Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11:1

Verse 1

The substance of, &c.; strong confidence in respect to, &c.

Hebrews 11:2

Verse 2

The elders; the persons living in former times; those enumerated in the sequel.

Hebrews 11:3

Verse 3

We understand; that is, we believe.

Hebrews 11:4

Verse 4

Of his gifts; of the nature and acceptableness of his offerings. (Genesis 4:4.)

Hebrews 11:5

Verse 5

By faith; in consequence of his faith. (Genesis 5:24.)

Hebrews 11:7

Verse 7

Noah; Genesis 7:1-9.

Hebrews 11:8

Verse 8

Abraham; Genesis 12:1-4.

Hebrews 11:9

Verse 9

The land of promise; the land which had been promised him,–In tabernacles; in tents; that is, leading a wandering life in it, without having any permanent possession.

Hebrews 11:12

Verse 12

As good as dead; on account of his advanced age.

Hebrews 11:13

Verse 13

Not having received the promises; not having realized the fulfilment of them.–Embraced them; confided in them.

Hebrews 11:14

Verse 14

A country; another country; that is, a heavenly country, as explained in Hebrews 11:16.

Hebrews 11:17

Verse 17

Hebrews 11:17; Genesis 22:1-10.

Hebrews 11:19

Verse 19

From whence also, &c.; that is, he did in fact receive him as from the dead. Whether the apostle here refers to the circumstances of his birth, as referred to in Hebrews 11:12, or to the extraordinary interposition by which he was rescued from the sacrificial pile, is not certain.

Hebrews 11:20

Verse 20

Hebrews 11:20; Genesis 27:27-40.

Hebrews 11:21

Verse 21

Hebrews 11:21; Genesis 47:31. The word translated bed in our version of Genesis, is rendered by a word signifying staff in the Septuagint. See Hebrews 10:5, and note.

Hebrews 11:22

Verse 22

Hebrews 11:22; Genesis 50:24-26; Joshua 24:32.

Hebrews 11:23

Verse 23

Hebrews 11:23; Exodus 2:2.–The king’s commandment; Exodus 1:16,22.

Hebrews 11:24

Verse 24

To be called the son, &c. to be attached to the court and the royal family.

Hebrews 11:25

Verse 25

The people of God; the Israelites.

Hebrews 11:26

Verse 26

The reproach of Christ; reproach like that which Christ endured; that is, contumely and suffering incurred for the benefit of others.

Hebrews 11:29

Verse 29

Hebrews 11:29; Exodus 14:13-31:

Hebrews 11:30

Verse 30

By faith; that is, the faith exercised by Joshua and his followers. (Joshua 6:12-20.)

Hebrews 11:31

Verse 31

Hebrews 11:31; Joshua 6:22-25.

Hebrews 11:32

Verse 32

Gedeon; Judges 6:1-8:35:–Barak; Judges 4:6-5:31:–Samson; Judges 13:24-16:31:–Jephthae; Judges 11:1-12:7:

Hebrews 11:34

Verse 34

The aliens; the idolatrous tribes of Canaan.

Hebrews 11:35

Verse 35

Women received, &c.; perhaps referring to the account commencing 2 Kings 4:8-37.–A better resurrection; a better salvation than deliverance from earthly sufferings.

Hebrews 11:39

Verse 39

Received not the promise; they did not realize the promised coming of the Messiah.

Hebrews 11:40

Verse 40

Some better thing; the gospel dispensation.–Without us; without our dispensation.–Be made perfect; have their desires and hopes fulfilled.