Hebrews 11:2
For by it the people of old received their commendation.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Hebrews 11:2
For by it the people of old received their commendation.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse emphasizes that "the elders obtained a good report" not just because of their faith, but in the sphere and exercise of it. This means their actions, fueled by faith, were what God and Scripture bore witness to, not just an internal belief. It's a powerful reminder that our faith finds its true expression and validation when it leads us to live and act.
The author has just defined faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen. This verse serves to validate that definition by explaining that this very faith was the characteristic that earned the commendation of the Old Testament saints. The rest of chapter 11 then unfolds as a list of examples from antiquity, demonstrating how their faith, in its various expressions, led to God bearing witness to them and their lives.
Ever wonder what truly impresses God? The elders of old weren't commended for perfect performance, but for something deeper. This verse reveals what that is.
Hebrews 11:2 tells us that 'by it the people of old received their commendation.' The 'it' here refers directly back to faith, as defined in the previous verse: 'the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.'
God's Standard
This means God's primary standard for us isn't our flawless execution of tasks, but our reliance on Him. The commendation (or 'good report') they received wasn't just a pat on the back; it was God bearing witness to their character and actions, a testament to their trust in Him even when circumstances were unclear.
A Legacy of Trust
These weren't just random individuals; they were the 'elders' – the patriarchs and foundational figures of Israel's history. Their lives, as the chapter will unfold, were marked by obedience, perseverance, and hope, all stemming from their foundational faith. Their 'good report' is the historical record of God's affirmation of their faithfulness.
We often strive to build our own reputation. But what if the most valuable commendation comes not from ourselves or others, but from God?
The phrase 'obtained a good report' (or 'were witnessed of') is crucial. It signifies that the commendation came from God. It wasn't self-generated praise or even solely human admiration; it was divine affirmation.
God as Witness
Think of it like this: God Himself looked at the lives of these individuals and bore witness to the quality of their faith. This testimony was recorded in Scripture and serves as a powerful endorsement.
More Than Just Praise
This divine testimony wasn't merely positive feedback. It signified God's acceptance, His favor, and His approval of their choices, which were rooted in faith. It meant their lives, despite imperfections, were pleasing to Him because of their underlying trust.
Understand the original words
martyreo · Greek Verb
An official witness, approval, or good report given by God regarding someone’s character or actions.
This verse looks back to the entire sweep of Old Testament history, highlighting that 'the elders'—the faithful men and women of God throughout the ages—received God's approval not through perfect adherence to the Law, but through their unwavering trust in God's promises and His character.
~2000 BC
Abraham's Call and Journeys
God calls Abraham from Ur to journey to an unknown land, promising him descendants and blessings. Abraham's faith is demonstrated through his obedience to these commands.
~1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
Under Moses' leadership, the Israelites are delivered from slavery in Egypt through God's mighty acts. This event serves as a foundational example of God's faithfulness and power.
c. 1000 BC
David's Reign and Covenant
King David establishes Jerusalem as the capital and is known for his faith and repentance, though not without sin. God promises him an everlasting dynasty.
c. 750 BC - 550 BC
Prophetic Ministry in Israel
Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel speak God's word to a disobedient people, calling them to repentance and warning of judgment, while also promising future hope.
This verse immediately follows, showing Abel's faith as the specific example of how the 'elders' obtained their good report, directly illustrating the principle stated in verse 2.
Romans 1:20It highlights that God's invisible attributes are made known through creation, connecting to the idea that faith allows understanding of unseen realities, a theme foundational to the 'good report' of the elders.
Hebrews 12:1This passage directly references the 'elders' and 'witnesses' from Hebrews 11, showing that their faith provides an inspiring example for believers today, reinforcing the idea that their commendation still speaks.
Galatians 3:9It states that those who belong to faith are blessed with Abraham, showing that faith, not lineage, is the basis for being counted among God's commended people, echoing the commendation of the 'elders'.
ellicottHebrews 11:2: "For by it the elders obtained a good report."
(2) For by it .—Better, For therein the elders had witness borne to them. The connection seems to be this: Faith truly accomplishes all this; for it was in the exercise of such a faith that the elders gained the witness which the Scripture bears (see Hebrews 11:4-5 ; Hebrews 11:39 ) to them and to their noble deeds. This verse, then, is added to confirm the first.
vincentHebrews 11:2: "For by it the elders obtained a good report."
For by it (ἐν ταύτῃ γὰρ)Lit. for in this. Rend. therein: in the sphere and exercise of faith: as believers. Comp. 1 Timothy 5:10. For introduces a proof of the preceding statement concerning the nature of faith. Faith has power to see and realize the unseen, for the experience of the fathers proves it.The elders obtained a good report (ἐμαρτυρηθήσαν οἱ πρεσβύτεροι)The elders for the more common the fathers: the saints of the O…
The verse emphasizes that "the elders obtained a good report" not just because of their faith, but in the sphere and exercise of it. This means their actions, fueled by faith, were what God and Scripture bore witness to, not just an internal belief. It's a powerful reminder that our faith finds its true expression and validation when it leads us to live and act.
The author has just defined faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen. This verse serves to validate that definition by explaining that this very faith was the characteristic that earned the commendation of the Old Testament saints. The rest of chapter 11 then unfolds as a list of examples from antiquity, demonstrating how their faith, in its various expressions, led to God bearing witness to them and their lives.
The author has just defined faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen. This verse serves to validate that definition by explaining that this very faith was the characteristic that earned the commendation of the Old Testament saints. The rest of chapter 11 then unfolds as a list of examples from antiquity, demonstrating how their faith, in its various expressions, led to God bearing witness to them and their lives.
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586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem
The Babylonians conquer Judah and destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, leading to the exile of many Israelites. This event marks a severe judgment for their unfaithfulness.
c. 400 BC
Malachi's Warning
The last of the Old Testament prophets, Malachi, rebukes the people and priests for their corrupt worship and lack of reverence, calling them back to faithfulness.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry, Death, and Resurrection
Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, lives, teaches, dies, and rises again, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and establishing a new covenant based on faith in Him.
"For by it the people of old received their commendation." — The verse emphasizes that "the elders obtained a good report" not just because of their faith, but in the sphere and exercise of it. This means their actions, fueled by faith, were what God and S…