Hebrews 11 35

Hebrews 11:35 kjv

Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

Hebrews 11:35 nkjv

Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.

Hebrews 11:35 niv

Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection.

Hebrews 11:35 esv

Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.

Hebrews 11:35 nlt

Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection.

Hebrews 11 verses

Hebrews 11 35 Meaning

Hebrews 11:35 distinguishes two remarkable expressions of faith demonstrated by believers throughout history. The first group, characterized by women, experienced a tangible, immediate form of resurrection, where their loved ones were restored to life on earth. This points to instances of divine intervention that reversed death in this world. The second, and perhaps more profound, expression of faith involves those who faced extreme torture and persecution, consciously refusing any form of escape or deliverance, even when offered. Their unwavering resolve stemmed from a deep-seated hope and conviction that by enduring physical death, they would obtain a "better resurrection"—a future, spiritual, and ultimate glorification that far surpasses any earthly restoration. This verse illuminates the breadth of faith, from experiencing present miracles to enduring ultimate suffering for an eternal promise.

Hebrews 11 35 Context

Hebrews chapter 11, often called the "Hall of Faith," celebrates the exemplary faith of numerous Old Testament figures. The chapter progresses chronologically and thematically, showcasing diverse expressions of faith. Initially, it highlights those who received direct, tangible promises and victories in their earthly lives (e.g., Abraham, Noah, Moses, Joshua). Hebrews 11:35 marks a pivotal transition point in this chapter. Before this verse, the focus is largely on triumphs and blessings obtained through faith (e.g., conquest, miraculous provision, physical rescue). However, starting with verse 35, the emphasis shifts to the profound, yet often agonizing, experiences of faith that involve severe suffering, martyrdom, and apparent earthly loss. This verse introduces a group whose faith did not lead to immediate earthly deliverance but rather compelled them to endure persecution for a future, transcendent reward. It serves to underscore the deep suffering experienced by believers who remained faithful even to death, foreshadowing the persecution that the Hebrew readers of the letter were likely experiencing or would face. The writer uses these historical examples to encourage endurance and steadfastness among his contemporary audience.

Hebrews 11 35 Word analysis

• Women: (Greek: gynaikēs - γυναι̃κες). This refers specifically to females who demonstrated extraordinary faith. The most prominent Old Testament examples are the widow of Zarephath (1 Ki 17) and the Shunammite woman (2 Ki 4), whose deceased sons were brought back to life through the ministry of Elijah and Elisha. Their faith enabled them to witness the reversal of death in a concrete, personal way.
• received their dead by resurrection: (Greek: apelabon tous neKrous autōn ex anastaseōs - ἀπέλαβον τοὺς νεκροὺς αὐτῶν ἐξ ἀναστάσεως).
  • Apelabon (ἀπέλαβον): "received back," implying a restoration to an original state.
  • Nekrous (νεκροὺς): "dead ones."
  • Ex anastaseōs (ἐξ ἀναστάσεως): "out of/by means of resurrection." This indicates a raising from the dead that returned them to earthly, mortal life, not necessarily an eternal, glorified resurrection. It highlights divine power manifested in specific, temporal restorations.
• others: (Greek: alloi - ἄλλοι). This distinct group stands in sharp contrast to the first. They are believers who did not receive earthly deliverance but faced profound suffering. This word clearly delineates two categories of faith, demonstrating that not all faith results in earthly restoration.
• were tortured: (Greek: etympanisthēsan - ἐτυμπανίσθησαν).
  • This is a specific, brutal form of execution. The term refers to being beaten to death or having one's limbs dislocated or broken on a drum-like instrument, often a wheel or stake, which was a common form of Roman and Syrian torture.
  • It indicates severe physical abuse and execution, highlighting the extreme suffering endured for their faith. It can evoke the "tympanum," a form of torture involving a wheel upon which victims were stretched or beaten.
  • This term strongly implies martyrdom.
• not accepting deliverance: (Greek: ou prosdechomenoi apolytrosin - οὐ προσδεχόμενοι ἀπολύτρωσιν).
  • Ou prosdechomenoi (οὐ προσδεχόμενοι): "not accepting," "not welcoming," or "not expecting." It signifies a deliberate and active refusal of release, rescue, or ransom.
  • Apolytrosin (ἀπολύτρωσιν): "deliverance," "redemption," or "release." This refers to an escape from their torment, possibly by renouncing their faith or compromising their convictions. Their refusal was a conscious choice prioritizing their loyalty to God over physical survival. This term, in other contexts, means ultimate redemption (e.g., Rom 8:23), but here, its proximity to torture suggests earthly escape.
• so that they might obtain a better resurrection: (Greek: hina kreittonos anastaseōs tychōsin - ἵνα κρείττονος ἀναστάσεως τύχωσιν).
  • Hina (ἵνα): "so that," indicating purpose or result. Their endurance was motivated by a clear spiritual objective.
  • Kreittonos (κρείττονος): "better," "superior." This word appears frequently in Hebrews to denote the superiority of the new covenant, Christ, and the heavenly realities over their Old Testament counterparts. Here, it signifies a resurrection of an entirely higher order than the temporal earthly resuscitations.
  • Anastaseōs (ἀναστάσεως): "resurrection." Here, it points to the ultimate spiritual and physical resurrection to eternal, glorified life with God, a resurrection into incorruption, honor, and power (1 Cor 15:42-44).
  • Tychōsin (τύχωσιν): "they might obtain" or "they might acquire." This emphasizes the future reward and the ultimate goal for which they suffered.

