Hebrews 11 14

Hebrews 11:14 kjv

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

Hebrews 11:14 nkjv

For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.

Hebrews 11:14 niv

People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.

Hebrews 11:14 esv

For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.

Hebrews 11:14 nlt

Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own.

Hebrews 11 verses

Hebrews 11 14 Meaning

This verse declares that the actions and statements of those who live by faith (like the patriarchs) clearly reveal their ultimate desire is not for a temporary, earthly dwelling, but for a true, eternal spiritual homeland with God. It signifies a life perspective driven by heavenly aspirations rather than solely focusing on present worldly circumstances or possessions.

Hebrews 11 14 Context

Hebrews chapter 11, often called the "Hall of Faith," details how faith is demonstrated through the lives of various Old Testament figures, showcasing its enduring nature across generations. Verse 14 serves as an interpretive key, explaining why the patriarchs (specifically alluded to from verse 13, including Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) and others mentioned previously, acted as they did. Having stated that they "confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth" (v.13) and "died in faith, without receiving the promises" (v.13), verse 14 clarifies that this confession was not merely acknowledging a nomadic lifestyle, but openly revealing their deep desire for an ultimate, true homeland—one distinct from any earthly country, which verse 16 will identify as "a better country, that is, a heavenly one." This theological argument served to encourage Jewish Christians who might be tempted to abandon their faith due to persecution, reminding them that their faithful ancestors also endured hardship and earthly displacement by fixing their hope on an eternal, unseen reality.

Hebrews 11 14 Word analysis

• For (Greek: γάρ, gar): A conjunction acting as an explanatory "because" or "indeed." It introduces the reason or basis for the preceding statement, clarifying why those described in verse 13 spoke and acted as they did. It bridges their confession to their underlying desire.
• those who speak thus (Greek: οἱ γὰρ τοιαῦτα λέγοντες, hoi gar toiauta legontes): Refers directly to the "strangers and exiles on the earth" confession mentioned in Hebrews 11:13. This phrase encapsulates not just their verbal declaration but also their life choices and itinerant lifestyle which demonstrated this identity. It speaks of a consistent attitude and conduct that manifests an inner conviction.
• make it clear (Greek: ἐμφανίζουσιν, emphanizousin): From the verb emphanizo, meaning "to make manifest," "to show plainly," "to declare openly." This signifies that their confession and way of life are not ambiguous but undeniably reveal their true desire. It implies a clear, public, and unmistakable demonstration.
• that they are seeking (Greek: ὅτι πατρίδα ἐπιζητοῦσιν, hoti patrida epizeitōsin):
  • seeking (Greek: ἐπιζητοῦσιν, epizeitōsin): This is a strong form of the verb "to seek" (zēteō), meaning "to seek earnestly," "to search diligently for," or "to crave." It denotes an active, sustained, and intense longing, a passionate pursuit, not a passive wish. It conveys a deep internal orientation towards their ultimate goal.
  • a homeland (Greek: πατρίδα, patrida): From patris, referring to one's native land, ancestral home, or fatherland. In this context, it contrasts with their current temporary status. It speaks of a place of belonging, rest, and origin. By using this term, the author emphasizes that their desire is for a true home, beyond what this world can offer.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "For those who speak thus make it clear": This phrase highlights the powerful correlation between confession (what they "speak thus" i.e., "strangers and exiles") and clear evidence ("make it clear"). Their declaration and their very lives served as tangible proof of an underlying reality, making their spiritual ambition unmistakable to any observer.
• "that they are seeking a homeland": This identifies the precise object of their earnest search and deep desire. The "homeland" they seek is not merely a physical place but embodies their deepest sense of belonging and ultimate destination. It reveals their intrinsic values and eternal hope that transcended the limitations and impermanence of earthly life and promises.

Hebrews 11 14 Bonus section

The concept of "homeland" (πατρίς) here carries profound theological weight. In the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), patris is often used for one's literal hometown or ancestral land. However, within Hebrews 11, the author elevates this earthly concept to a heavenly dimension. This indicates a conscious theological shift, teaching that the promises associated with a physical land in the Old Covenant find their true and ultimate fulfillment in a spiritual, eternal reality with God. This verse subtly contrasts the physical inheritance of Canaan with the transcendent, eternal inheritance available through Christ, effectively arguing that even the patriarchs, recipients of the land promise, understood the spiritual reality to be greater than the literal fulfillment. They longed not for the land of Canaan as their ultimate destination, but for the God of the promise and the "city whose builder and maker is God" (Heb 11:10), a truly eternal dwelling place.

Hebrews 11 14 Commentary

Hebrews 11:14 acts as an exegetical bridge, interpreting the confession of the patriarchs found in the preceding verse. Their declaration of being "strangers and exiles on the earth" was not a statement of mere resignation or physical displacement; rather, it was a profound testament to their faith-filled gaze towards an ultimate reality. By openly speaking "thus," through both their words and their nomadic, non-settled existence, they unmistakably manifested their true desire: not to find comfort or permanence in any earthly region, but to relentlessly pursue and belong to a deeper, more permanent "homeland." This spiritual homeland represents not just a geographical place, but a state of eternal dwelling and fellowship with God, a reality that exceeded the earthly promised land. Their pilgrim journey underscored that their true identity and inheritance lay beyond the visible world. This verse provides powerful encouragement for the beleaguered Jewish believers to whom Hebrews was written, asserting that their transient experience on earth, marked by potential persecution or material lack, was a shared characteristic with the greatest heroes of faith who also lived with their hopes set on a heavenly, future country, patiently awaiting God's ultimate fulfillment.

Examples:

• A refugee faithfully serves God while longing for permanent peace and belonging, embodying this verse.
• Missionaries sacrificing worldly comfort for spiritual fruit, reflecting their heavenly citizenship.
• Believers enduring present hardship, not clinging to fleeting worldly success, but holding fast to the hope of eternal life and rewards with Christ.