Hebrews 11:35-36
Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse contrasts two powerful outcomes of faith: one, a miraculous return to earthly life for loved ones, and the other, a steadfast refusal of earthly "deliverance" even under torture. This deliberate choice to suffer, rather than accept compromised safety, highlights a profound yearning for a better resurrection, one that transcends this earthly existence entirely.
After detailing triumphs like conquering nations and escaping death, the author shifts to a faith that endures suffering. This includes women whose faith saw loved ones brought back from death, and others who faced brutal torture and refused release, all for the hope of a superior resurrection.
This verse talks about resurrection twice, but they aren't the same! What's the big difference?
The writer of Hebrews presents two distinct pictures of resurrection here, both fueled by faith.
Resurrection to Earthly Life
The first part speaks of women receiving their dead back 'by resurrection.' This refers to incredible moments like Elijah raising the son of the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17) and Elisha raising the Shunammite woman's son (2 Kings 4). These were amazing acts of God, restoring children to their mothers, giving them back their earthly lives. It's a powerful display of God's ability to reverse death, even in this life.
Resurrection to Eternal Life
The second part shifts focus to those 'tortured, not accepting deliverance.' Their faith wasn't about escaping suffering for a comfortable life, but about holding onto the promise of a better resurrection. This points to the ultimate resurrection – the one that brings eternal life, a life free from sin and death, a complete and final redemption. It's a resurrection that transcends this earthly existence.
Imagine being offered freedom, but choosing torture instead. Why would anyone do that?
This passage highlights a profound aspect of faith: the willingness to endure extreme suffering rather than compromise on truth.
The Choice Presented
The phrase 'not accepting deliverance' is crucial. It means these faithful individuals were offered a way out of their torture. They could have renounced their faith, escaped the pain, and lived. This wasn't a small compromise; it was a fundamental rejection of God's ways and promises.
The Higher Reward
Their refusal wasn't born of masochism, but of a deep conviction. They understood that any 'deliverance' offered at the cost of their faithfulness would forfeit the 'better resurrection.' This better resurrection – the eternal life promised – was far more precious than any temporary relief in this world. Their faith allowed them to see beyond immediate pain to the ultimate, glorious reward awaiting them.
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.
empaigmos · Greek Noun
An attitude of hostility or contempt shown toward those who follow God. In Scripture, it often refers to the world's rejection of God's messengers and the truth of the Gospel.
The reference to women receiving their dead back through resurrection points to Old Testament accounts of miraculous resurrections. However, the subsequent mention of torture and refusing deliverance highlights the intensified persecution under Antiochus Epiphanes, where martyrs like Eleazar and the Maccabean brothers faced brutal deaths with the courageous hope of a 'better resurrection'—an eternal life far surpassing a mere return to earthly existence.
c. 870 BC
Elijah raises Shunammite's son
The prophet Elijah raises the son of the Shunammite woman, a remarkable display of God's power and a testament to her faith.
c. 850 BC
Elisha raises widow of Zarephath's son
The prophet Elisha brings back to life the son of the widow of Zarephath, mirroring Elijah's earlier miracle and demonstrating God's faithfulness.
167-160 BC
Maccabean Revolt begins
The Maccabean Revolt erupts against the Seleucid Empire's persecution of Jewish faith and practices, including forced sacrifices and desecrations.
c. 165 BC
Martyrdom of Eleazar
Eleazar, an aged scribe, is tortured to death for refusing to eat pork, becoming an early example of faithfulness unto death during the persecution.
This passage details the widow of Zarephath's son being raised to life by Elijah, directly illustrating the first part of Hebrews 11:35 where women received their dead back through resurrection.
2 Kings 4:18-37This account of Elisha raising the Shunammite woman's son also exemplifies women receiving their dead back through resurrection, reinforcing the Old Testament precedent mentioned in Hebrews 11:35.
This text vividly describes the martyrdom of the seven Maccabean brothers and their mother, who endured torture rather than compromise their faith, directly aligning with the 'others were tortured, not accepting deliverance' part of Hebrews 11:35 and their hope for a better resurrection.
This verse speaks of resurrection for both life and contempt, providing a backdrop to the concept of different kinds of resurrections, which helps illuminate the idea of a 'better resurrection' for the faithful martyrs.
John 11:17-44The resurrection of Lazarus, though a different context, showcases Jesus' power over death and introduces the idea of resurrection to life, providing a New Testament perspective on God's ability to bring back the dead, a power implicitly trusted by the women in Hebrews.
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 powerful outcomes of faith: one, a miraculous return to earthly life for loved ones, and the other, a steadfast refusal of earthly "deliverance" even under torture. This deliberate choice to suffer, rather than accept compromised safety, highlights a profound yearning for a better resurrection, one that transcends this earthly existence entirely.
After detailing triumphs like conquering nations and escaping death, the author shifts to a faith that endures suffering. This includes women whose faith saw loved ones brought back from death, and others who faced brutal torture and refused release, all for the hope of a superior resurrection.
After detailing triumphs like conquering nations and escaping death, the author shifts to a faith that endures suffering. This includes women whose faith saw loved ones brought back from death, and others who faced brutal torture and refused release, all for the hope of a superior resurrection.
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c. 165 BC— this verse
Martyrdom of the Maccabean brothers
Seven brothers and their mother are brutally tortured and killed for refusing to renounce their Jewish faith, with the brothers explicitly citing their hope for a future resurrection.
"Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment." — The verse contrasts two powerful outcomes of faith: one, a miraculous return to earthly life for loved ones, and the other, a steadfast refusal of earthly "deliverance" even under torture. This delib…
