Hebrews 11 2

Hebrews 11:2 kjv

For by it the elders obtained a good report.

Hebrews 11:2 nkjv

For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

Hebrews 11:2 niv

This is what the ancients were commended for.

Hebrews 11:2 esv

For by it the people of old received their commendation.

Hebrews 11:2 nlt

Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.

Hebrews 11 verses

Hebrews 11 2 Meaning

Hebrews 11:2 declares that by faith, the revered figures of ancient times, the Old Testament patriarchs and prophets, received a divine commendation. This verse explains the immediate relevance of the definition of faith given in Hebrews 11:1, establishing that this active trust in God was the very principle through which God acknowledged and approved of their lives. It was not their own works or accomplishments in themselves that garnered this approval, but rather their genuine belief and reliance on God.

Hebrews 11 2 Context

Hebrews 11 is famously known as the "Hall of Faith" chapter. Verse 2 immediately follows the foundational definition of faith in verse 1 ("Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."). Having defined what faith is, verse 2 swiftly pivots to demonstrate its power and proven efficacy throughout history. It serves as the bridge between the theological definition and the extensive list of examples that follow (beginning in verse 3 with creation). The immediate historical context for the original audience, who were Jewish Christians facing persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism, underscored the enduring validity and necessity of faith, exemplified by their own revered ancestors who also walked by faith, enduring trials, and looking forward to God's promises. This verse sets the stage for demonstrating that God has always interacted with humanity on the basis of faith, affirming that it is not a new or temporary Christian innovation but the foundational principle of pleasing Him across all dispensations.

Hebrews 11 2 Word analysis

• For (γὰρ - gar): This conjunction acts as an explanatory or causal link. It means "for," "because," or "indeed." It ties directly into the previous verse (Heb 11:1), explaining why the definition of faith is crucial—because it's the very means by which the ancients pleased God.
• by it (ἐν ταύτῃ - en tautē): Literally "in this" or "by means of this." The pronoun "this" refers back directly to "faith" (πίστις - pistis) from Hebrews 11:1. It emphasizes faith as the active instrument or means through which something was accomplished or received. Faith is not merely a belief system but the operative principle.
• the elders (οἱ πρεσβύτεροι - hoi presbyteroi): This term refers to "the old ones," "the ancients," "the forefathers," or "those of old." It is not specifically referring to a church office here but to the venerated individuals from the Old Testament epoch whose stories are well-known to the Jewish audience, such as Abraham, Noah, Sarah, Moses, etc. It speaks to a long lineage of believers who precede and model faith.
• obtained a good testimony (ἐμαρτυρήθησαν καλὴν μαρτυρίαν - emartyrēthēsan kalēn martyrian):
  • ἐμαρτυρήθησαν (emartyrēthēsan): This is the aorist passive indicative of the verb μαρτυρέω (martyreō), meaning "to bear witness," "to testify," or "to be well-attested." The crucial passive voice indicates that the testimony or commendation was given to them or received by them, rather than something they generated for themselves. It implies a divine witness or declaration from God about them. They "were testified about" or "were given a good witness."
  • καλὴν (kalēn): Meaning "good," "excellent," "honorable," "praiseworthy," or "admirable." This modifies "testimony," signifying that the witness they received was of high quality, favorable, and acceptable to God.
  • μαρτυρίαν (martyrian): Meaning "testimony," "witness," or "report." It implies a formal and authoritative declaration. This is not simply a human opinion but a divine acknowledgment of their faith-filled lives.
• Word Group Analysis:
  • "For by it": This phrase directly connects the definition of faith to its historical application, stressing faith as the indispensable foundation. It highlights the instrumental nature of faith in achieving divine approval.
  • "the elders obtained a good testimony": This phrase emphasizes that God Himself was the one who bore witness to these ancient believers. Their lives, lived in faith, were validated and commended by Him. This divine approval (the "good testimony") is the desired outcome for those who live by faith. It’s a divine stamp of approval that sets the stage for understanding how each of the subsequent individuals (Abel, Noah, Abraham, etc.) demonstrated this principle and received God’s favor.

Hebrews 11 2 Bonus section

The "good testimony" mentioned here from God Himself implies more than just verbal approval; it signifies an enduring witness to their faithfulness that serves as an example for subsequent generations. The very presence of their stories in Scripture is part of this "good testimony." This concept anticipates Hebrews 12:1's "cloud of witnesses," as these same elders become a powerful spiritual encouragement, watching over (or testifying to) believers of all ages to persevere in faith. The passive voice ("they were attested") strongly underlines that the initiative for commendation comes solely from God, contrasting with human attempts at self-justification or seeking commendation from men.

Hebrews 11 2 Commentary

Hebrews 11:2 acts as the crucial link between the definition of faith and the demonstration of faith throughout redemptive history. It makes clear that the Old Testament saints were commended not because of their moral perfection or ceremonial observances, but because of their active faith in God. This "good testimony" (a divine commendation) reveals that God acknowledges and validates those who trust Him, regardless of the specific circumstances of their era. This verse counters the notion that God's way of relating to humanity changed fundamentally, asserting instead a consistent principle of divine interaction centered on faith. It served as a powerful encouragement to the wavering Jewish believers in the original audience, reminding them that their ancestors, whom they deeply respected, lived by the same principle of faith in God's unseen promises and future realities. Their trials were not new, and the pathway to God's favor (faith) remained constant. This verse underpins the entire "Hall of Faith," setting the stage for understanding why God honored each subsequent individual, attributing it entirely to their active belief and reliance on Him.

Examples:

• Abel, by faith, offered a more acceptable sacrifice (Heb 11:4), not by the animal itself, but the heart behind it.
• Noah, by faith, built an ark (Heb 11:7), acting on an unseen future command.
• Abraham, by faith, left his homeland (Heb 11:8), trusting God's promise without seeing its fulfillment.