Bible Commentaries
Hebrews 11

Verse 1

Faith [πιστις] . Without the article, indicating that it is treated in its abstract conception, and not merely as Christian faith. It is important that the preliminary definition should be clearly understood, since the following examples illustrate it. The key is furnished by ver. 27, as seeing him who is invisible. Faith apprehends as a real fact what is not revealed to the senses. It rests on that fact, acts upon it, and is upheld by it in the face of all that seems to contradict it. Faith is a real seeing. See Introduction, p. 363.

Substance [υποστασις] . See on ch. Hebrews 1:3 and Hebrews 3:14. On the whole, the Rev. assurance gives the true meaning. The definition has a scholastic and philosophic quality, as might be expected from a pupil of the Alexandrian schools. The meaning substance, real being, given by A. V., Vulg., and many earlier interpreters, suggests the true sense, but is philosophically inaccurate. Substance, as used by these translators, is substantial nature; the real nature of a thing which underlies and supports its outward form or properties. In this sense it is very appropriate in ch. 1 3, in describing the nature of the Son as the image or impress of God 's essential being : but in this sense it is improperly applied to faith, which is an act of the moral intelligence directed at an object; or a condition which sustains a certain relation to the object. It cannot be said that faith is substantial being. It apprehends reality : it is that to which the unseen objects of hope become real and substantial. Assurance gives the true idea. It is the firm grasp of faith on unseen fact.

Evidence [ελεγχος] . N. T. o. Quite often in LXX for yakach, to reprove, rebuke, punish, blame. See Proverbs 1:23; Wisd. 2 14; Sir. 21 12. See especially on the kindred verb ejlegcein, John 3:20. Rend. conviction. Observe that uJpostasiv and elegcov are not two distinct and independent conceptions, in which case kai would have been added; but they stand in apposition. Elegcov is really included in uJpostasiv, but adds to the simple idea of assurance a suggestion of influences operating to produce conviction which carry the force of demonstration. The word often signifies a process of proof or demonstration. So von Soden : "a being convinced. Therefore not a rash, feebly - grounded hypothesis, a dream of hope, the child of a wish."

Of things [πραγματων] . Pragma is, strictly, a thing done; an accomplished fact. It introduces a wider conception than ejlpizomenwn things hoped for; embracing not only future realities, but all that does not fall under the cognizance of the senses, whether past, present, or future.

Verse 2

For by it [εν ταυτη γαρ] . Lit. for in this. Rend. therein : in the sphere and exercise of faith : as believers. Comp. 1 Timothy 5:10. For introduces a proof of the preceding statement concerning the nature of faith. Faith has power to see and realize the unseen, for the experience of the fathers proves it.

The elders obtained a good report [εμαρτυρηθησαν οι πρεσβυτεροι] . The elders for the more common the fathers : the saints of the O. T. dispensation, many of whose names are recorded in this chapter. Emarturhqhsan, lit. were born witness to. God bore witness to them in the victory of their faith over all obstacles, and their characters and deeds as men of faith were recorded in Scripture. For this use of maturein in the passive, see Acts 6:3; Acts 10:22; Acts 16:12; Romans 3:21; Hebrews 7:8, Hebrews 7:17. Notice that the statement in this verse does not begin the list of examples, which commences with ver. 4, but is closely attached to the definition in ver. 1 as a comprehensive justification of it.

Verse 3

Neither does this verse belong to the list of historical instances from Genesis, in which men exercised faith. It is merely the first instance presented in O. T. history of an opportunity for the exercise of faith as the assurance and conviction of things not seen. Like ver. 2, it is closely connected with the definition. It contains the exposition of the nature of faith, by showing that in its earliest and most general expression - belief in the creation of the visible universe by God - it is a conviction of something not apprehensible by sense. 225 We understand [νοουμεν] . Noein signifies to perceive with the nouv or reflective intelligence. In Class. of seeing with the eyes, sometimes with ojfqalmoiv expressed; but as early as Homer it is distinguished from the mere physical act of vision, as perception of the mind consequent upon seeing. Thus, ton de ijdwn ejnohse and seeing him he perceived (Il. 11. 599) : oujk idon oujd' ejnohsa I neither saw nor perceived (Obadiah 1:13. 318). In N. T. never of the mere physical act. Here is meant the inward perception and apprehension of the visible creation as the work of God, which follows the sight of the phenomena of nature.

