Hebrews 11:2
Hebrews 11:2 in Multiple Translations
This is why the ancients were commended.
For by it the elders obtained a good report.
For therein the elders had witness borne to them.
For by it our fathers had God's approval.
People who lived long ago trusted God and this is what gained them God's approval.
For by it our elders were well reported of.
for in this were the elders testified of;
For by this, the elders obtained approval.
For by it the elders obtained a good report.
For by this the ancients obtained a testimony.
It was because our ancestors trusted in God that they pleased him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Hebrews 11:2
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Hebrews 11:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Hebrews 11:2
Study Notes — Hebrews 11:2
- Context
- Cross References
- Hebrews 11:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 11:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 11:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 11:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 11:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 11:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 11:2
- Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 11:2
- Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 11:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 11:2
- Sermons on Hebrews 11:2
Context — Faith and Assurance
2This is why the ancients were commended.
3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. 4By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 11:39 | These were all commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised. |
| 2 | Hebrews 11:4 | By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. |
Hebrews 11:2 Summary
[This verse tells us that the people of old were praised by God because of their faith, which is the assurance of things we hope for and cannot see, as defined in Hebrews 11:1. The ancients' faith was not just about believing in God, but about trusting Him and His promises, like Noah did when he built the ark, as recorded in Genesis 6:8-9:29. Their examples encourage us to trust God in the same way, even when we do not see the results, because faith is what pleases God, as stated in Hebrews 11:6. By looking at the lives of these ancients, we can learn how to live out our faith in everyday life, trusting in God's goodness and promises, just like they did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the ancients were commended?
The ancients being commended refers to the fact that their faith was recognized and honored by God, as seen in the examples that follow in Hebrews 11:3-4, such as Abel's faith in offering a better sacrifice, which is also referenced in Genesis 4:1-10.
Who are the ancients being referred to in this verse?
The ancients in this context are the Old Testament saints, such as those mentioned in the following verses, like Abel, who demonstrated remarkable faith in their lives, as described in Hebrews 11:4 and Genesis 4:1-10.
What is the significance of commendation by God?
Commendation by God signifies His approval and acknowledgment of the ancients' faith, which is a testament to the power and importance of faith in pleasing God, as also seen in Romans 4:20-22, where Abraham's faith is highlighted as an example of trust in God's promises.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith introduced in Hebrews 11:1?
This verse connects the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1, which is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see, to the tangible examples of faith demonstrated by the ancients, showing that faith is not just a concept, but a lived experience, as seen in the lives of biblical characters like Abel and Noah, who trusted God's promises and instructions, as recorded in Genesis 6:8-9:29.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can demonstrate faith like the ancients, trusting in God's promises and provision in my daily life?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God, even when I do not see the outcomes or results of my faith, like the ancients who were commended for their trust in Him?
- In what areas of my life do I need to apply the kind of faith that pleases God, as described in Hebrews 11:6, and how can I take steps to grow in that faith?
- What does it mean for me to be commended by God, and how can I live in such a way that my faith is recognized and honored by Him, like the faith of the ancients?
Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 11:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 11:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 11:2
Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 11:2
Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 11:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 11:2
Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 11:2
Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 11:2
Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 11:2
Sermons on Hebrews 11:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Arab-03 the Principalities & Powers by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the glory of God through our actions. He uses the example of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead to illustrat |
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By This They Got a Good Report by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord and living a life of faith. He acknowledges that many Christians struggle with exercising faith and u |
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(Youth Bible School 2007) Christ Is the Believer's Strength by John D. Martin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of acting on one's vision. He uses the example of men in the Bible who took definite steps to show their belief in their visio |
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Getting the Report by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the second verse of Hebrews 11 in order to tap into God's power and purpose. The speaker shares a personal ane |
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The Patriarchs of Faith by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of faith as demonstrated by the patriarchs in Hebrews 11, illustrating how their lives reflect a divine power that transcends mere human vi |
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Hebrews Chapter 6 the Patriarchs of Faith by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of faith as demonstrated by the patriarchs in Hebrews Chapter 11, illustrating how their lives reflect a divine power that transcends mere |
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Illustrated Sermons by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the urgency of living out our faith in a world filled with fear and calamity. As believers face increasing unrest, they are called to stabilize their fai |





