Hebrews 11:35-37
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The text highlights a profound distinction: while some received their loved ones back for this life, others refused deliverance from their own suffering, choosing instead to embrace torture. This refusal wasn't about embracing death, but about a deep conviction that a better resurrection—one to eternal life—far surpassed any earthly escape.
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. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author shifts from examples of faith leading to victory and escape to those demonstrating faith through suffering and steadfast endurance. These accounts highlight women who received their children back from death, followed by those who faced brutal torture rather than deny their faith, all holding onto the hope of a superior resurrection beyond earthly life.
The word 'resurrection' appears twice in this verse, but points to two very different outcomes. What's the distinction?
Hebrews 11:35 shows us two powerful ways faith engages with death and resurrection:
Earthly Restoration
'Women received back their dead by resurrection.' This speaks to miraculous interventions in the present life, like Elijah raising the widow's son or Elisha raising the Shunammite's son. It's a powerful display of God's ability to reverse death, bringing loved ones back to continue their earthly journey. This is faith acting to restore life here and now.
Heavenly Transformation
'Others were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection.' This is a different kind of hope. These faithful ones faced brutal deaths, refusing earthly 'deliverance' (which would have meant compromising their faith). Their eyes were fixed on a resurrection that was superior to simply returning to earthly life. It points to the ultimate resurrection – the one that brings eternal life with God.
Some faithful individuals faced unimaginable suffering. How did their faith enable them to endure?
The passage shifts from victorious action to victorious suffering. 'Others were tortured...' This highlights a faith that doesn't just win battles, but endures unimaginable pain. These weren't passive victims; they actively refused deliverance.
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Refusing Compromise
'Not accepting deliverance' meant turning down offers of freedom or life that would have required them to deny their faith or betray God's ways. They understood that compromising their integrity for a temporary escape was far worse than enduring physical torment.
The Ultimate Goal
Their refusal wasn't fueled by stubbornness, but by a profound hope: 'so that they might obtain a better resurrection.' This wasn't just about surviving; it was about finishing well. Their faith allowed them to see beyond the agony of torture to the glorious reality of God's eternal kingdom, where their suffering would be eclipsed by unending joy and 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.
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.
hystereō · Greek Adjective
Being in a state of severe hardship, lack, or poverty. It characterizes those who have forsaken worldly comforts to remain faithful to God's calling.
thlibō · Greek Verb/Adjective
To be burdened, harassed, or suffering under external pressure. It describes the physical and emotional distress endured by the faithful while living in a fallen world.
The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 experienced God's power in raising the dead to temporary life, but a greater group endured horrific torture and death rather than compromise their faith, holding onto the promise of an eternal resurrection.
c. 9th century BC
Elijah raises widow's son
The prophet Elijah, by God's power, raises the son of the widow of Zarephath back to life. This event demonstrated God's power over death and His care for those in need.
c. 8th century BC
Elisha raises Shunammite's son
The prophet Elisha, through faith, restores to life the deceased son of the Shunammite woman. This further shows God's restorative power and His faithfulness to His servants.
167-160 BC
Maccabean Revolt Begins
Under the leadership of the Maccabees, Jewish people revolt against the oppressive rule of Antiochus Epiphanes, who sought to Hellenize Jerusalem and suppress Jewish law and custom.
c. 160 BC
Martyrdom of Eleazar
The aged scribe Eleazar is tortured to death for refusing to eat pork, a violation of Jewish law. He endures suffering rather than compromise his faith, hoping for resurrection.
c. 160 BC— this verse
Martyrdom of the Maccabean Brothers
Seven brothers and their mother are systematically tortured and killed for refusing to renounce their faith under Antiochus Epiphanes. They are offered deliverance and wealth, but they steadfastly refuse, clinging to the hope of a better resurrection.
This passage describes Elijah raising the son of the widow of Zarephath, illustrating the first part of Hebrews 11:35 where women received their dead back to life.
2 Kings 4:32-37This account of Elisha raising the Shunammite woman's son directly parallels the experience of women receiving their dead back through resurrection, as mentioned in Hebrews 11:35.
This historical account details the tortures of Eleazar, who refused release on sinful terms, highlighting the theme of enduring suffering for a greater hope, which resonates with the second part of Hebrews 11:35.
The martyrdom of the seven brothers and their mother, who refused deliverance and looked forward to a better resurrection, is a powerful illustration of the suffering and faith described in Hebrews 11:35.
Jesus raising the son of the widow of Nain demonstrates God's power to reverse death and offer hope, echoing the resurrections mentioned in Hebrews 11:35 and showing this theme continued into the New Testament era.
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 text highlights a profound distinction: while some received their loved ones back for this life, others refused deliverance from their own suffering, choosing instead to embrace torture. This refusal wasn't about embracing death, but about a deep conviction that a better resurrection—one to eternal life—far surpassed any earthly escape.
The author shifts from examples of faith leading to victory and escape to those demonstrating faith through suffering and steadfast endurance. These accounts highlight women who received their children back from death, followed by those who faced brutal torture rather than deny their faith, all holding onto the hope of a superior resurrection beyond earthly life.
The author shifts from examples of faith leading to victory and escape to those demonstrating faith through suffering and steadfast endurance. These accounts highlight women who received their children back from death, followed by those who faced brutal torture rather than deny their faith, all holding onto the hope of a superior resurrection beyond earthly 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. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they…" — The text highlights a profound distinction: while some received their loved ones back for this life, others refused deliverance from their own suffering, choosing instead to embrace torture. This…
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Last reviewed October 2026