The worlds [τους αιωνας] . Lit. the ages. The world or worlds as the product of successive aeons. See on ch. Hebrews 1:2.

Were framed [κατηρτισθαι] . Put together; adjusted; the parts fitted to each other. See on Galatians 6:1; Matthew 21:16; Luke 6:40. Of the preparing and fixing in heaven of the sun and moon, LXX, Psalms 73:16; Psalms 88:37 : of building a wall, 2 Ezra 4:12, Ezra 4:13, Ezra 4:16. See also Psalms 39:6. Rend. have been framed. The A. V. gives the impression of one giving his assent to an account of creation; but the perfect tense exhibits the faith of one who is actually contemplating creation itself.

By the word of God [ρηματι] . Comp. Genesis 1:0; Psalms 33:6; Psalms 118:5. So that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear [εις το μη εκ φαινομενων το βλεπομενον γεγονεναι] . For things which are seen, rend. that which is seen. For were not made rend. hath not been made. jEiv to followed by the infinitive signifies result, not purpose. We perceive that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that (this being the case) that which is visible has not arisen out of that which is seen. 226 Mh not negatives the remainder of the clause taken as a whole. In other words, the proposition denied is, that which is seen arose out of visible things. By many early interpreters mh was transposed, and construed with fainomenwn alone, signifying "that which is seen has arisen from things which do not appear." These things were explained as chaos, the invisible creative powers of God, etc.

Verse 4

Abel offered unto God (Abel proshnegken tw qew). For the phrase see ch. Hebrews 9:14.

A more excellent sacrifice [πλειονα θυσιαν] . Greater in value in God 's eyes. For pleiwn in this sense, see ch. Hebrews 3:3; Matthew 6:25; Luke 11:31; Luke 12:23. In Paul never in this sense. Others explain a more abundant sacrifice, referring to the material character of the offerings. See Genesis 4:4. But the difference between the offerings of Abel and Cain, considered in themselves, is largely a matter of speculation, and, as L?n justly remarks, such an interpretation accentuates unduly a purely external feature. 227 By which he obtained witness [δι ης εμαρτυρηθη] . Lit. was witnessed to, as ver. 2. The pronoun which may refer either to the sacrifice or to faith. Better the latter, as is apparent from ver. 2, and probably from ver. 7, although the relation there is somewhat different.

Righteous [δικαιος] . Abel is called righteous by Christ himself. Matthew 23:35. Comp. 1 John 3:12. See on Romans 1:17.

God testifying of his gifts [μαρτυρουντος επι τοις δωροις αυτου του θεου] . Defining more specifically the general was witnessed to. God bore witness by his acceptance of the gifts. jEpi marks the fact on which the witness was based.

Yet speaketh [ετι λαλει] . Comp. Genesis 4:10. Still, although ages have passed since his death. Comp. ch. Hebrews 12:24. Not that his voice still cries to God (so Bleek and others), but that by his faith he still speaks to us in the O. T. Scriptures, though dead. Const. eti yet with lalei speaketh; not with being dead, in the logical sense, "even being dead," as Romans 3:7.

Verse 5

Enoch. Genesis 5:21-24. Comp. Sir. 44 16; 49 14; Wisd. 4 10. Was translated [μετετεθη] . The verb used of Enoch 's translation, LXX, Genesis 5:24. In Acts 7:16 of the transporting of the remains of Jacob and his sons to Sychem. In Galatians 1:6, of the sudden change in the religious attitude of the Galatians. In Hebrews 7:12, of the change in the priesthood. That he should not see death [του μη ιδειν θανατον] . This may signify the purpose of his translation, but probably refers to the result. He was translated so that he did not see death. Comp. Matthew 21:32; Acts 7:19. Romans 7:3. Romans 7:2 Romans 7:29 Was not found because God had translated him [ουχ ηυρισκετο διοτι μετεθηκεν αυτον ο θεος] Cited from LXX, Genesis 5:24. For had translated rend. translated.

He had this testimony [μεμαρτυρηται] . Rev properly preserves the force of the perfect tense, "he hath had witness born to him." The testimony still stands on record.

That he pleased God. Rend. hath pleased. Comp. LXX, Genesis 5:22,

Verse 8

Paul exhibits faith as the element of personal righteousness in Abraham. In these verses (8 - 22) faith, according to the opening definition in this chapter, is that assurance and conviction of unseen things which caused Abraham and the patriarchs to rely confidently upon the future fulfillment of the divine promises.

