Heb.11.1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Heb.11.1
The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see.
Heb.11.1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Heb.11.1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Heb.11.1
What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.
Heb.11.2
For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Heb.11.2
The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.
Heb.11.2
This is what the ancients were commended for.
Heb.11.2
For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
Heb.11.2
God gave his approval to people in days of old because of their faith.
Heb.11.3
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Heb.11.3
By faith, we see the world called into existence by God's word, what we see created by what we don't see.
Heb.11.3
By 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.
Heb.11.3
By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
Heb.11.3
By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.
Heb.11.4
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
Heb.11.4
By an act of faith, Abel brought a better sacrifice to God than Cain. It was what he believed, not what he brought, that made the difference. That's what God noticed and approved as righteous. After all these centuries, that belief continues to catch our notice.
Heb.11.4
By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.
Heb.11.4
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.
Heb.11.4
It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. God accepted Abel's offering to show that he was a righteous man. And although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us because of his faith.
Heb.11.5
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Heb.11.5
By an act of faith, Enoch skipped death completely. "They looked all over and couldn't find him because God had taken him." We know on the basis of reliable testimony that before he was taken "he pleased God."
Heb.11.5
By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.
Heb.11.5
By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Heb.11.5
It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying--"suddenly he disappeared because God took him." But before he was taken up, he was approved as pleasing to God.
Heb.11.6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Heb.11.6
It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.
Heb.11.6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Heb.11.6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Heb.11.6
So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Heb.11.7
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
Heb.11.7
By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn't see, and acted on what he was told. The result? His family was saved. His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world. As a result, Noah became intimate with God.
Heb.11.7
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
Heb.11.7
By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
Heb.11.7
It was by faith that Noah built an ark to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about something that had never happened before. By his faith he condemned the rest of the world and was made right in God's sight.
Heb.11.8
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
Heb.11.8
By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God's call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going.
Heb.11.8
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
Heb.11.8
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
Heb.11.8
It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.
Heb.11.9
By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
Heb.11.9
By an act of faith he lived in the country promised him, lived as a stranger camping in tents. Isaac and Jacob did the same, living under the same promise.
Heb.11.9
By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.
Heb.11.9
By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise;
Heb.11.9
And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith--for he was like a foreigner, living in a tent. And so did Isaac and Jacob, to whom God gave the same promise.
Heb.11.10
For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Heb.11.10
Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real, eternal foundations--the City designed and built by God.
Heb.11.10
For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Heb.11.10
for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Heb.11.10
Abraham did this because he was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.
Heb.11.11
Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
Heb.11.11
By faith, barren Sarah was able to become pregnant, old woman as she was at the time, because she believed the One who made a promise would do what he said.
Heb.11.11
By faith Abraham, even though he was past age--and Sarah herself was barren--was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.
Heb.11.11
By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
Heb.11.11
It was by faith that Sarah together with Abraham was able to have a child, even though they were too old and Sarah was barren. Abraham believed that God would keep his promise.
Heb.11.12
Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
Heb.11.12
That's how it happened that from one man's dead and shriveled loins there are now people numbering into the millions. [JC]
Heb.11.12
And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
Heb.11.12
Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude--innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.
Heb.11.12
And so a whole nation came from this one man, Abraham, who was too old to have any children--a nation with so many people that, like the stars of the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them.
Heb.11.13
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Heb.11.13
Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world.
Heb.11.13
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.
Heb.11.13
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Heb.11.13
All these faithful ones died without receiving what God had promised them, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed the promises of God. They agreed that they were no more than foreigners and nomads here on earth.
Heb.11.14
For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
Heb.11.14
People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home.
Heb.11.14
People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.
Heb.11.14
For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.
Heb.11.14
And obviously people who talk like that are looking forward to a country they can call their own.
Heb.11.15
And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
Heb.11.15
If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted.
Heb.11.15
If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.
Heb.11.15
And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return.
Heb.11.15
If they had meant the country they came from, they would have found a way to go back.
Heb.11.16
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Heb.11.16
But they were after a far better country than that--heaven country. You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them.
Heb.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.
Heb.11.16
But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
Heb.11.16
But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a heavenly city for them.
Heb.11.17
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
Heb.11.17
By faith, Abraham, at the time of testing, offered Isaac back to God. Acting in faith, he was as ready to return the promised son, his only son, as he had been to receive him--
Heb.11.17
By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son,
Heb.11.17
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
Heb.11.17
It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God's promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac,
Heb.11.18
Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
Heb.11.18
and this after he had already been told, "Your descendants shall come from Isaac."
Heb.11.18
even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned."
Heb.11.18
of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be called,"
Heb.11.18
though God had promised him, "Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted."
Heb.11.19
Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
Heb.11.19
Abraham figured that if God wanted to, he could raise the dead. In a sense, that's what happened when he received Isaac back, alive from off the altar.
Heb.11.19
Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.
Heb.11.19
concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.
Heb.11.19
Abraham assumed that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead.
Heb.11.20
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
Heb.11.20
By an act of faith, Isaac reached into the future as he blessed Jacob and Esau.
Heb.11.20
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.
Heb.11.20
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
Heb.11.20
It was by faith that Isaac blessed his two sons, Jacob and Esau. He had confidence in what God was going to do in the future.
Heb.11.21
By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
Heb.11.21
By an act of faith, Jacob on his deathbed blessed each of Joseph's sons in turn, blessing them with God's blessing, not his own--as he bowed worshipfully upon his staff.
Heb.11.21
By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
Heb.11.21
By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.
