And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author deliberately jumbles the order of these heroes—judges, king, prophets—not to confuse us, but to show that God's work of faith isn't confined to neat timelines or perfect lives, but bursts forth unexpectedly in the midst of imperfect people. It’s a powerful reminder that God’s story of faith is richer and more varied than we might initially assume.
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author has been recounting examples of faith from the Old Testament, starting with Abel and moving through patriarchs like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, then Moses. To keep the list from becoming exhaustive and overwhelming, the author shifts gears, listing more heroes of faith without detailing their individual stories, highlighting how their collective lives underscore the power of unwavering belief. This verse marks the beginning of a more generalized summary of faith's impact, moving from individual accounts to broader categories of God's faithful people.
Ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of people in the Bible who lived by faith? This verse offers a powerful perspective on that.
The author of Hebrews doesn't just list a few names; he throws out an entire constellation of faith-filled individuals. But notice something interesting: the list isn't chronological (Barak before Gideon, Samuel before David). It's not even a complete list! The author exclaims, 'For time would fail me to tell...' This isn't just a literary flourish; it's a profound statement about the vastness of God's work through His people. He could keep naming names, generation after generation, and still not cover everyone who lived by faith. It highlights that faith isn't limited to a select few superstars, but is the thread woven through countless lives.
Think about it:
Each name is a doorway to incredible stories of trusting God against all reason.
What do flawed heroes like Samson and Jephthah have in common with David and Samuel?
It can be easy to look at the heroes of faith and think they were flawless. But the author of Hebrews, while celebrating their faith, doesn't ignore their struggles. Figures like Samson and Jephthah, in particular, had lives marked by significant failures and questionable decisions. Samson’s impulsiveness and weakness with women, and Jephthah’s rash vow and its tragic consequences, are hard to overlook.
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Yet, they are listed here! Why? Because the author is focused on their faith. Their trust in God, even when imperfect, is what earns them a place in this hall of fame. This is incredibly encouraging. It means that God doesn't discard us because of our mistakes or our 'halting' faith. He commends us not for our perfection, but for our commitment to trusting Him, even when we stumble. The key isn't to have perfect faith, but to have faith in the Perfect One.
The author lists a series of Israel's heroes, not in strict chronological order, but to emphasize the vast sweep of faithfulness across different eras and leadership roles – judges, kings, and prophets.
c. 13th Century BC
Period of the Judges
Following the conquest of Canaan, Israel entered a period where they were often oppressed by surrounding nations. Leaders called 'judges' arose to deliver them.
c. 1125-1075 BC
Samson's Ministry
Samson, a judge known for his incredible strength, fought against the Philistines. His life was marked by both great faith and personal failings.
c. 1100 BC
Jephthah's Vow and Victory
Jephthah, another judge, made a rash vow to God before a battle, which led to a tragic sacrifice. He led Israel to victory against the Ammonites.
c. 1100 BC
Gideon's Victory
Gideon, a judge, miraculously defeated the vast Midianite army with only 300 men, demonstrating extraordinary faith.
c. 1100 BC
Barak and Deborah
Barak, a military leader, alongside the prophetess Deborah, led Israel to victory against the Canaanites.
c. 1075-1000 BC
Samuel's Ministry
Samuel, the last of the judges and a prominent prophet, anointed both Saul and David as kings, marking a transition in Israel's governance.
c. 1000 BC
David's Reign
David, a key figure in Israel's history, became king and established Jerusalem as the capital. His life is a testament to faith, repentance, and God's covenant.
This passage details Gideon's call and his initial doubts, highlighting how even prominent figures in Hebrews 11 grappled with fear and imperfection before acting in faith.
Judges 11:1-7Here we see Jephthah's background as an outcast before becoming a leader, mirroring the theme of God using unlikely individuals through faith, as presented in the chapter.
1 Samuel 16:1-13This narrative shows Samuel, the prophet and judge, anointing David as king. It connects David's rise to divine appointment, underscoring the role of faith in leadership and national destiny.
Acts 3:22-24Peter directly references Samuel and the prophets who foretold the coming of Christ, linking the Old Testament figures to the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus.
Romans 15:4This verse explains that the Old Testament scriptures, including the stories of these heroes, were written to provide instruction and hope through faith, directly aligning with the purpose of Hebrews 11.
vincentHebrews 11:32: "And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:"
To tell (διηγούμενον)Lit. the time will fail me telling: if I tell. See on Mark 9:9, and comp. Mark 5:16; Luke 8:39; Luke 9:10; Acts 9:27, and διήγησις narrative (A.V. declaration), Luke 1:1. Gideon, etc. These names of the four judges are not enumerated in chronological order. Samuel is closely connected with D…
meyerHebrews 11:32: "And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:"
Hebrews 11:32 . Καὶ τί ἔτι λέγω ;] And to what end do I still speak? i.e. what need is there yet, after that which has already been mentioned, of a further description in detail? and what end can it serve, since, considering the abundance of the historic material, an exhaustive presentation is surely impossible? λ…
The author deliberately jumbles the order of these heroes—judges, king, prophets—not to confuse us, but to show that God's work of faith isn't confined to neat timelines or perfect lives, but bursts forth unexpectedly in the midst of imperfect people. It’s a powerful reminder that God’s story of faith is richer and more varied than we might initially assume.
The author has been recounting examples of faith from the Old Testament, starting with Abel and moving through patriarchs like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, then Moses. To keep the list from becoming exhaustive and overwhelming, the author shifts gears, listing more heroes of faith without detailing their individual stories, highlighting how their collective lives underscore the power of unwavering belief. This verse marks the beginning of a more generalized summary of faith's impact, moving from individual accounts to broader categories of God's faithful people.
The author has been recounting examples of faith from the Old Testament, starting with Abel and moving through patriarchs like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, then Moses. To keep the list from becoming exhaustive and overwhelming, the author shifts gears, listing more heroes of faith without detailing their individual stories, highlighting how their collective lives underscore the power of unwavering belief. This verse marks the beginning of a more generalized summary of faith's impact, moving from individual accounts to broader categories of God's faithful people.
"And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—" — The author deliberately jumbles the order of these heroes—judges, king, prophets—not to confuse us, but to show that God's work of faith isn't confined to neat timelines or perfect lives, but bursts…
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Last reviewed October 2026