Hebrews 11:4-31
A more excellent sacrifice ( πλειονα θυσιαν ). Literally, "more sacrifice" (comparative of πολυς, much). For this rather free use of πλειων with the point implied rather than stated see Mt 6:25; Lu 10:31; 12:23; Heb 3:3.Than Cain ( παρα Καιν ). For this use of παρα after comparative see 1:4, 9. For the incident see Ge 4:4.
Through which ( δι' ης ). The sacrifice ( θυσια ).
He had Witness borne to him ( εμαρτυρηθη ). First aorist passive indicative of μαρτυρεω as in verse 2, "he was witnessed to."
That he was righteous ( εινα δικαιος ). Infinitive in indirect discourse after εμαρτυρηθη, personal construction of δικαιος (predicate nominative after εινα ) agreeing with the subject of εμαρτυρηθη (cf. Ro 1:22, εινα σοφο ).
God bearing witness ( μαρτυρουντος του θεου ). Genitive absolute with present active participle of μαρτυρεω.
Through it ( δι' αυτης ). Through his faith (as shown by his sacrifice). Precisely why Abel's sacrifice was better than that of Cain apart from his faith is not shown.
Being dead ( αποθανων ). Second aorist active participle of αποθνησκω, "having died."
Yet speaketh ( ετ λαλε ). Cf. Ge 4:10; Heb 12:24. Speaks still through his faith.
Was translated ( μετετεθη ). First aorist passive indicative of μετατιθημ, old verb to transpose, to change as in 7:12; Ac 7:16.
That he should not see death ( του μη ιδειν θανατον ). Here again του with the infinitive usually expresses purpose, but in this case result is the idea as in Mt 21:23; Ro 1:24; 7:3, etc. (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1002).
He was not found ( ουχ ηυρισκετο ). Imperfect passive of ευρισκω from Ge 5:24. Was still not found.
Translated ( μετεθηκεν ). First aorist active of same verb as μετετεθη just before.
Translation ( μεταθεσεως ). Substantive from the same verb μετατιθημ, used already in 7:12 for change. See also 12:27. Our very word "metathesis."
He hath had witness borne him ( μεμαρτυρητα ). Perfect passive indicative of μαρτυρεω, stands on record still, "he has been testified to."
That he had been well-pleasing unto God ( ευαρεστηκενα τω θεω ). Perfect active infinitive of ευαρεστεω, late compound from ευαρεστος (well-pleasing), in N.T. only in Heb 11:5f.; 13:16. With dative case θεω. Quoted here from Ge 5:22, 24. The word is common of a servant pleasing his master.
Impossible ( αδυνατον ). Strong word as in 6:4, 18. See Ro 8:8 for same idea with αρεσα ( αρεσκω, Ga 1:10).
Must believe ( πιστευσα δε ). Moral necessity to have faith (trust, πιστευω ). This is true in business also (banks, for instance).
That he is ( οτ εστιν ). The very existence of God is a matter of intelligent faith (Ro 1:19ff.) So that men are left without excuse.
He is a rewarder ( μισθαποδοτης γινετα ). Rather, "becomes a rewarder" (present middle indicative of γινομα, not of ειμ ). Only N.T. example of μισθαποδοτης, late and rare double compound (one papyrus example, from μισθος (reward) and αποδιδωμ (to pay back) like μισθαποδοσια (10:35; 11:26).
Seek after ( εκζητουσιν ). That seek out God.
Being warned of God ( χρηματισθεις ). First aorist passive participle of χρηματιζω, old word for oracular or divine communications as already in 8:5 (cf. Mt 2:12, 22, etc.).
Moved with godly fear ( ευλαβηθη ). First aorist passive indicative of ευλαβεομα, old verb from ευλαβης (from ευ and λαβειν, to take hold well or carefully), to show oneself ευλαβης, to act circumspectly or with reverence, here only in N.T. (save Textus Receptus in Ac 23:10), often in LXX.
An ark ( κιβωτον ). Ge 6:15; Mt 24:38. Shaped like a box (cf. Heb 9:4).
Through which ( δι' ης ). Through his faith as shown in building the ark.
The world ( τον κοσμον ). Sinful humanity as in verse 38.
Heir ( κληρονομος ). In 2Pe 2:5 Noah is called "a preacher of righteousness" as here "heir of righteousness." He himself believed his message about the flood. Like Enoch he walked with God (Ge 6:9).