Heb.11.21
It was by faith that Jacob, when he was old and dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons and bowed in worship as he leaned on his staff.
Heb.11.22
By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
Heb.11.22
By an act of faith, Joseph, while dying, prophesied the exodus of Israel, and made arrangements for his own burial.
Heb.11.22
By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.
Heb.11.22
By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.
Heb.11.22
And it was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, confidently spoke of God's bringing the people of Israel out of Egypt. He was so sure of it that he commanded them to carry his bones with them when they left!
Heb.11.23
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
Heb.11.23
By an act of faith, Moses' parents hid him away for three months after his birth. They saw the child's beauty, and they braved the king's decree.
Heb.11.23
By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.
Heb.11.23
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's command.
Heb.11.23
It was by faith that Moses' parents hid him for three months. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid of what the king might do.
Heb.11.24
By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
Heb.11.24
By faith, Moses, when grown, refused the privileges of the Egyptian royal house.
Heb.11.24
By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter.
Heb.11.24
By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
Heb.11.24
It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be treated as the son of Pharaoh's daughter.
Heb.11.25
Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Heb.11.25
He chose a hard life with God's people rather than an opportunistic soft life of sin with the oppressors.
Heb.11.25
He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.
Heb.11.25
choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,
Heb.11.25
He chose to share the oppression of God's people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin.
Heb.11.26
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
Heb.11.26
He valued suffering in the Messiah's camp far greater than Egyptian wealth because he was looking ahead, anticipating the payoff.
Heb.11.26
He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.
Heb.11.26
esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
Heb.11.26
He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of the Messiah than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to the great reward that God would give him.
Heb.11.27
By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
Heb.11.27
By an act of faith, he turned his heel on Egypt, indifferent to the king's blind rage. He had his eye on the One no eye can see, and kept right on going.
Heb.11.27
By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.
Heb.11.27
By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.
Heb.11.27
It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt. He was not afraid of the king. Moses kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.
Heb.11.28
Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
Heb.11.28
By an act of faith, he kept the Passover Feast and sprinkled Passover blood on each house so that the destroyer of the firstborn wouldn't touch them.
Heb.11.28
By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.
Heb.11.28
By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
Heb.11.28
It was by faith that Moses commanded the people of Israel to keep the Passover and to sprinkle blood on the doorposts so that the angel of death would not kill their firstborn sons.
Heb.11.29
By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
Heb.11.29
By an act of faith, Israel walked through the Red Sea on dry ground. The Egyptians tried it and drowned.
Heb.11.29
By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
Heb.11.29
By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.
Heb.11.29
It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians followed, they were all drowned.
Heb.11.30
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
Heb.11.30
By faith, the Israelites marched around the walls of Jericho for seven days, and the walls fell flat.
Heb.11.30
By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.
Heb.11.30
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.
Heb.11.30
It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho seven days, and the walls came crashing down.
Heb.11.31
By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
Heb.11.31
By an act of faith, Rahab, the Jericho harlot, welcomed the spies and escaped the destruction that came on those who refused to trust God. [JC]
Heb.11.31
By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.
Heb.11.31
By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.
Heb.11.31
It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute did not die with all the others in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
Heb.11.32
And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
Heb.11.32
I could go on and on, but I've run out of time. There are so many more--Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, the prophets....
Heb.11.32
And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets,
Heb.11.32
And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets:
Heb.11.32
Well, how much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets.
Heb.11.33
Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
Heb.11.33
Through acts of faith, they toppled kingdoms, made justice work, took the promises for themselves. They were protected from lions,
Heb.11.33
who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,
Heb.11.33
who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
Heb.11.33
By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions,
Heb.11.34
Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
Heb.11.34
fires, and sword thrusts, turned disadvantage to advantage, won battles, routed alien armies.
Heb.11.34
quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.
Heb.11.34
quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
Heb.11.34
quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.
Heb.11.35
Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
Heb.11.35
Women received their loved ones back from the dead. There were those who, under torture, refused to give in and go free, preferring something better: resurrection.
Heb.11.35
Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection.
Heb.11.35
Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.
Heb.11.35
Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others trusted God and were tortured, preferring to die rather than turn from God and be free. They placed their hope in the resurrection to a better life.
Heb.11.36
And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
Heb.11.36
Others braved abuse and whips, and, yes, chains and dungeons.
Heb.11.36
Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison.
Heb.11.36
Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment.
Heb.11.36
Some were mocked, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in dungeons.
Heb.11.37
They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
Heb.11.37
We have stories of those who were stoned, sawed in two, murdered in cold blood; stories of vagrants wandering the earth in animal skins, homeless, friendless, powerless--
Heb.11.37
They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated--
Heb.11.37
They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented--
Heb.11.37
Some died by stoning, and some were sawed in half; others were killed with the sword. Some went about in skins of sheep and goats, hungry and oppressed and mistreated.
Heb.11.38
Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
Heb.11.38
the world didn't deserve them!-making their way as best they could on the cruel edges of the world.
Heb.11.38
the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
Heb.11.38
of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.
Heb.11.38
They were too good for this world. They wandered over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.
Heb.11.39
And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
Heb.11.39
Not one of these people, even though their lives of faith were exemplary, got their hands on what was promised.
Heb.11.39
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.
Heb.11.39
And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise,
Heb.11.39
All of these people we have mentioned received God's approval because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.
Heb.11.40
God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
Heb.11.40
God had a better plan for us: that their faith and our faith would come together to make one completed whole, their lives of faith not complete apart from ours.
Heb.11.40
God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Heb.11.40
God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
Heb.11.40
For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can't receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race.
