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Hebrews 11:14

Hebrews 11:14 in Multiple Translations

Now those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own.

For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

For they that say such things make it manifest that they are seeking after a country of their own.

For those who say such things make it clear that they are searching for a country for themselves.

People who say such things make it clear that they're looking for a country of their own.

For they that say such things, declare plainely, that they seeke a countrey.

for those saying such things make manifest that they seek a country;

For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.

For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

For they that say these things, do signify that they seek a country.

As for those people who talk like that, they clearly show that they long for a place that will become their true native land.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Hebrews 11:14

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Hebrews 11:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK οι γαρ τοιαυτα λεγοντες εμφανιζουσιν οτι πατριδα επιζητουσιν
οι ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPM
γαρ gar G1063 for Conj
τοιαυτα toioutos G5108 such as this Dem-APN
λεγοντες legō G3004 to say Verb-PAP-NPM
εμφανιζουσιν emphanizō G1718 to show Verb-PAI-3P
οτι hoti G3754 that/since: that Conj
πατριδα patris G3968 fatherland Noun-ASF
επιζητουσιν epizēteō G1934 to seek after Verb-PAI-3P
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Hebrews 11:14

οι ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPM
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.
γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj
For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.
Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.
τοιαυτα toioutos G5108 "such as this" Dem-APN
This word means something or someone is of a certain kind or character, like a particular example. It appears in Matthew 9:8 and 18:5. It describes a unique individuality.
Definition: τοιοῦτος, -αύτη, -οῦτο (as usually in Att.. prose. Ep. and Ion. neut. -οῦτον in Al., Act.21:25, Rec. only), correlat. of οἷος, ὁποῖος, ὥς, etc., such as this, of such a kind, such: Mat.9:8 18:5, Mrk.4:33 6:2 7:13 9:37 (T, τούτων), Jhn.9:16, Act.16:24, 1Co.5:1 11:16, 2Co.3:4 3:12 12:3, Heb.7:26 8:1 12:3 13:16, Jas.4:16; οἷος . . . τ., 1Co.15:48, 2Co.10:11; id. pleonast. (see Bl., § 50, 4), Mrk.13:19; before ὁποῖος, Act.26:29; ὥς, Phm 9. As subst., anarth: pl., Luk.9:9; with art., ὁ τ., such a one (Bl., § 47, 9; Ellic. on Gal.5:21): Act.22:22, 1Co.5:5, al.; pl., Mat.19:14, Mrk.10:14, al.; neut. pl., Act.19:25, Rom.1:32, al (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 59 NT verses. KJV: like, such (an one) See also: 1 Corinthians 5:1; Galatians 6:1; Hebrews 7:26.
λεγοντες legō G3004 "to say" Verb-PAP-NPM
This word means to say or speak, and it is used by Jesus and others in the New Testament to share teachings and tell stories. It appears in Matthew 9:34 and John 1:29.
Definition: λέγω, [in LXX very freq., chiefly for אמר; λέγει for נְאֻם, Gen.22:16, al. ;] __1. in Hom., to pick out, gather, reckon, recount. __2. In Hdt. and Att., to say, speak, affirm, declare: absol., Act.13:15, 24:10; before orat. dir., Mat.9:34, Mrk.3:11, Jhn.1:29, al.; before ὅτι recit., Mrk.3:21, Luk.1:24, Jhn.6:14, al.; accusative and inf., Luk.11:18, Jhn.12:29, al.; after another verb of speaking, προσφωνεῖν κ. λέγειν, Mat.11:17, al.; ἀπεκρίθη (ἐλάλησεν) λέγων (καὶ λέγει; Dalman, Words, 24 ff.), Mat.25:9, Mrk.3:33, 7:28, Luk.24:6, 7, al.; of unspoken thought, λ. ἐν ἑαυτῷ, Mat.3:9, Luk.3:8, al.; of writing, 2Co.8:8, Php.4:11, al.; λέγει ἡ γραφή, Rom.4:3, Jas.2:23, al.; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.8:8, 9:33, Jhn.5:34, al.; σὺ λέγεις (a non-committal phrase; Swete, Mk., 359, 369f.), Mat.27:11, Mrk.15:2, Luk.23:3, Jhn.18:37; with dative of person(s), before orat. dir., Mat.8:20, Mrk.2:17, al. mult.; id. before ὅτι, Mat.3:9, al.; with prep., πρός, μετά, περί, etc., Mrk.4:41, Jhn.11:56, Heb.9:5, al.; to mean (cl.), Mrk.14:71, Jhn.6:71, 1Co.10:29, al.; to call, name, Mrk.10:18; pass., Mat.9:9, Mrk.15:7, al (cf. ἀντι-, δια- (-μαι), προ-, συλ-λέγω). SYN.: λαλέω, which refers to the utterance, as λέγω to the meaning of what is said, its correspondence with thought (Tr., Syn., Ixxvi; Thayer, see word λαλέω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1988 NT verses. KJV: ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 6:2; Acts 19:3.
