecl. (Heb. רָחָב) Rahab (LXX, Jos.2:1, al.): Heb.11:31, Jas.2:25.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: Rahab See also: Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25.
η ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
πορνη pornē G4204 "prostitute" Noun-NSF
A prostitute or harlot, this word is used in the Bible to describe someone who engages in sexual sin, like in Matthew 21:31-32, and also metaphorically to describe idolatry, as in Revelation 17:1.
Definition: πόρνη, -ης, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for זָנָה ;] a prostitute, harlot: Mat.21:31-32, Luk.15:30, 1Co.6:15-16 Heb.11:31, Jas.2:25. Metaphorical (see Swete, Ap., 180 f.), of Babylon (i.e. Rome): Rev.17:1, 5 17:15-16 19:2.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 12 NT verses. KJV: harlot, whore See also: 1 Corinthians 6:15; Matthew 21:32; Hebrews 11:31.
ου ou G3756 "no" Particle-N
This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.
Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.
συναπωλετο sunapollumi G4881 "to die/destroy with" Verb-2AMI-3S
To die or destroy with someone is what this word means. It's used in Hebrews 11:31 to describe perishing together. It's about sharing a common end.
Definition: συν-απ-όλλυμι [in LXX chiefly for סָפָה ;] to destroy with or together. Pass., to perish together (with): with dative of person(s), Heb.11:31.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: perish with See also: Hebrews 11:31.
τοις ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DPM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
απειθησασιν apeitheō G544 "to disobey" Verb-AAP-DPM
This word means to disobey or refuse to follow instructions, like in Romans 10:21 where Paul talks about people who disobey God. It involves a deliberate choice to ignore or resist authority.
Definition: ἀπειθέω, -ῶ (ἀπειθής), [in LXX for מָרָה, סָרַר, etc. ;] as in cl. (MM, VGT, see word); to disobey, be disobedient: absol., Act.14:2 19:9, Rom.10:21 11:31 15:31, Heb.3:18 11:31, 1Pe.3:20; with dative, Jhn.3:36, Rom.2:8 11:30, 1Pe.2:8 3:1 4:17 (Cremer, 475).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 16 NT verses. KJV: not believe, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving See also: 1 Peter 2:7; Hebrews 3:18; 1 Peter 2:8.
δεξαμενη dechomai G1209 "to receive" Verb-ADP-NSF
To receive means to accept or take something, as Jesus received children in Luke 2:28. It involves welcoming or embracing something or someone.
Definition: δέχομαι, depon. mid., [in LXX chiefly for לקח ;] to receive, accept; __1. with accusative of thing(s), of taking or accepting what is offered: γράμματα, Luk.16:6, 7; id. in different sense, Act.28:21; ποτήριον, Luk.22:17; παιδίον (εἰς τ. ἀγκάλας), Luk.2:28; περικεφαλαίαν, μάχαιραν, Eph.6:17; ἐπιστολάς, Act.22:5; τ. βασιλείαν τ. Θεοῦ, Mrk.10:15, Luk.18:17; λογία ζῶντα, Act.7:38; εὐαγγέλιον, 2Co.11:4; τ. χάριν τ. Θεοῦ, 2Co.6:1; metaphorically, of mental acceptance, Mat.11:14; τ. λόγον, Luk.8:13, Act.8:14 11:1 17:11, 1Th.1:6 2:13, Jas.1:21; τὰ τ. πνεύματος, 1Co.2:14; τ. παράκλησιν, 2Co.8:17; τ. ἀγάπην τ. ἀληθείας, 2Th.2:10. __2. with accusative of person(s), of receiving kindly or hospitably, Mat.10:14 40, 41, Mrk.6:11, Luk.9:5 53 10:8, 10, Jhn.4:45, 2Co.7:15 11:16, Gal.4:14, Col.4:10, Heb.11:31; παιδίον, Mat.18:5, Mrk.9:37, Luk.9:48; εἰς οἴκους, σκηνάς, Luk.16:4, 9; δέξαι τ. πνεῦμά μου, Act.7:59; ὃν δεῖ οὐρανὸν δέασθαι, Act.3:21 (cf. ἀνα-, ἀπο, δια-, εἰσ-, ἐκ-, ἀπ-εκ-, ἐν-, ἐπι-, παρα-, προσ-, ὑπο-δέχομαι; Cremer, 174).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 47 NT verses. KJV: accept, receive, take See also: 1 Corinthians 2:14; John 4:45; Hebrews 11:31.
τους ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
κατασκοπους kataskopos G2685 "spy" Noun-APM