When he was called to go out - obeyed [καλουμενος εξελθειν υπηκουσεν] . A. V. is wrong. jExelqein to go out should be construed with uJphkousen obeyed, and kaloumenov being called is to be taken absolutely. Kaloumenov, the present participle, indicates Abraham 's immediate obedience to the call : while he was yet being called. Rend. "when he was called obeyed to go out." The infinitive explains the more general obeyed, by specifying that in which his obedience was shown. For the construction, see Acts 14:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; Hebrews 5:5. For the narrative, see Genesis 12:1-6, and comp. Acts 7:2-5.

Whither he went [που ερχεται] . Note the picturesque continued present tense, "whither he is going," as of Abraham on his journey.

Verse 9

He sojourned in [παρωκησεν εις] . The verb lit. to dwell beside or among. Paroikov, a foreigner dwelling in a state without rights of citizenship. In Class. only in the sense of neighbor. See on Luke 24:18. The verb of rest with the preposition of motion (only here) signifies that he went into the land and dwelt there. Usually with ejn in, but sometimes with the simple accusative, as Luke 24:18; Genesis 17:8; Exodus 6:4. Land of promise [γην της επαγγελιας] . Note the article, omitted in A. V., the promise : the land which was designated in the promise of God. See Genesis 12:7; Genesis 13:15. The phrase N. T. o. There is no corresponding phrase in O. T.

Strange [αλλοτριαν] . Another [αλλη] land than his own. So LXX, Genesis 14:13. Comp. Acts 7:6.

In tabernacles [εν σκηναις] . Or tents, as a migratory people, without a permanent home.

The heirs with him [των συνκληρονομων] . Joint - heirs or fellow - heirs. o LXX, o Class. See Romans 8:17; Ephesians 3:6; 1 Peter 3:7. The three, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are mentioned because they cover the entire period of the sojourn in Canaan. Faith inspired these to endure patiently their unsettled life, since it assured them of a permanent home in the future.

Verse 10

For he looked for a city which hath foundations [εξεδεχετο γαρ την τους θεμελιους εξουσαν πολιν] . The sense is impaired in A. V. by the omission of the articles, the city, the foundations. Passing over the immediate subject of God 's promise to Abraham - his inheritance of the land in which he sojourns - the writer fastens the patriarch 's faith upon the heavenly fulfillment of the promise - the perfected community of God, which, he assumes, was contained in the original promise. By the city he means the heavenly Jerusalem, and his statement is that Abraham 's faith looked forward to that. The idea of the new or heavenly Jerusalem was familiar to the Jews. See ch. Hebrews 12:22, Hebrews 13:14; Galatians 4:26; Revelation 3:12; Revelation 21:2. The Rabbins regarded it as an actual city. For the foundations comp. Revelation 21:14. In ascribing to the patriarchs an assured faith in heaven as the end and reward of their wanderings, the writer oversteps the limits of history; but evidently imports into the patriarchal faith the contents of a later and more developed faith - that of himself and his readers.

Builder and maker [τεχνιτησ και δημιουργος] Tecnithv artificer, architect. Comp. Acts 19:24 (note), 38; Revelation 18:22, and LXX, 1 Chronicles 29:5; Song of Solomon 7:1; Wisd. 8 6; 14 2; Sir. 9 17 Dhmiourgov N. T o, originally a workman for the public [δημος] ; generally, framer, builder. It is used by Xenophon and Plato of the maker of the world (Xen. Mem 1 4, 9; Plato, Tim 40 C; Repub. 530 A). It was appropriated by the Neo Platonists as the designation of God. To the Gnostics, the Demiurge was a limited, secondary God, who created the world; since there was no possibility of direct contact between the supreme, incommunicable God and the visible world.

Verse 11

Sarah. Faith prevailing against natural impossibilities. See Romans 4:19-22. Both Abraham and Sarah doubted at first (Genesis 17:17; Genesis 18:12); but both became persuaded of the truthfulness of the promise.

Herself [αυτη] She who at first doubted.