• Women received their dead by resurrection: This phrase vividly recalls the miraculous interventions in the Old Testament where prophets (Elijah and Elisha) were instrumental in bringing the deceased back to life, allowing sorrowful women to see their sons restored. This speaks to a type of faith that experienced immediate, tangible restoration within this earthly life. It underscores God's power over death even in the Old Covenant era.
• Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance: This presents a radical contrast. While the first group saw restoration, this second group, which likely refers to martyrs from periods like the Maccabean era (e.g., 2 Maccabees 6-7), faced agonizing suffering and death. Their refusal of "deliverance" meant a conscious decision to forego freedom, life, or escape that would have come at the cost of renouncing their faith or compromising their allegiance to God. This signifies a profound commitment, choosing fidelity over fleshly preservation. The nature of "torture" implies an excruciating death.
• So that they might obtain a better resurrection: This crucial clause reveals the motivation behind the martyrs' unwavering resolve. They did not value earthly life or a temporal rescue above the spiritual hope of a "better" resurrection. The "better resurrection" is intrinsically superior to the temporal resurrections mentioned earlier; it refers to the eternal, glorified resurrection of believers to heavenly life, initiated by Christ's own resurrection. It underscores that their ultimate hope was not in this transient world but in the eternal reward and spiritual destiny promised by God, an eternal dwelling with God.

Hebrews 11 35 Bonus section

The "better resurrection" implies a deep understanding of eternal life and glorification, a theological development often attributed to the post-exilic Jewish period and significantly clarified by Jesus's teachings. The implied examples, especially those "tortured," strongly echo accounts from 2 Maccabees 6 and 7, which describe incredible martyrdoms under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, where Jewish faithful endured extreme cruelty, including dismemberment and burning alive, explicitly stating their hope for resurrection and eternal life as their motivation. This provides a clear historical backdrop for the types of suffering and the spiritual motivations of those "others" mentioned. The contrast between immediate gratification (earthly resurrection) and delayed but infinitely superior eternal reward (better resurrection) serves as a potent encouragement to endure persecution, highlighting the supreme value placed on faithfulness leading to ultimate glorification over transient earthly life or comfort.

Hebrews 11 35 Commentary

Hebrews 11:35 showcases two distinct facets of faith, yet both are deeply rooted in God's power over death. The initial part highlights miraculous earthly resurrections, providing comfort and testimony to God's immediate restorative power in this life. This offers hope in present adversities. The latter, however, points to a more challenging and profound form of faith: enduring unspeakable torture and choosing death rather than compromise. This choice was not born of despair but of an informed and passionate conviction in a future, "better" resurrection—a permanent, glorious resurrection into eternal life with God, far superior to a mere temporal return to life. The examples in this verse serve to fortify believers, reminding them that faith does not always bring earthly escape or comfort, but it consistently leads to eternal glory and a victorious future in Christ, no matter the cost in the present. It redefines victory, from immediate rescue to ultimate, eternal reward.