Hebrews 11:35
Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse contrasts two kinds of faith responses: miraculous recovery and steadfast endurance. While women received their children back through resurrection, others endured torture, refusing a present deliverance because they were looking forward to a resurrection that was better than mere earthly restoration.
The author is transitioning from examples of faith leading to victory and deliverance to those facing intense suffering and death. This verse highlights two groups: women who saw their children resurrected to earthly life, and others, likely martyrs, who endured torture rather than compromise their faith, all in pursuit of a more glorious resurrection. This shift emphasizes that faith’s ultimate triumph isn't always earthly survival, but enduring faithfulness even unto death for a heavenly reward.
The text mentions 'resurrection' twice, but they aren't the same! One is a miracle for earthly life, the other a hope for eternity.
This verse presents two distinct realities tied to resurrection:
A Glimpse of Earthly Revival
The first part speaks of women receiving their dead "by resurrection." This points to Old Testament accounts like Elijah raising the widow of Zarephath's son and Elisha restoring the Shunammite woman's son (1 Kings 17, 2 Kings 4). These were incredible acts of God, bringing loved ones back to this life. It was a powerful display of faith's ability to touch the present, but it was temporary.
The Ultimate Resurrection Hope
The latter part of the verse shifts focus dramatically. Those who were tortured "refused to accept release" so that they "might obtain a better resurrection." This isn't about coming back to the same earthly existence. This points to the final resurrection, the one that ushers in eternal life with God. It's a resurrection not from death, but to life that never ends.
What does it mean to refuse a 'deliverance' that seems good, all for the hope of something better?
The verse highlights a profound choice made by some faithful individuals: they endured torture rather than accept release on compromising terms.
The Temptation of Earthly Deliverance
'Deliverance' here refers to an offer of freedom from suffering – perhaps a release from torture or the chance to live. However, accepting this deliverance would have meant abandoning their faith, their commitment to God's ways, or their hope in His promises. It was a tempting offer, a way out of present pain.
Choosing the Eternal Over the Temporal
These believers saw beyond their immediate circumstances. They understood that the suffering they endured, however terrible, was temporary. Their faith was anchored in the promise of a 'better resurrection' – an eternal life with God, a reward far superior to any earthly comfort or escape. Their refusal wasn't stubbornness; it was a clear-eyed pursuit of the ultimate prize, proving their faith wasn't just about life, but about life.
Understand the original words
anastasis · Greek Noun
The act of being raised from the dead to new life; it is the ultimate manifestation of God's power over death and the realization of eternal life.
tympanizō · Greek Verb
The act of inflicting severe physical pain, often for the purpose of coercion or punishment for holding to one's convictions; biblically, it is associated with the trials of the faithful.
The verse highlights two distinct expressions of faith: receiving life back from death, and choosing death rather than compromising faith, both with an eye toward a future resurrection. The latter points to the intense persecutions faced by Jewish people in the period before Christ, under rulers like Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who offered 'deliverance' at the cost of divine law.
c. 870 BC
Elijah raises Shunammite's son
The prophet Elijah, by God's power, raises the dead son of the Shunammite woman back to life, demonstrating faith in God's ability to restore life.
c. 840 BC
Elisha raises widow's son
The prophet Elisha, following in Elijah's footsteps, raises the dead son of the widow of Zarephath, another powerful example of resurrection through faith.
167-160 BC
Maccabean Revolt begins
Antiochus IV Epiphanes, ruler of the Seleucid Empire, persecutes Jews who refuse to abandon their faith and traditions, leading to widespread suffering and martyrdom.
c. 164 BC
Martyrdom of Eleazar
The elderly scribe Eleazar is tortured to death for refusing to eat pork, choosing faithfulness to God's law over a offered deliverance.
This passage details the widow of Zarephath receiving her son back through Elijah's prayer, illustrating the first part of Hebrews 11:35 about women receiving their dead back by resurrection.
2 Kings 4:32-37This account of Elisha raising the Shunammite woman's son mirrors the theme of resurrection through faith, as mentioned in the verse, connecting to the miraculous restoration of life.
This powerful narrative describes the brutal torture and martyrdom of the seven Maccabean brothers and their mother, directly illuminating the 'others were tortured, not accepting release' aspect and their hope for a better resurrection.
The raising of the widow of Nain's son showcases God's power over death through Jesus, echoing the theme of resurrection and compassion for grieving mothers, even beyond the Old Testament examples.
John 11:1-45The resurrection of Lazarus by Jesus demonstrates a profound display of divine power and introduces the concept of a resurrection to eternal life, offering a tangible picture of the 'better resurrection' believers hope for.
ellicottHebrews 11:35: "Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:"
(35) Raised to life again. —Literally, by a resurrection. (See 1Kings 17:22-23 ; 2Kings 4:35-37 .) At this point the character of the record is changed; hitherto we have heard of the victories of faith in action, now it is of the triumph of faith over suffering that the writer speaks. Those who “escaped the edge of the sword” ( Hebre…
wesleyHebrews 11:35: "Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:"
11:35 Women - Naturally weak. Received their dead - Children. Others were tortured - From those who acted great things the apostle rises higher, to those who showed the power of faith by suffering. Not accepting deliverance - On sinful terms. That they might obtain a better resurrection - An higher reward, seeing the greater their su…
The verse contrasts two kinds of faith responses: miraculous recovery and steadfast endurance. While women received their children back through resurrection, others endured torture, refusing a present deliverance because they were looking forward to a resurrection that was better than mere earthly restoration.
The author is transitioning from examples of faith leading to victory and deliverance to those facing intense suffering and death. This verse highlights two groups: women who saw their children resurrected to earthly life, and others, likely martyrs, who endured torture rather than compromise their faith, all in pursuit of a more glorious resurrection. This shift emphasizes that faith’s ultimate triumph isn't always earthly survival, but enduring faithfulness even unto death for a heavenly reward.
The author is transitioning from examples of faith leading to victory and deliverance to those facing intense suffering and death. This verse highlights two groups: women who saw their children resurrected to earthly life, and others, likely martyrs, who endured torture rather than compromise their faith, all in pursuit of a more glorious resurrection. This shift emphasizes that faith’s ultimate triumph isn't always earthly survival, but enduring faithfulness even unto death for a heavenly reward.
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c. 164 BC— this verse
Martyrdom of the Maccabean brothers
Seven brothers and their mother are brutally tortured and killed for refusing to renounce their faith under Antiochus IV. They explicitly speak of hope in a future resurrection, a 'better life'.
"Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life." — The verse contrasts two kinds of faith responses: miraculous recovery and steadfast endurance. While women received their children back through resurrection, others endured torture, refusing a pres…