To conceive seed [εις καταβολην σπερματος] . In every other instance in N. T. katabolh means foundation, and appears in the phrase katabolh kosmou foundation of the world. Originally it means throwing down; hence, the depositing of the male seed in the womb. The sentence may be explained either, "received strength as regarded the deposition of seed," to fructify it; or, "received strength for the foundation of a posterity," sperma being rendered in accordance with ch. Hebrews 2:16; Hebrews 11:18, and katabolh in the sense of foundation, as everywhere else in N. T.

And was delivered of a child when she was past age [και παρα καιρον ηλικιας] . Was delivered of a child not in the text. Kai and that. Rend. "received strength," etc., "and that when she was past age." Para kairon hJlikiav, lit. past the season of age. For hJlikia see on stature, Luke 12:25.

Verse 12

As good as dead [νενεκρωμενου] . Comp. Romans 4:19. As good as is an addition of A. V. The Greek reads and that a dead man. Comp. nekrwsin deadness applied to Sarah, Romans 4:19.

Stars - sand. See Genesis 22:17; Genesis 32:12.

By the seashore [παρα το χειλος της θαλασσης] . Lit. by the lip of the sea. The phrase N. T. o. Very often in LXX, as Genesis 22:17; Exodus 14:30 : lip of a river, Genesis 41:17; Exodus 7:15 : of a brook, Deuteronomy 2:36; Deuteronomy 3:12 : of Jordan, 2 Kings 2:13. So in Class. The vigor thus supernaturally imparted to Abraham does not appear to have exhausted itself in the generation of Isaac; since, according to Genesis 25:2, Abraham became by Keturah the father of six sons after the death of Sarah.

Verse 13

In faith [κατα πιστιν] . See on ver. 7.

Not having received [μη κομισαμενοι] . See on ch. Hebrews 10:36. They died according to faith, inasmuch as they did not receive. They died under the regimen of faith, and not of sight. For the phrase komizein tav ejpaggeliav to receive the promises, comp. ch. Hebrews 10:36; Hebrews 11:39.

Having seen them afar off [πορρωθεν αυτας ιδοντες] . By faith; from afar.

Were persuaded of them and embraced them [ασπασαμενοι] . The A. V. completely destroys the beauty of this verse. It reads were persuaded, following T. R. peisqentev, and translates ajspasamenoi embraced, which is a sort of inferential rendering of the original sense to salute or greet. Rend. "having seen them from afar and greeted them" : as seamen wave their greeting to a country seen far off on the horizon, on which they cannot land. L?n appropriately quotes Virgil, Aen. 3. 522 :

"Cum proculi obscuros collis humilemque videmus Italiam. Italiam primus conclamat Achates, Italiam laeto socii clamore salutant."

Confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims [ομολογησαντες οτι ξενοι και παρεπιδημοι] . They admitted and accepted the fact with the resignation of faith, and with the assurance of future rest. Comp. Genesis 23:4; Genesis 24:37; Genesis 28:4; Genesis 47:9; Psalms 39:12; Psalms 119:19, Psalms 119:54. For parepidhmoi sojourners, see on 1 Peter 1:1. In the anonymous Epistle to Diognetus, an apologetic letter, probably of the second century, and one of the gems of early Christian literature, occur the following words concerning Christians :

"They inhabit their own country, but as sojourners : they take part in all things as citizens, and endure all things as aliens : every foreign country is theirs, and every country is foreign."

Verse 14

Declare plainly [εμφαμιζουσιν] . o P. See on John 14:21. Occasionally in LXX Rend. "make it manifest."

They seek a country (patrida ejpizhtousin). The verb is found in LXX, chiefly in the sense of seeking after God or another deity. See 2 Kings 1:3, 2 Kings 1:6; 2 Kings 3:11; 2 Kings 8:8; 2 Kings 22:18; 2 Chronicles 18:6. Comp. ejpizhtoumenh poliv a city sought after (Zion), Isaiah 61:12. Patriv is a native country; a fatherland. Only here and in Gospels and Acts. Quite often in LXX

Verse 15

If they had been mindful [ει εμνημονευον] . In N. T. habitually remember. So invariably in LXX The meaning here is, that if, in their declaration (ver. 14) that they were seeking a country, they had called to mind the country from which they came out, they could have returned thither, so that it is evident that they did not mean that country. 231 To have returned [ανακαμψαι] . Rend. "to return." Lit. bend their way back again [ανα] .