εμφανιζουσιν emphanizō G1718 "to show" Verb-PAI-3P
To show or exhibit something, like in John 14:21-22, or to declare and make known, as in Acts 23:15 and Hebrews 11:14.
Definition: ἐμφανίζω [in LXX for יָדַע hi., etc. ;] __1. to manifest, exhibit: ἐαυτόν, with dative of person(s), Jhn.14:21-22 (DCG, ii, 112b). Pass. and mid., to show oneself, appear: Mat.27:53, Heb.9:24 (cf. MM, Exp., xii). __2. to declare, make known: before ὅτι, Heb.11:14; with dative of person(s), Act.23:15; with accusative of thing(s), before πρός, Act.23:22; κατά, with genitive of person(s), Act.24:1 25:2; περί, Act.25:15.† SYN.: δηλόω, q.v (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: appear, declare (plainly), inform, (will) manifest, shew, signify See also: Acts 23:15; Hebrews 9:24; Hebrews 11:14.
οτι hoti G3754 "that/since: that" Conj
This Greek word means 'that' or 'because', used to introduce a reason or explanation. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 3:9 and Romans 8:38. It helps to show cause and effect in sentences.
Definition: ὅτι, conjc. (prop. neut. of ὅστις). __I. As conjc, introducing an objective clause, that; __1. after verbs of seeing, knowing, thinking, saying, feeling: Mat.3:9 6:32 11:25, Mrk.3:28, Luk.2:49, Jhn.2:22, Act.4:13, Rom.1:13 8:38 10:9, Php.4:15, Jas.2:24, al.; elliptically, Jhn.6:46, Php.3:12, al. __2. After εἶναι (γίνεσθαι): defining a demonstr. or of person(s) pron., Jhn.3:19 16:19, Rom.9:6, 1Jn.3:16 al.; with pron. interrog., Mat.8:27, Mrk.4:41, Luk.4:36, Jhn.4:22 al.; id. elliptically, Luk.2:49, Act.5:4, 9, al.; __3. Untranslatable, before direct discourse (ὅτι recitantis): Mat.7:23, Mrk.2:16, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:20, Act.15:1, Heb.11:18, al. (on the pleonastic ὡς ὅτι, see: ὡς). __II. As causal particle, for that, because: Mat.5:4-12, Luk.6:20, 21, J0 1:30 5:27, Act.1:5, 1Jn.4:18, Rev.3:10, al. mult.; διὰ τοῦτο ὅτι, Jhn.8:47 10:17, al.; answering a question (διὰ τί), Rom.9:32, al.; οὐκ ὅτι . . . ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι, Jhn.6:26 12:6. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1185 NT verses. KJV: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; 1 John 5:2; 1 Peter 1:12.
πατριδα patris G3968 "fatherland" Noun-ASF
Fatherland refers to one's native country or hometown. Jesus visited his fatherland in Matthew 13:54 and Mark 6:1. It's also a heavenly home in Hebrews 11:14.
Definition: πατρίς, -ίδος, ἡ (πατήρ), [in LXX chiefly for מוֹלֶדֶת ;] prop. poët. fern. of πάτριος, of one's fathers; as subst., ἡ π. = πάτρα, fatherland, country, home, native place: Act.18:27, WH, mg., Heb.11:14; of one's own town, Mat.13:54, 57, Mrk.6:1, 4, Luk.4:23-24, Jhn.4:44.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: (own) country See also: Hebrews 11:14; Mark 6:1; Matthew 13:57.
επιζητουσιν epizēteō G1934 "to seek after" Verb-PAI-3P
To seek after or search for something, as seen in Matthew 6:32, where Jesus teaches that God will provide for our needs if we seek after Him.
Definition: ἐπι-ζητέω, -ῶ [in LXX chiefly for דָּרַשׁ, 4Ki.8:8, Isa.62:12, al.; also for בָּקַשׁ, 3Ki.20:1, Ecc.7:28), Hos.3:5; פָּקַד, 4Ki.3:8 ;] "directive" of ζητέω (MM, Exp., xiv), to inquire for, seek after, wish for: with accusative of thing(s), Mat.6:32 12:39 16:4, Luk.12:30, Act.19:39, Rom.11:7, Php.4:17, Heb.11:14 13:14; with accusative of person(s), Luk.4:42, Act.12:19; with inf., Act.13:7.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 14 NT verses. KJV: desire, enquire, seek (after, for) See also: Acts 12:19; Luke 12:30; Hebrews 11:14.

Study Notes — Hebrews 11:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Corinthians 4:18–7
2 Hebrews 11:16 Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
3 Hebrews 13:14 For here we do not have a permanent city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.
4 Romans 8:23–25 Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.
5 Philippians 1:23 I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.

Hebrews 11:14 Summary

[This verse means that the people of faith were looking for a special place to call their own, a place where they could be with God forever, as described in Revelation 21:1-4. They knew that this world was not their true home, and they were waiting for something better, just like we are as believers today, as seen in 1 Peter 2:11-12 and Colossians 1:12. By trusting in God's promises and looking forward to our eternal inheritance, we can live with hope and purpose, knowing that our true home is in heaven, as Jesus taught in John 14:1-3.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be 'seeking a country of their own' in Hebrews 11:14?

