Hebrews 11:39-40 ESV

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Hebrews 11:40

40. provided—with divine forethought from eternity (compare Genesis 22:8; Genesis 22:14). some better thing for us— (Hebrews 7:19); than they had here. They had not in this world, "apart from us" (so the Greek is for "without us," that is, they had to wait for us for), the clear revelation of the promised salvation actually accomplished, as we now have it in Christ; in their state, beyond the grave their souls also seem to have attained an increase of heavenly bliss on the death and ascension... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hebrews 11:32-40

4. Faith in subsequent eras 11:32-40 read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hebrews 11:39-40

Those faithful believers who died in Old Testament times have not yet entered into their inheritances. This awaits the future, probably the Second Coming when Christ will judge Old Testament saints (Daniel 12:1-2; cf. Isaiah 26:19). We will have some part in their reward. We will do so at least as Christ’s companions who will witness their award ceremony. Their perfection refers to their entering into their final rest (inheritance) and rests, as ours does, on the sacrificial death of Christ... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 11:1-40

Heroes of FaithThe Achievements of Faith, illustrated from the annals of Israel, beginning with the patriarchs and coming down to the martyrs. The writer has already mentioned faith as a necessary condition of a righteous life, and he now proceeds to illustrate the fact that it was by faith that the fathers of the race were able to work righteousness and to endure their trials. Their heroic example ought to encourage the Hebrews to stand fast. The primary purpose, therefore, of this long... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Hebrews 11:39

(39) Having obtained a good report.—Now that the history is concluded the word of Hebrews 11:2 is resumed. That in such a faith as was described in Hebrews 11:1 “the elders” received their witness from God, the records themselves have shown; yet “these all, having had witness borne to them through their faith, received not the promise,” i.e., the promised blessing. There are three passages of the Epistle which must be kept together—Hebrews 6:15, “And so, having patiently waited, he (Abraham)... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Hebrews 11:40

(40) For us.—Rather, concerning us, that without (or, apart from) us they should not be made perfect. “Some better thing”—better than they had received (Matthew 13:17; 1 Peter 1:10-11). The design of God was that they and we may be perfected together; first in the joint reception of mature knowledge and privilege through the High-priestly work of the Lord Jesus (comp. Ephesians 3:10; 1 Peter 1:12); and then that we with them may, when the end shall come, “have our perfect consummation and bliss... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Hebrews 11:1-40

The Beginning of Faith Hebrews 11:1 As we hear these words we seem to penetrate down through all the differences and distinctions of outward forms and ceremonies to that which lies at the very root and foundation of religion the sense that beyond and behind the visible there is an invisible; that all that we see is but a reflection, a broken image of an unseen Divine ideal; that all around us and above us and within us there are mighty agencies ever working, regulating, creating, controlling... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Hebrews 11:20-40

CHAPTER XIII.A CLOUD OF WITNESSES."By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Hebrews 11:1-40

IV. PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS AND EXHORTATIONS CHAPTER 11 1. Faith in regard to creation and salvation (Hebrews 11:1-7 ) 2. The patience of faith (Hebrews 11:8-22 ) 3. The energy of faith (Hebrews 11:23-40 ) Hebrews 11:1-7 The disastrous effect of unbelief has been pointed out in the earlier part of this epistle (Hebrews 3:12 ; Hebrews 3:19 ; Hebrews 4:2 ) as well as the necessity of faith. After the great theme of the epistle, the sacrificial work and priesthood of Christ had been fully... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Hebrews 11:39

11:39 {16} And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received {y} not the promise:(16) An amplification taken from the circumstance of the time: their faith is so much the more to be marvelled at, by how much the promises of things to come were more dark, yet at length were indeed exhibited to us, so that their faith and ours is as one, as is also their consecration and ours.(y) But saw Christ afar off. read more