Verse 16

Now they desire [νυν ορεγονται] . Nun now is logical : as the case now stands. For ojregontai desire, see on 1 Timothy 3:1.

Is not ashamed [ουκ επαισχυνεται] . Because they have commended themselves to God by their faith, so that he acknowledges them as his own. Comp. ch. Hebrews 2:11; Mark 8:28, Mark 8:38; Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 1:8, 2 Timothy 1:16. To be called their God [θεος επικαλεισθαι αυτων] . Lit. to be surnamed. Comp. Acts 4:36; Acts 10:5, Acts 10:18, Acts 10:32. God was called the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob. See Exodus 3:6.

For he hath prepared for them a city [ητοιμασιν γαρ αυτοις πολιν] . Comp. Matthew 25:34; John 14:2; Revelation 21:2. City is significant, as showing that the fulfillment of God 's promise lies in introducing them into the perfection of social life. Comp. Revelation 3:12; Revelation 21:2, Revelation 21:10; Revelation 22:19.

Verse 17

When he was tried offered up [προσενηνοχεν πειραζομενος] . The full sense of the statement is missed in A. V. The meaning is that while the trial is yet in progress, Abraham hath already offered up his son, before the trial has come to an issue, by the act of his obedient will, through faith in God. Comp. James 2:21.

He that had received [ο αναδεξαμενος] . The verb only here and Acts 28:7. It means to accept; to welcome and entertain. So Rev. gladly received. Accounting [λογισαμενος] . See on 1 Peter 5:12; Romans 4:5; Romans 8:18. From whence [οθεν] . Rend. wherefore : because of his faith in God 's power and truthfulness. Oqen, though occasionally in a local sense in N. T., as Matthew 12:44; Luke 11:24; Acts 14:26, is much more common in the logical or causal sense, wherefore, on which account. So in every other instance in Hebrews. In the local sense it would mean from the dead. Also he received him in a figure [αυτον και εν παραςολη εκομισατο] . Kai marks the receiving as answering to the faith. As Abraham believed in God 's power to restore Isaac, so, because of his faith, he also received him. For ejkomisato received see on ch. Hebrews 10:36. jEn parabolh in a parable. Since the sacrifice did not take place as a literal slaughter, there could not be a literal restoration from death. There was a real offering in Abraham 's will, but not a real death of Isaac. Isaac 's death took place symbolically, in the sacrifice of the ram : correspondingly, the restoration was only a symbolic restoration from the dead. Some expositors, among whom is Westcott, explain thus : Abraham accounted that God was able to raise Isaac from the dead, from which he received him at birth, in that Isaac sprung from one dead (nenekrwmenou, ver. 12). This is extremely labored and artificial. 232

Verse 20

Blessed [ευλογησεν] . See on John 12:13.

Concerning things to come [και περι μελλοντων] . A. V. Omits kai which gives an emphasis to the following words. Isaac pronounced a blessing, and that concerning things to come; things beyond the lifetime of Jacob and Esau. See Genesis 27:29, Genesis 27:39. The blessing was an act of faith. Isaac 's confidence in the power of his blessing to convey the good which it promised was "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen," founded on the promise of Genesis 17:5.

Verse 21

When he died [αποθνησκων] . Rend. "when dying." It is quite superfluous to explain this as emphasizing the strength in contrast with the weakness of approaching death; or that, in the birth of Joseph 's two sons before Jacob 's death, Jacob discerned a monition to adopt them into the direct line of his own sons. The meaning is simply that these events took place in Jacob 's last hours.

Blessed each [εκαστον ευλογησεν] . See Genesis 48:17-20. Each son received a separate and distinct blessing, although Joseph had expected only one common blessing for both. Jacob 's discernment of faith appeared in this, as in the precedence assigned to the younger son.

And worshipped leaning on the top of his staff [και προσεκυνησεν επι το ακρον της ραβδου αυτου] . From the LXX of Genesis 47:31. It seems to have been loosely included by our writer among the incidents of Jacob 's last hours [αποθνησκων] , although it belongs to a different part of the narrative. The promise given by Joseph to remove his father 's remains to the family sepulchre may have been regarded as preparatory to the blessing, or introduced in order to emphasize the devotional character of the entire proceeding. The words upon the head of his staff are from the LXX; the Hebrew being "Jacob bowed himself upon the head of the bed." Comp. 1 Kings 1:47. According to its vowel - points the same Hebrew word signifies either staff or bed. The LXX has chosen the former, and renders by rJabdov staff. According to the Hebrew, the meaning is that Jacob, having been sitting during the conversation, lay down when it was finished, probably overcome by weakness, and breathing a prayer as he fell back on his pillow. 233

Verse 22

When he died [τελευτων] . Comp. Genesis 1:26, LXX The verb means to finish or close, with life understood. Always in this sense in N. T. See Matthew 2:19; Matthew 9:18; Luke 7:2, etc. Never used by Paul. Rend. "when near his end."

