Hebrews 11

King James Version · 40 verses · 1,345 cross-references linking it to 476 other chapters

1. 1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.39 cross-references: 2 Corinthians 5:7, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Romans 8:24–25, Hebrews 11:7, Hebrews 10:22
2. 2For by it the elders obtained a good report.11 cross-references: Hebrews 11:39, Hebrews 11:4
3. 3Through 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.23 cross-references: Psalms 33:6, 2 Peter 3:5, John 1:3, Romans 4:17, Acts 17:24
4. 4By 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.42 cross-references: Genesis 4:3–5, Hebrews 12:24, 1 John 3:11–12, Genesis 4:10, Jude 1:11
5. 5By 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.27 cross-references: Genesis 5:21–24, Jude 1:14, 2 Kings 2:11, Hebrews 11:6, Psalms 89:48
6. 6But 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.75 cross-references: Proverbs 8:17, Jeremiah 29:13–14, Matthew 6:33, 1 Chronicles 28:9, Psalms 105:3–4
7. 7By 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.92 cross-references: Genesis 6:13 – Genesis 7:1, 1 Peter 3:20, Ezekiel 14:14, Romans 4:13, Luke 17:26
8. 8By 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.72 cross-references: Genesis 12:1–4, Acts 7:2–4, Matthew 7:24–25, 1 Peter 1:22, Genesis 22:18
9. 9By 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:47 cross-references: Genesis 12:8, Genesis 13:18, Genesis 18:9, Hebrews 6:17, Genesis 13:3
10. 10For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.21 cross-references: Hebrews 13:14, Philippians 3:20, Hebrews 12:22, 2 Corinthians 5:1, Hebrews 3:4
11. 11Through 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.27 cross-references: Romans 4:20–21, Hebrews 10:23, Genesis 18:11–14, Genesis 21:1–2, Luke 1:36
12. 12Therefore 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.34 cross-references: Genesis 22:17, Genesis 32:12, Hosea 1:10, Genesis 15:5, Jeremiah 33:22
13. 13These 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.80 cross-references: Psalms 39:12, Genesis 23:4, Hebrews 11:27, John 8:56, Romans 8:24
14. 14For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.9 cross-references: 2 Corinthians 4:18 – 2 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 11:16, Romans 8:23–25, Hebrews 13:14, Philippians 1:23
15. 15And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.8 cross-references: Genesis 24:6–8, Genesis 12:10, Genesis 32:9–11, Genesis 11:31, Genesis 31:18
16. 16But 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.58 cross-references: Hebrews 13:14, Hebrews 11:10, Philippians 3:20, John 14:2, Hebrews 2:11
17. 17By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,42 cross-references: James 2:21–24, Genesis 22:1–12, Genesis 22:16, Revelation 3:10, 1 Peter 1:6–7
18. 18Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:7 cross-references: Genesis 21:12, Romans 9:7, Genesis 17:19
19. 19Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.22 cross-references: Matthew 9:28, Hebrews 11:11–12, Genesis 22:13, Romans 4:17–21, Ephesians 3:20
20. 20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.10 cross-references: Genesis 27:27–40, Genesis 28:2–3
21. 21By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.10 cross-references: Genesis 47:31 – Genesis 48:1, Genesis 48:5–22
22. 22By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.9 cross-references: Exodus 13:19, Genesis 50:24–25, Joshua 24:32, Acts 7:16
23. 23By 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.21 cross-references: Exodus 1:22, Exodus 1:16, Hebrews 13:6, Matthew 10:28, Exodus 2:2–10
24. 24By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;17 cross-references: Exodus 2:10–11, Acts 7:21–24
25. 25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;42 cross-references: Psalms 84:10, 2 Timothy 2:3–10, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Job 36:21, 1 Peter 4:12–16
26. 26Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.53 cross-references: Hebrews 10:35, Hebrews 11:6, Luke 14:14, Revelation 3:18, Hebrews 2:2
27. 27By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.47 cross-references: 2 Corinthians 4:18, Hebrews 11:13, Exodus 2:14–15, Hebrews 11:1, Exodus 10:28–29
28. 28Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.24 cross-references: Exodus 12:21–30, Hebrews 9:19, Hebrews 12:24, 1 Peter 1:2, Exodus 12:3–14
29. 29By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.28 cross-references: Exodus 14:13 – Exodus 15:21, Psalms 78:13, Psalms 106:9–11, Isaiah 63:11–16, Joshua 2:10
30. 30By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.7 cross-references: Joshua 6:3–20, 2 Corinthians 10:4–5
31. 31By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.21 cross-references: James 2:25, Joshua 6:22–25, Matthew 1:5, Joshua 2:1–24, Matthew 1:1
32. 32And 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:54 cross-references: 1 Samuel 16:1, 1 Samuel 1:20, 1 Samuel 16:13, Judges 11:1–12, Judges 13:1–16
33. 33Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,35 cross-references: Psalms 144:1–2, Hebrews 10:36, Hebrews 6:12–15, Hebrews 11:4–8, 2 Samuel 5:4–25
34. 34Quenched 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.44 cross-references: 2 Kings 6:16–18, 1 Samuel 17:51–52, Judges 15:8, 2 Samuel 10:15–19, Judges 7:19–25
35. 35Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:37 cross-references: 2 Kings 4:27–37, 1 Kings 17:22–24, Philippians 3:11, Acts 9:41, Acts 24:15
36. 36And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:80 cross-references: Jeremiah 20:2, Genesis 39:20, Jeremiah 37:15–21, 2 Chronicles 30:10, Jeremiah 20:7
37. 37They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;46 cross-references: 2 Chronicles 24:21, Jeremiah 26:23, 1 Kings 19:10, 1 Kings 21:13–15, 2 Kings 1:8
38. 38(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.28 cross-references: 1 Kings 18:4, 1 Kings 19:9, 1 Samuel 22:1, Isaiah 57:1, 1 Samuel 24:1–3
39. 39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:24 cross-references: Hebrews 11:13, Luke 10:23–24, Hebrews 11:2, 1 Peter 1:12
40. 40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.20 cross-references: Revelation 6:11, Hebrews 7:19, Hebrews 10:11–14, Hebrews 8:6, Hebrews 9:23

Explained connections

• Abel's better sacrifice Genesis 4:4 and Hebrews 11:4

  God accepts Abel's offering but not Cain's. Hebrews explains the difference as faith, and says Abel still speaks though he is dead — the first name in the 'hall of faith'.