This phrase indicates that the people of faith mentioned in this passage are looking for a heavenly homeland, rather than an earthly one, as seen in Hebrews 11:16, where they are described as longing for 'a better country, a heavenly one'.

How can we, as believers, seek a 'country of our own' like the people of faith in Hebrews 11?

By trusting in God's promises, just as Abraham did in Genesis 12:1-3, and by keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal city that God has prepared for us, as described in Hebrews 11:10 and Revelation 21:1-4.

What does this verse reveal about the character of the people of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11?

This verse shows that they were not content to simply live in the present, but were instead looking forward to a future inheritance, as seen in Hebrews 11:13, where they 'acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth'.

How does this verse relate to our experience as believers today?

Just like the people of faith in Hebrews 11, we too are called to live as 'strangers and exiles' in this world, seeking a heavenly homeland, as Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:11-12, and looking forward to our eternal inheritance in Christ, as described in Colossians 1:12 and 3:1-4.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for me to 'seek a country of my own', and how can I live in light of this reality?
  2. How can I, like the people of faith in Hebrews 11, trust in God's promises and look forward to my eternal inheritance?
  3. In what ways am I living as a 'stranger and exile' in this world, and how can I cultivate a deeper longing for my heavenly homeland?
  4. What are some ways that I can 'welcome' the promises of God, as the people of faith did in Hebrews 11:13, and live in anticipation of their fulfillment?

Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 11:14

For they that say such things,.... That they are strangers and pilgrims on earth: declare plainly that they seek a country; heaven, so called, for the largeness of it; it is a good land, a land of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 11:14

For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. For - Proof that "faith" (Hebrews 11:13) actuated them. Declare plainly , [ emfanizousin (G1718)] - make it evident.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 11:14

The reason of faith’ s effect in their dying, is the bringing in view a better life, state, and place than any earthly one. For these believers, by word and life professing themselves to be strangers and pilgrims on this earth, and seeing God’ s promises, and embracing them, declare and show plainly to all who see them, or converse with them, that they seek a country, and a place of rest, which they were not possessed of. For no person is a stranger or pilgrim in his own country; but these inquired the way, and walked in it, which led them to a better than any this earth afforded them: and so the apostle brings us back to that which he had declared before, , and immediately prevents the suggestion, that this country should be their former country, and clears it to be a better.

Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 11:14

14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. Ver. 14. That they seek a country] Fugiendure est ad clarissimam patriam; ibi pater, ibi omnia. Away, home to our country, saith one, there is our Father, there is our all, saith Plotin. (ap. Aug. de Civ. De;). To die, is, in Bernard’ s language, no more than redoatriasse, to go home again.

Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 11:14

(14) Such things.—“I am a stranger and a sojourner with you” (Genesis 23:4). “The days of the years of my pilgrimage. . . . the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage” (Genesis 47:9). Declare plainly that they seek a country.—Rather, make it plain that they are seeking a home, or fatherland.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 11:14

Verse 14. Declare plainly that they seek a country.] A man's country is that in which he has constitutional rights and privileges; no stranger or sojourner has any such rights in the country where he sojourns. These, by declaring that they felt themselves strangers and sojourners, professed their faith in a heavenly country and state, and looked beyond the grave for a place of happiness. No intelligent Jew could suppose that Canaan was all the rest which God had promised to his people.

Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 11:14

14. that they seek a country] Rather, “that they are seeking further after a native land.” Hence comes the argument of the next verse that it was not their old home in Chaldea for which they were yearning, but a heavenly native-land.

Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 11:14

For they that say such things ... - That speak of themselves as having come into a land of strangers; and that negotiate for a small piece of land, not to cultivate, but to bury their dead.

Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 11:14

14. Say such things—Confess themselves pilgrims on… earth. A country—A home-land, which, ceasing to be nomads and immigrants, they can call “my country.” The pilgrim here longs for the country of the resurrection.

Sermons on Hebrews 11:14

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson It’s Time to Get Right With God by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a response to God's call to get out of despair and captivity. He uses the example of Israel being captivated by their unbelief
Norman Grubb Free to Be Ourselves by Norman Grubb In this sermon, the speaker discusses three areas of understanding in relation to God's fatherhood. The first area is replacing negative seeing with positive seeing and living by f
David Wilkerson Holy Ground by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision of Christ rather than just having ideas. He criticizes the preaching in the country today, stating that it
Norman Grubb The Meaning of Life - 3. Free to Be Ourselves by Norman Grubb In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of replacing negative seeing with positive seeing and believing. He emphasizes the importance of living by positive seeing and cho
Leonard Ravenhill Witness of the Spirit - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the loss of appreciation for the beauty and majesty of the gospel among preachers today. He shares a criticism from a book review that reso
Art Katz Cain and Abel (The First Murder) - Part 1 by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a 10-day period of fasting and prayer where they were seeking a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. They acknowledge that God did not act in t
Leonard Ravenhill "Stamp Eternity on My Eye Balls" by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon emphasizes the profound impact that a true understanding of eternity and judgment can have on our lives, suggesting that if we truly grasped these concepts, we would be

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