Made mention of [περι - εμνημονευσεν] . See on ver. 15. A. V. has remembered in marg. Remembered is appropriate here. Joseph on his death - bed remembered the promise of God to give the land of Canaan to the seed of Abraham (Genesis 12:7; Genesis 13:15; Genesis 14:7), and also the prediction to Abraham that his descendants should pass four hundred years in bondage in a strange land, and should afterward be brought out thence, Genesis 14:13, Genesis 14:14.

The departing of the children of Israel [της εξοδου των υιων ισραηλ] . Exodov only here, Luke 9:31 (note) and 2 Peter 1:15 (note). JOi uiJoi jIsrahl is one of several phrases in N. T. denoting the chosen people. There are also house [οικος] and people [λαος] of Israel, and Israel of God, and Israel according to the flesh.

And gave commandment [και ενετειλατο] . Kai and so; in consequence of his remembering the prophecy of the exodus. The verb indicates a specific injunction [εντολη] . See on 1 Timothy 6:14.

Verse 23

Of his parents [υπο των πατερων αυτου] . Lit. by his fathers. Comp. Exodus 2:2. Paterev fathers, according to a late Greek usage, is employed like goneiv parents. Similarly the Lat. patres and soceri, including both parents, or father and mother in law.

Proper [αστειον] . Only here and Acts 7:20, on which see note. Rend. "comely."

Commandment [διαταγμα] . N. T. o. Rend. "mandate."

Verse 24

Faith was exhibited by Enoch in walking with God (comp. A. V. Genesis 5:22, "walked with God," and LXX, eujaresthse pleased God). Faith creates close personal relation.

Hebrews 11:0:6To please [ευαρεστησαι] . The aorist gives the sense of at all, stating the verbal idea without time, as a universal proposition. Comp. Romans 8:8.

Cometh [προσερχομενον] . See on ch. Hebrews 4:16. Must [δει] . An essential obligation. In the nature of the case. That he is [οτι εστιν] . Faith in God involves belief in his existence although he is unseen.

Is a rewarder [μισθαποδοτης] . Note the difference of the verb : not simply exists, but comes to pass as; proves to be, habitually, so that he who approaches God has, through faith, the assurance that his seeking God will result in good to himself. Misqapodothv rewarder, N. T. o. Comp. misqapodosia recompense of reward, ch. 2 2 (note); Hebrews 10:35; Hebrews 11:26.

Of them that diligently seek him (toiv ejkzhtousin aujton). Lit. unto them that seek him out. Comp. Acts 14:17; Hebrews 12:17; 1 Peter 1:10. The verb is used of seeking God, Romans 3:11. God 's beneficent will and attitude toward the seeker are not always apparent at the first approach. In such cases there is occasion for faith, in the face of delay, that diligent seeking will find its reward. One is reminded of Jesus ' lessons on importunity in seeking God, Luke 11:5-10; Luke 18:1-8.

He hides himself so wondrously As though there were no God; He is least seen when all the powers Of ill are most abroad. Or he deserts us at the hour The fight is almost lost, And seems to leave us to ourselves Just when we need him most. It is not so, but so It looks; And we lose courage then; And doubts will come if God hath kept His promises to men. " Faber.

Noah. Genesis 6:0.

Being warned of God [χρηματισθεις] . Of God is not in the text. See on Matthew 2:12; Luke 2:26; Acts 11:26; and comp. Hebrews 8:5.

Of things not seen as yet [περι των μηδεπω βλεπομενων] . Const. with eujlabhqeiv, and rend. "by faith Noah, being warned, having reverent care concerning things not seen as yet, prepared an ark," etc. Thus crhmatisqeiv warned is taken absolutely. 230 The things not seen were the well - known contents of the revelation to Noah, Genesis 6:13 ff., as apprehended by Noah 's faith.