Not knowing whither he went ( μη επισταμενος που ερχετα ). Usual negative μη with a participle (present middle from επισταμα, old and common verb to put the mind on). Present middle indicative ( ερχετα ) preserved in the indirect question after the secondary tense εξηλθεν (went out) from which επισταμενος gets its time. Abraham is a sublime and graphic example of faith. He did not even know where the land was that he was going to receive "as an inheritance" ( εις κληρονομιαν ).
Became a sojourner ( παρωικησεν ). First aorist active indicative of παροικεω, old verb to dwell ( οικεω ) beside ( παρα ), common in LXX, in N.T. only here and Lu 24:18. Called παροικον (sojourner) in Ac 7:6.
In the land of promise ( εις γην της επαγγελιας ). Literally, "land of the promise." The promise made by God to him (Ge 12:7; 13:15; 17:8).
As in a land not his own ( ως αλλοτριαν ). For αλλοτριος (belonging to another) see 9:25; 11:34.
The heirs with him of the same promise ( των συνκληρομενων της επαγγελιας της αυτης ). Late double compound ( συν, κληροσ, νεμομα ), found in Philo, inscriptions and papyri, in N.T. only here, Ro 8:17; Eph 3:6; 1Pe 3:7. "Co-heirs" with Abraham.
He looked for ( εξεδεχετο ). Imperfect middle of εκδεχομα (see on 10:13) picturesque progressive imperfect, his steady and patient waiting in spite of disappointment.
The foundations ( τους θεμελιους ). Not just "tents" ( σκηναις, verse 9). Ahraham set his steady gaze on heaven as his real home, being a mere pilgrim ( παροικος ) on earth.
Builder ( τεχνιτης ). Old word from τεχνη (craft) or trade (Ac 17:29; 18:3), craftsman, artificer, in N.T. only here and Ac 19:24, 38.
Maker ( δημιουργος ). Old word from δημιος (public) and εργον, a worker for the public, artisan, framer, here only in N.T.
To conceive seed ( εις καταβολην σπερματος ). For deposit of seed. See 4:3 for καταβολη.
Past age ( παρα καιρον ηλικιας ). Beyond ( παρα with the accusative) the season of age.
Since she counted him faithful who had promised ( επε πιστον ηγησατο τον επαγγειλαμενον ). Sarah herself ( αυτη--Σαρρα ). Even Sarah, old as she was, believed God who had promised. Hence she received power.
And that as good as dead ( κα ταυτα νενεκρωμενου ). Accusative of general reference ( ταυτα ), sometimes singular as in 1Co 6:8. The perfect passive participle from νεκροω, late verb to make dead, to treat as dead (Ro 4:19), here by hyperbole.
By the sea shore ( παρα το χειλος της θαλασσης ). "Along the lip of the sea" (from Ge 22:17), χειλος here alone in this sense in the N.T.
Innumerable ( αναριθμητος ). Old compound verbal adjective (alpha privative and αριθμεω, to number), here alone in N.T.
In faith ( κατα πιστιν ). Here a break in the routine πιστε (by faith), "according to faith," either for literary variety "or to suggest πιστις as the sphere and standard of their characters" (Moffatt).
These all ( ουτο παντες ). Those in verses 9-12 (Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob).
Not having the promises ( μη κομισαμενο τας επαγγελιας ). First aorist middle participle of κομιζω, to obtain, as in 10:36; 11:39. And yet the author mentions Abraham (6:15) as having obtained the promise. He received the promise of the Messiah, but did not live to see the Messiah come as we have done. It is in this sense that we have "better promises."
Greeted them ( ασπασαμενο ). First aorist middle participle of ασπαζομα, to salute (Mt 5:47). Abraham rejoiced to see Christ's day in the dim distance (Joh 8:56).
Strangers ( ζενο ). Foreigners. "To reside abroad carried with it a certain stigma" (Moffatt). But they "confessed" it (Ge 23:4; 47:9).
Pilgrims ( παρεπιδημο ). Late double compound ( παρα, επι, δημος ), a sojourner from another land, in N.T. only here and 1Pe 1:1; 2:11.
A country of their own ( πατριδα ). Land of the fathers ( πατηρ ), one's native land (Joh 4:44). Cf. our patriotic, patriotism.