• Noah's faith Genesis 6:9 and Hebrews 11:7

  Noah is called righteous and blameless, a man who walked with God. Hebrews says by faith, warned about things not yet seen, he built the ark, and so condemned the world.

• Abraham went out not knowing where Genesis 12:1 and Hebrews 11:8

  God calls Abram to leave his country for a land he will be shown. Hebrews highlights the faith of setting out without knowing the destination, looking for a city whose builder is God.

• Sarah's faith Genesis 21:2 and Hebrews 11:11

  Sarah bears Isaac in her old age at the time God promised. Hebrews credits her faith: she considered him faithful who had promised.

• Jacob worships, leaning on his staff Genesis 47:31 and Hebrews 11:21

  Dying Jacob bows in worship. Hebrews, following the Greek version, says he worshipped leaning on the top of his staff, and blessed Joseph's sons by faith.

• Joseph's dying instruction Genesis 50:25 and Hebrews 11:22

  Hebrews selects this detail from all of Joseph's life: by faith he spoke of the exodus and gave instructions about his bones. Even dying, he looked forward to God's promise.

• Moses hidden as a baby Exodus 2:2 and Hebrews 11:23

  Moses' mother sees he is a fine child and hides him for three months. Hebrews credits his parents' faith: they were not afraid of the king's command.

• Moses refused to be Pharaoh's grandson Exodus 2:11 and Hebrews 11:24

  Grown up, Moses goes out to his own people and sees their burdens. Hebrews says he chose mistreatment with God's people over the passing pleasures of sin, valuing reproach for Christ above Egypt's treasures.

• Crossing the Red Sea Exodus 14:29 and Hebrews 11:29

  Israel walks through the sea on dry ground while the Egyptians drown. Hebrews counts it as a corporate act of faith.

• The walls of Jericho fell Joshua 6:20 and Hebrews 11:30

  After seven days of marching, Jericho's walls collapse. Hebrews says it happened by faith — a victory won by obeying an unusual command.

• Rahab's faith Joshua 2:1 and Hebrews 11:31

  Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, hides Israel's spies. Hebrews names her among the heroes of faith: she did not perish with the disobedient.

• Gideon's three hundred Judges 7:7 and Hebrews 11:32

  God saves Israel from Midian with only three hundred men so no one can boast. Hebrews lists Gideon among the judges and kings whose time would fail to tell.

• David and Goliath 1 Samuel 17:50 and Hebrews 11:34

  David defeats Goliath with a sling and a stone. Hebrews' summary of heroes who became mighty in war and put armies to flight includes such victories.

• Stopped the mouths of lions Daniel 6:22 and Hebrews 11:33

  God sends his angel to shut the lions' mouths for Daniel. Hebrews alludes to it among the deeds of faith.

• Quenched the violence of fire Daniel 3:27 and Hebrews 11:34

  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego come out of the furnace untouched. Hebrews alludes to them: by faith some quenched the power of fire.

• Offering the son of promise Genesis 21:12 and Hebrews 11:18

  Hebrews quotes the same promise to show the paradox of Abraham's test: God asked him to sacrifice the very son through whom the promise ran. Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead.

• As the stars of heaven Genesis 15:5 and Hebrews 11:12

  God shows Abraham the night sky: so shall your offspring be. Hebrews marvels that from one man, as good as dead, came descendants like the stars and the sand.

• When I see the blood Exodus 12:13 and Hebrews 11:28

  God promises to pass over houses marked with the lamb's blood. Hebrews lists Moses keeping the Passover and sprinkling blood as an act of faith that protected the firstborn.

• Enoch walked with God Genesis 5:24 and Hebrews 11:5

  Enoch walked with God and was taken without dying. Hebrews highlights his faith: he pleased God, a foretaste of victory over death.

Chapters most linked to Hebrews 11

• 1 Peter 123 links
• Acts 717 links
• Hebrews 1017 links
• Hebrews 1217 links
• Genesis 2215 links
• Romans 414 links
• Exodus 1212 links
• Hebrews 612 links
• James 212 links
• Romans 811 links
• Genesis 410 links
• Genesis 1210 links
• Joshua 610 links
• 1 Kings 1710 links
• Galatians 310 links
• Hebrews 710 links

People in Hebrews 11

God, Isaac, Jacob, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Abel, Cain, Enoch, Noah, Sarah, Esau, Pharaoh, Daughter of Pharaoh, Jesus Christ, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel

Places in Hebrews 11

Egypt, Red Sea, Jericho

Hard questions about Hebrews 11

• Has anyone but Jesus gone up to heaven?
• Is a person, such as Abraham or Rahab, justified by faith or by works?
• How could Isaac be Abraham’s “only son”, when Abraham had other sons?
• Was Moses afraid of Pharaoh?
• Does the Bible ever approve of lying?
• Did Abraham know where he was going?
• Did Abraham and his descendants receive the promised land?
• Was Abraham past fathering children when Isaac was born?
• Does everyone die, or did Enoch escape death?
• Did Sarah believe she would conceive?
• Was the kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world, or did Jesus go to prepare a place later?