By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse subtly highlights that our understanding of creation isn't a matter of scientific deduction, but a profound act of faith. It points out that the visible universe wasn't made from pre-existing physical stuff, emphasizing that true comprehension of God's creative power comes through believing His Word, not just observing what appears.
By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse serves as a foundational example of faith, setting the stage for the rest of chapter 11. Before diving into specific individuals who demonstrated faith, the author first establishes that our very understanding of the universe's origin—that God created everything from nothing by His spoken word—is an act of faith itself, not something we could deduce through observation alone. This highlights how faith is essential for comprehending God’s foundational work, even before we look at historical figures.
How can we 'understand' something we can't see, touch, or measure? This verse reveals that faith isn't just about believing in God, but about believing what God says.
Hebrews 11:3 kicks off the 'Hall of Faith' by pointing to the ultimate act of faith: understanding creation. The text emphasizes that our knowledge of the universe's origin isn't based on scientific observation or philosophical reasoning, but solely on God's Word.
Did God create the universe because He had to, or because He wanted to? This verse hints at a divine purpose behind His creative command.
The way this verse is phrased, particularly the clause 'so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible,' isn't just a statement about the of creation, but also about its fundamental nature and purpose.
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Understand the original words
aion · Greek Noun
The totality of created things; the orderly arrangement of the cosmos brought into existence by the direct act of God.
rhema · Greek Noun
The divine utterance or decree; the powerful, active agent by which God brings His will into historical reality and existence.
This passage directly describes the creation of the universe by God's word, underscoring the foundational truth that the seen world originated from God's command, not pre-existing visible matter, which is the core idea in Hebrews 11:3.
Psalm 33:6-9This psalm beautifully echoes Hebrews 11:3 by stating that the heavens were made by the word of the LORD and all their host by the breath of His mouth, emphasizing the power of God's spoken word in creation.
John 1:1-3This passage identifies Jesus Christ, the Word, as the agent through whom all things were made, providing a New Testament perspective on the 'word of God' mentioned in Hebrews 11:3 as the creative force.
Romans 1:20This verse explains that God's invisible attributes are clearly perceived through what has been made, connecting to Hebrews 11:3's idea that understanding creation requires faith to grasp the unseen power behind the visible world.
2 Peter 3:5This verse speaks of the heavens and earth being formed 'by the word of the Lord' out of water and by water, reinforcing the concept from Hebrews 11:3 that creation was an act of God's command, not from observable, pre-existing elements.
cambridgeHebrews 11:3: "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."
3 . Through faith ] In this chapter we find fifteen special instances of the work of faith, besides the summary enumeration in the 32nd and following verses. we understand ] ‘we apprehend with the reason’. See Romans 1:20 . that the worlds were framed ] The word for “worlds” means literally ages ( Hebrews 1:2 ), i.e. the world regarde…
barnesHebrews 11:3: "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed - The first instance of the strength of faith which the apostle refers to is that by which we give credence to the declarations in the Scriptures about the work of creation; Genesis 1:1 . This is selected first, evidently because it is the first thing that occurs in the Bible, or…
This verse subtly highlights that our understanding of creation isn't a matter of scientific deduction, but a profound act of faith. It points out that the visible universe wasn't made from pre-existing physical stuff, emphasizing that true comprehension of God's creative power comes through believing His Word, not just observing what appears.
This verse serves as a foundational example of faith, setting the stage for the rest of chapter 11. Before diving into specific individuals who demonstrated faith, the author first establishes that our very understanding of the universe's origin—that God created everything from nothing by His spoken word—is an act of faith itself, not something we could deduce through observation alone. This highlights how faith is essential for comprehending God’s foundational work, even before we look at historical figures.
This verse serves as a foundational example of faith, setting the stage for the rest of chapter 11. Before diving into specific individuals who demonstrated faith, the author first establishes that our very understanding of the universe's origin—that God created everything from nothing by His spoken word—is an act of faith itself, not something we could deduce through observation alone. This highlights how faith is essential for comprehending God’s foundational work, even before we look at historical figures.
"By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible." — This verse subtly highlights that our understanding of creation isn't a matter of scientific deduction, but a profound act of faith. It points out that the visible universe wasn't made from pre-exist…
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Last reviewed October 2026