Had been mindful ( εμνημονευον )--
would have had ( ειχον αν ). Condition of second class (note αν in conclusion) with the imperfect (not aorist) in both condition and conclusion. So it means: "If they had continued mindful, they would have kept on having (linear action in both cases in past time).
Opportunity to return ( καιρον ανακαμψα ). Old verb ανακαμπτω to bend back, to turn back (Mt 2:12), here first aorist active infinitive. Continual hankering would have found a way. Cf. the Israelites in the wilderness yearning after Egypt.
They desire ( ορεγοντα ). Present middle indicative of ορεγω, old word for stretching out after, yearning after as in 1Ti 3:1.
Their God ( θεος αυτων ). Predicate nominative with the epexegetic infinitive επικαλεισθα (to be called) used with ουκ επαισχυνετα (is not ashamed).
Being tried ( πειραζομενος ). Present passive participle of πειραζω. The test was still going on.
Offered up ( προσενηνοχεν ). Perfect active indicative of προσφερω, the verb so often used in this Epistle. The act was already consummated so far as Abraham was concerned when it was interrupted and it stands on record about him. See Ge 22:1-18.
He that had gladly received the promises ( ο τας επαγγελιας αναδεξαμενος ). Αναδεχομα is old verb to welcome, to entertain, in N.T. only here and Ac 28:7. It seemed the death of his hopes.
Was offering up ( προσεφερεν ). It is the imperfect of an interrupted action like εκαλουν in Lu 1:59.
To whom it was said ( προς ελαληθη ). First aorist passive indicative of λαλεω (Ge 21:12). God's very words were in the heart of Abraham now about Isaac "his only son" ( τον μονογενη. Cf. Lu 7:12).
Accounting ( λογισαμενος ). First aorist middle participle of λογιζομα. Abraham had God's clear command that contravened God's previous promise. This was his solution of his difficult situation.
God is able ( δυνατα ο θεος ). God had given him Isaac in his old age. God can raise him from the dead. It was Abraham's duty to obey God.
In a parable ( εν παραβολη ). See already 9:9 for παραβολη. Because of ( οθεν, whence) Abraham's superb faith Isaac was spared and so he received him back ( εκομισατο ) as almost from the dead. This is the test that Abraham stood of which James speaks (Jas 2:23).
Even concerning things to come ( κα περ μελλοντων ). As told in Ge 27:28-40 when Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau.
Leaning upon the top of his staff ( επ το ακρον της ραβδου αυτου ). From Ge 47:31, but no word for "leaning." The quotation is from the LXX, the Hebrew having "the head of the bed," but the Hebrew word allows either meaning with different vowel points.
When his end was nigh ( τελευτων ). Present active participle of τελευταω, to finish or close (Mt 2:19), "finishing his life."
Of the departure ( περ της εξοδου ). Late compound for way out, exit as here, metaphorically of death as here (Lu 9:31; 2Pe 1:15).
Concerning his bones ( περ των οστεων αυτου ). Uncontracted form as in Mt 23:27.
Was hid ( εκρυβη ). Second aorist passive indicative of κρυπτω, to hide, as in Mt 5:14.
Three months ( τριμηνον ). Old adjective used as neuter substantive in accusative case for extent of time, here only in N.T.
A goodly child ( αστειον το παιδιον ). Literally, "the child was goodly" (predicate adjective). Old adjective from αστυ (city), "of the city" ("citified"), of polished manners, genteel. In N.T. only here and Ac 7:20, about Moses both times. Quoted from Ex 2:2f. The king's commandment ( το διαταγμα του βασιλεως ). Late compound for injunction from διατασσω, only here in the N.T.
When he was grown up ( μεγας γενομενος ). "Having become great" (from Ex 2:11).
Refused ( ηρνεσατο ). First aorist middle indicative of αρνεομα, to deny, to refuse. He was of age and made his choice not from ignorance.
Son ( υιος ). Predicate nominative with λεγεσθα (to be spoken of, present passive infinitive, of λεγω ).
Choosing rather ( μαλλον ελομενος ). "Rather having chosen" (second aorist middle of αιρεω, to take for oneself a position).
To be entreated with ( συνκακουχεισθα ). Present passive infinitive of the double compound συνκακουχεω (from συν, κακοσ, εχω ), to treat ill with (associative instrumental case), only known example save one in the papyri (second century A.D.), though κακουχεω in Heb 11:37; 13:3.
To enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season ( προσκαιρον εχειν αμαρτιας απολαυσιν ). Literally, "to have temporary pleasure of sin." Απολαυσις is old word from απολαυω, to enjoy, in N.T. only here and 1Ti 6:17. Προσκαιρος (from προσ, καιρος ) is a common Koine word as the antithesis to αιωνιος (eternal) as in Mt 13:21; Mr 4:17; 2Co 4:18 (only N.T. examples). To have been disloyal to God's people would have brought enjoyment to Moses in the Egyptian Court for a short while only.
The reproach of Christ ( τον ονειδισμον του Χριστου ). See Ps 89:51 for the language where "the Messiah" ("The Anointed One") is what is meant by του Χριστου, here rightly applied by the writer to Jesus as the Messiah who had his own shame to bear (12:2; 13:12). There is today as then (Heb 13:13) a special reproach ( ονειδισμος, already, 10:33) in being a follower of Jesus Christ. Moses took this obloquy as "greater riches" ( μειζονα πλουτον ) than "the treasures of Egypt" ( των Αιγυπτου θησαυρων, ablative case after comparative μειζονα, for which see Mt 6:19f.). Moses was laying up treasure in heaven.
For he looked unto the recompense of reward ( απεβλεπεν γαρ εις την μισθαποδοσιαν ). In perfect active of αποβλεπω, "for he was looking away (kept on looking away)." For μισθαποδοσια see 10:35.
Not fearing ( μη φοβηθεις ). Negative μη with first aorist passive participle of φοβεω here used transitively with the accusative as in Mt 10:26. Moses did flee from Egypt after slaying the Egyptian (Ex 2:15), but the author omits that slaughter and ignores it as the dominant motive in the flight of Moses. Θυμον (wrath) is common in the N.T. (Lu 4:28), though here only in Hebrews.
He endured ( εκαρτερησεν ). First aorist (constative) active indicative of καρτερεω, old word from καρτερος, strong, here only in N.T. Moses had made his choice before slaying the Egyptian. He stuck to its resolutely.
As seeing him who is invisible ( τον αορατον ως ορων ). This is the secret of his choice and of his loyalty to God and to God's people. This is the secret of loyalty in any minister today who is the interpreter of God to man (2Co 4:16-18).
He kept ( πεποιηκεν ). Perfect active indicative of ποιεω, to make, "he has made," emphasizing the permanent nature of the feast.
The sprinkling of the blood ( την προσχυσιν του αιματος ). Rather, "the pouring of the blood" ( προσχυσις from προσχεω, to pour upon), only here in the N.T. (earliest known example). An allusion to the command in Ex 12:7, 22 but in the LXX προσχεω is the usual term for the act (Ex 24:6; 29:16; Le 1:5, 11; De 16:6).
That the destroyer of the first-born should not touch them ( ινα μη ο ολοθρευων τα πρωτοτοκα θιγη αυτων ). Negative final clause with ινα μη and the second aorist active subjunctive of θιγγανω, old verb to touch with genitive, in the N.T. only here, 12:20; Col 2:21. The articular participle ο ολοθρευων is from Ex 11:23. For πρωτοτοκα see Lu 2:7; Ex 12:29.
Which assaying to do ( ης πιεραν λαβοντες ). Literally, "of which taking trial" (second aorist active participle of λαμβανω, to take). The idiom πειραν λαμβανειν occurs in De 28:56, in N.T. only here and verse 36, though a classical idiom (Demosthenes, etc.).
Were swallowed up ( κατεποθησαν ). First aorist passive indicative of καταπινω, to drink down, to swallow down (Mt 23:24).
Fell down ( επεσαν ). "Fell," second aorist active indicative of πιπτω with first aorist endings as often in the Koine.
After they had been compassed ( κυκλωθεντα ). First aorist passive participle of κυκλοω, old verb to encircle (from κυκλος, circle) as in Ac 14:20. Antecedent action here.
Having received the spies with peace ( δεξαμενη τους κατασκοπους μετ' ειρηνης ). First aorist middle participle of δεχομα, to welcome (Lu 10:8, 10). Κατασκοπος is an old compound ( κατασκοπεω, Ga 2:4), used of scout or spy, in LXX, here only in N.T.
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