Moved with fear [ευλαβηθεις] . N. T. o. Often in Class. and LXX See on eujlabeia godly fear, ch. 5 7. The A. V. gives the impression that Noah acted under the influence of fright. Rev. improves on this a little by rendering godly fear. The true idea is pious care, a reverent circumspection with regard to things enjoined by God, and as yet unseen, yet confidently expected on the strength of God 's word.

Prepared [κατεσκευασεν] . Built and equipped. See on ch. Hebrews 3:3. An ark [κιβωτον] . Originally, a wooden chest Also of the ark of the covenant in the temple and tabernacle, as ch. 9 4; Revelation 11:19 Of Noah 's ark. Matthew 24:38; Luke 17:27; 1 Peter 3:20 Larvax a chest is found in Class. in the same sense. Every classical scholar will recall the charming fragment of Simonides on Danae and her infant son Perseus exposed in an ark :

JOte larnaki ejn daisalea anesmov breme pnewn k. t. 50

Also of the ark of Deucalion, the mythic Noah.

By the which [δι ης] . By faith : although some refer it to the ark. He condemned the world [κατεκρινεν τον κοσμον] . His faith was exhibited in building the ark on the mere strength of God 's declaration, while as yet there were no signs of the flood. By his faith thus manifested he announced the condemnation of the world to destruction. World is to be taken as in 2 Peter 2:5. It is not used in Heb. in the ethical sense so common in John and Paul - the world as alien from God. The meaning of the statement is not that Noah condemned the conduct of his contemporaries by the contrast presented by his own faith, after the analogy of Matthew 12:41; Romans 2:27.

And became heir [και - εγενετο κληρονομος] . This is not an independent clause, but is dependent on di' h=v by which. It is connected by kai with the preceding clause, and the two clauses are parallel, describing the lot of Noah and his family. Became heir is practically = became partaker of. The literal sense of heir must not be pressed. Certainly not "inherited the righteousness of Abel and Enoch." But righteousness came to Noah in virtue of his intimate fellowship with God. Of him as of Enoch, it is said that "he walked with God," Genesis 6:9. Because of this fellowship he was a son of God and an heir of righteousness.

Of the righteousness which is by faith [της κατα πιστις δικαιοσυνης] . In the O. T. Noah is the first to receive the title of dikaiov righteous, Genesis 6:9; comp. Ezekiel 14:14, Ezekiel 14:20; Sir. 44 17. Kata pistin, lit. according to faith, comp Matthew 9:29; Titus 1:1, Titus 1:4. Paul has dikaiosunh and dikaiov from or out of faith [εκ πιστεως] , by faith [δια πιστεως] , founded on faith [επι τη πιστει] , and of faith [πιστεως] , none of which are found either in Hebrews or in the Pastorals. Kata pistin signifies according to faith as a standard; but the conception at bottom is not essentially different from Paul 's, unless there be imported into his conception the scholastic fiction of imputed righteousness. Paul, in Romans 4:0 is at pains to show that the Christian conception of righteousness by faith has its parallel in Abraham, and that the doctrine of justification by faith is no new thing. Faith is the ground and the germ of righteousness. Our writer here lays down the absolute and universal standard of righteousness for the men of both dispensations - according to faith. Hence, like Paul, he cites the words of Habakkuk 2:4. See ch. Hebrews 10:38.

Verse 25

To suffer affliction with [συνκακουχεισθαι] . N. T. o, o LXX, o Class. The verb kakoucein to treat ill, ver. 37; ch. 13 3; LXX, 1 Kings 2:26; 1 Kings 11:39. Rend. "to be evil entreated."

Than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season [η προσκαιρον εχειν αμαρτιας απολαυσιν] . Lit. than to have temporary enjoyment of sin. The emphasis is first on temporary and then on sin. For ajpolausiv enjoyment, see on 1 Timothy 6:17. Proskairov for a season, temporary, rare in N. T. o LXX Once in Paul, see 2 Corinthians 4:18.

Verse 26

Esteeming the reproach of Christ [ηγησαμενος τον ονειδισμον του χριστου] . The participle gives the reason for his choice of affliction instead of sin : since he esteemed. "The reproach of Christ" is the reproach peculiar to Christ; such as he endured. The writer uses it as a current form of expression, coloring the story of Moses with a Christian tinge. Comp. Romans 14:3; Heb.