But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "God is not ashamed to be called their God" is a profound understatement. It means God doesn't just tolerate these faithful ones, but actually glories in them, proudly claiming them as His own because their longing for Him and His heavenly city proves their deep connection to Him. This divine pride is demonstrated by His preparation of a glorious city for them, showing His commitment to fulfilling their ultimate desire.
But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The passage is describing how the faith of biblical heroes like Abraham wasn't just about earthly promises, but a deep yearning for something eternal. Even though they lived as temporary residents in the land God promised them, their hearts were set on a heavenly home. Because of this profound faith and their desire for God's eternal kingdom, God is honored to be called their God and has prepared a lasting city for them.
Have you ever felt like you're just passing through this life, not quite belonging? The patriarchs felt that too, but with an eternal perspective.
The verse highlights a deep yearning, not for a return to their earthly homeland, but for a "better country, that is, a heavenly one." This desire wasn't a fleeting wish, but a profound longing born from faith. It meant they saw their current earthly existence as temporary, a season of sojourning rather than a permanent dwelling. Their eyes were fixed on a heavenly reality, a divine dwelling place prepared for them.
What does it mean for God to 'not be ashamed' of us? It's a powerful testament to His approval of faith.
Because the patriarchs yearned for this heavenly country, God was not ashamed to be called their God. This isn't about God feeling embarrassed; rather, it signifies His deep affirmation and His pride in their faith. It's a reciprocal relationship: they acknowledged Him as their God, and He proudly owned them, even calling Himself the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This divine acknowledgment is rooted in their unwavering trust and their pursuit of a heavenly home.
Imagine God Himself preparing a place for you. This verse reveals the security and permanence of our future home.
The ultimate proof of God's commitment is that "He has prepared for them a city." This isn't just any city; it's a divine, eternal dwelling place, often symbolized as the New Jerusalem. It signifies perfection, security, and community – a place where God Himself resides and reigns. Their earthly homelessness and longing were met by God's provision of an everlasting home, assuring them that their faith was not in vain.
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The faith of the patriarchs wasn't just about a future earthly home in Canaan, but a deep yearning for a heavenly dwelling, a hope that God not only recognized but also confirmed by His own promise to be their God and prepare a city for them.
c. 2165 BC
Abraham called from Ur
God calls Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a land He will show him, initiating Abraham's life as a sojourner.
c. 2000-1800 BC— this verse
Patriarchs live as sojourners
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob live as nomadic or semi-nomadic peoples in Canaan, not owning permanent land except for burial sites, relying on God's promise.
c. 1850 BC
Jacob's family moves to Egypt
Jacob and his family settle in the land of Goshen in Egypt to escape famine, marking a temporary departure from the promised land.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
Moses leads the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, beginning their 40-year journey through the wilderness toward the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Israel enters the Promised Land
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites cross the Jordan River and begin the conquest and division of Canaan.
This passage directly echoes God's promise to Abraham, identifying Himself as 'the God of Abraham' and promising to be God to him and his offspring, reinforcing the covenant relationship mentioned implicitly in Hebrews 11:16.
Philippians 3:20Paul uses similar language, stating our 'citizenship is in heaven,' which directly parallels the 'heavenly country' the patriarchs desired and God prepared for them.
Matthew 22:32Jesus quotes Exodus 3:6 ('I am the God of Abraham...') to prove the resurrection, highlighting that God is 'not the God of the dead, but of the living.' This underscores God's enduring relationship with believers, even after death, as affirmed in Hebrews 11:16.
1 Peter 1:4This verse describes an 'inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,' which perfectly captures the essence of the 'better, heavenly country' and the 'city' God has prepared.
Revelation 21:2The description of the 'holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God' beautifully illustrates the 'city' that God has prepared for those who desire a heavenly country, a fulfillment of the patriarchs' faith.
ellicottHebrews 11:16: "But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city."
(16) They confess themselves but sojourners ( Hebrews 11:13 ), and thus make it plain that they are still seeking their true home (14); and yet, if. they had sought nothing more than an earthly home, there is one already, which was once theirs, and to which they might return (15); hence it is no earthly but a heavenly-country tha…
cambridgeHebrews 11:16: "But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city."
16 . But now ] “But, as the case now is.” they desire ] The word means, “they are yearning for,” “they stretch forth their hands towards.” is not ashamed to be called their God ] Rather, “is not ashamed of them, to be called their God” ( Genesis 28:13 ; Exodus 3:6-15 .) he hath prepared for them a city ] The “inheritance incorrup…
The phrase "God is not ashamed to be called their God" is a profound understatement. It means God doesn't just tolerate these faithful ones, but actually glories in them, proudly claiming them as His own because their longing for Him and His heavenly city proves their deep connection to Him. This divine pride is demonstrated by His preparation of a glorious city for them, showing His commitment to fulfilling their ultimate desire.
The passage is describing how the faith of biblical heroes like Abraham wasn't just about earthly promises, but a deep yearning for something eternal. Even though they lived as temporary residents in the land God promised them, their hearts were set on a heavenly home. Because of this profound faith and their desire for God's eternal kingdom, God is honored to be called their God and has prepared a lasting city for them.
The passage is describing how the faith of biblical heroes like Abraham wasn't just about earthly promises, but a deep yearning for something eternal. Even though they lived as temporary residents in the land God promised them, their hearts were set on a heavenly home. Because of this profound faith and their desire for God's eternal kingdom, God is honored to be called their God and has prepared a lasting city for them.
"But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city." — The phrase "God is not ashamed to be called their God" is a profound understatement. It means God doesn't just tolerate these faithful ones, but actually glories in them, proudly claiming them as…
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Last reviewed October 2026