A spy is someone who gathers information secretly, as in Hebrews 11:31. This word describes a person who observes or watches others without being detected. The goal is often to learn something without being seen.
Definition: κατά-σκοπος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX for רָגַל pi. ;] a spy: Heb.11:31.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: spy See also: Hebrews 11:31.
μετ meta G3326 "with/after" Prep
Means with or after, showing accompaniment, as in being among a group or following someone, like Jesus with his disciples in Mark 1:13. It can also show cause and effect. The KJV translates it as after, among, or with. It is used in many New Testament books, including Matthew and Luke.
Definition: μετά (before vowel μετ᾽; on the neglect of elision in certain cases, V. WH, App., 146 b), prep. with genitive, accusative (in poet, also with dative), [in LXX for אַחַד ,עִם ,אֵת, etc.]. __I. C. genitive, __1. among, amid: Mrk.1:13, Luk.22:37 (LXX, ἐν) 24:5, Jhn.18:5, al.; διωγμῶν, Mrk.10:30. __2. Of association and companionship, with (in which sense it gradually superseded σύν, than which it is much more frequently in NT; cf. Bl., §42, 3): with genitive of person(s), Mat.8:11 20:20 Mrk.1:29 3:7 Luk.5:30, Jhn.3:22, Gal.2:1, al. mult.; εἶναι μετά, Mat.5:25, Mrk.3:14, al.; metaphorically, of divine help and guidance, Jhn.3:2, Act.7:9, Php.4:9, al.; opposite to εἶναι κατά, Mat.12:30, Luk.11:23; in Hellenistic usage (but see M, Pr., 106, 246f.), πολεμεῖν μετά = cl. π., with dative, to wage war against (so LXX for נִלְחַם עִם, 1Ki.17:33), Rev.2:16, al.; with genitive of thing(s), χαρᾶς, Mat.13:20, Mrk.4:16, al.; ὀργῆς, Mrk.3:5, al. __II. C. accusative, __1. of place, behind, after: Heb.9:3. __2. Of time, after: Mat.17:1, Mrk.14:1, Luk.1:24, Act.1:5, Gal.1:18, al.; μετὰ τοῦτο, Jhn.2:12, al.; ταῦτα, Mrk.16:[12], Luk.5:27, Jhn.3:22, al; with inf. artic. (BL, §71, 5; 72, 3), Mat.26:32, Mrk.1:14, al. __III. In composition, __1. of association or community: μεταδίδωμι, μετέχω, etc. __2. Exchange or transference: μεταλλάσσω, μετοικίζω, etc. __3. after: μεταμέλομαι. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 444 NT verses. KJV: after(-ward), X that he again, against, among, X and, + follow, hence, hereafter, in, of, (up-)on, + our, X and setting, since, (un-)to, + together, when, with (+ -out) See also: 1 Corinthians 6:6; Acts 25:12; 1 Peter 1:11.
ειρηνης eirēnē G1515 "peace" Noun-GSF
This word means peace, and is used in the Bible to describe a state of harmony, prosperity, or freedom from war. For example, in Luke 14:32 and Romans 14:17, it's used to talk about peace between people or nations. It's like saying 'let's have peace and quiet, and live in rest and harmony'.
Definition: εἰρήνη, -ης, ἡ, [in LXX chiefly for שָׁלוֹם ;] peace; __1. of public peace, freedom from war: Luk.14:32, Act.12:20 24:2; of the church, Ac 9:31. __2. Of peace between persons, concord, agreement : Mat.10:34, Luk.12:51, Rom.14:17, 1Co.7:15, Gal.5:22, Jas.3:18; ζητεῖν εἰ., 1Pe.3:11; διώκειν, 2Ti.2:22; ib. before μετὰ πάντων, Heb.12:14; by meton., of him who brings peace, Eph.2:14. __3. As in LXX (= Heb. שָׁלוֹם, Aram. שְׁלָם), of a state of security and safety: Jhn.16:33, Rom.2:10, 1Th.5:3,́ whence the formulae, ὕπαγε (πορεύου) εἰς εἰ, Mrk.5:34, Luk.7:50 (cf. 1Ki.1:17, al.; לְכִי לְשָׁלוֹם); εἰ. ὑμῖν (שָׁלוֹם לָכֶם), Jhn.20:19, 21, 26; ἀπολύειν ἐν εἰ., Luk.2:29, cf. 1Co.16:11; ἡ εἰ. ὑμῶν, Mat.10:13, Luk.10:6; υἱὸς εἰρήνης, ib. __4. Of spiritual peace, the peace of Christ's kingdom (DCG, ii, 330f.): Luk.1:79 2:14 Jhn.16:33, Rom.2:10 5:1 8:6, al.; ὁ κύριος τῆς εἰ., 2Th.3:16; ὁ θεὸς τῆς εἰ., Rom.15:33 16:20, 2Co.13:11, al.; in epistolary salutations, Rom.1:7, 1Co.1:3, Gal.1:3, 1Th.1:1, 1Pe.1:2, 2Jo.3, Rev.1:4, al. (see Cremer, 244). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 86 NT verses. KJV: one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 1:2.

Study Notes — Hebrews 11:31

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (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

  1. What are some ways that I can demonstrate faith like Rahab, by taking risks and trusting in God's plan?
  2. 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?
  3. 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?
  4. 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

By faith the harlot Rahab,.... The Targum on Joshua 2:1 calls her אתתא פונדקיתא, "a woman, that kept a victualling house": this paraphrase is taken notice of by Jarchi and Kimchi on the place, who

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 11:31

By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. Rahab showed her "faith" in her confession (Joshua 2:9; Joshua 2:11).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 11:31

By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not; by the same gospel faith Rahab, who, as the Jews read the word, , hnwz; was an hostess, and kept a house of entertainment, and so came to lodge the spies; or, as the Septuagint read it, and the Holy Ghost confirms it here, and , was a public harlot, who gat her livelihood by the prostitution of her body, as well as the sale of meat and drink: so notorious a sinner as she, and a Canaanite too, was preserved from the destruction that was inflicted by the Israelites on the unbelieving and disobedient inhabitants of Jericho, being, after her exclusion out of the camp, in order to a legal purifying, admitted into God’ s church, and honoured by him to be a mother in Israel, from whom the Messiah should descend, ,25. When she had received the spies with peace: the full proof of her being a believer, was her entertaining of the spies sent from Joshua to Jericho, preserving them when sought for, and dismissing them, advising them what they were to do in order to their safety, ,10, to the end. The ground of all this, was her faith in God’ s promise of giving Canaan to Israel, confirmed by the great works she heard God had done for them, and her own expectation of good only in the portion of God’ s people, to whom she desired to be united, which was afterwards accomplished. Neither doth Paul and James contradict each other concerning her faith and works, ; for she was empted from destruction by the same faith by which she was justified; and her faith was justified to be sound and true, by her carriage to the spies, for it was a full demonstration of her faith in God.

Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 11:31

31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. Ver. 31. With them that believed not] To wit, that gave not credit to those common reports of God and his great works, but despised them as light news, and refused to be at the pains of further inquiry. When she had received the spies] Whom to secure she told a lie, which was ill done. The apostle commends her faith in God, but not her deceit toward her neighbour, as Hugo well observeth.

Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 11:31

(31) That believed not.—Bather, that were disobedient (see Hebrews 3:18; Hebrews 4:6; Hebrews 4:11). To her and to her countrymen alike had come the knowledge of what the Lord had done for Israel (Joshua 2:10). She recognised from these signs, and acknowledged, the supremacy of Jehovah (Hebrews 11:11), and she cast in her lot with His servants; the men of Jericho continued in their disobedience, and perished (Joshua 6:21). Through faith, therefore, a despised heathen woman became united with the people of God. With such an example these more detailed histories may fitly close.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 11:31

Verse 31. The harlot Rahab perished not] See this account Joshua 2:1; Joshua 2:9; Joshua 2:11, and Joshua 6:23, where it is rendered exceedingly probable that the word זונה zonah in Hebrew, and πορνη in Greek, which we translate harlot, should be rendered innkeeper or tavernkeeper, as there is no proper evidence that the person in question was such a woman as our translation represents her. As to her having been a harlot before and converted afterwards, it is a figment of an idle fancy. She was afterwards married to Salmon, a Jewish prince; see Matthew 1:5. And it is extremely incredible that, had she been what we represent her, he would have sought for such an alliance. Received the spies with peace.] Μετ' ειρηνης· The same as בשלום beshalom, giving them a kind welcome, good fare, and protection. After these words the Slavonic adds: Καιἑτερᾳὁδῳεκβαλουσα, and sent them out another way.

Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 11:31

31. By faith] Joshua 2:9-11, “The Lord your God, He is God.”the harlot Rahab] So she is called in Joshua 2:1; James 2:25, and it shews the faithfulness of the sacred narrative that her name is even introduced as well as that of Ruth, a Moabitess, in the genealogy of our Lord (Matthew 1:5). The Targum softens it down into “innkeeper” and others render it “idolatress.” Her name was highly honoured by the Jews, who said that eight prophets—among them Baruch, Jeremiah, and Shallum—were descended from her, and the prophetess Huldah. Megillah f. 14. 2.that believed not] Rather, “that were disobedient.”

Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 11:31

By faith the harlot Rahab - She resided in Jericho; Joshua 2:1. When Joshua crossed the Jordan, he sent two men as spies to her house, and she saved them by concealment from the enemies that would have destroyed their lives.

Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 11:31

31. Harlot—Styled an innkeeper in the Chaldee paraphrase, and in the Arabic translation. And this interpretation has been followed by some commentators, including Adam Clarke.

Sermons on Hebrews 11:31

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon 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,
Ian Paisley 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
Steve Mays 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
Dick Woodward 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
John Piper 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
C.H. Spurgeon 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
Watchman Nee 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

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