Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "had trial of" suggests that these sufferings weren't just random misfortunes but rather tests, proving that their faith was genuine and strong enough to endure even the deepest forms of shame and confinement. The progression from "mockings and scourgings" to "chains and imprisonment" highlights an escalating intensity of persecution, emphasizing the profound cost of their faithfulness.
Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author is building a powerful case for the faithfulness of God's people throughout history, highlighting individuals who endured incredible hardship because of their unwavering belief. Having just recounted examples of those who faced death, the text now broadens its scope to include others who suffered severe persecution, ranging from public humiliation and physical abuse to lengthy imprisonment. This serves to emphasize that "faith" isn't just about grand pronouncements or victorious battles, but also about persevering through brutal suffering for the sake of truth.
The verse lists a progression of suffering, moving from public humiliation to physical abuse and confinement. What does this sequence reveal about the nature of persecution?
The author of Hebrews doesn't just list random hardships; there's a deliberate progression here.
From Shame to Chains
This escalating list shows that persecution can take many forms, from psychological warfare to brutal physical punishment and complete deprivation of liberty. Each step tests faith in a different, profound way.
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The text says these individuals 'had trial' of these sufferings. What does this powerful phrase truly mean for enduring hardship?
The word used for 'trial' here isn't just about passively experiencing something. It implies a testing, an examination, a proving.
Faith Under Fire
When the Bible says these individuals 'had trial of' mockings and imprisonment, it means their faith was put to the ultimate test.
This understanding transforms suffering from a random misfortune into a crucible where authentic faith is forged and demonstrated.
The author points to individuals who faced these intense sufferings. How do these historical accounts speak to believers today?
The author of Hebrews isn't just recounting distant history; he's connecting past faithfulness to present reality.
Echoes Through Time
These ancient stories aren't just historical footnotes; they are powerful affirmations that faithfulness can and does endure even the most extreme forms of opposition.
Understand the original words
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 writer of Hebrews broadens the scope to include the suffering of those who endured 'mockings and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.' This wasn't just ancient history; it was a lived reality for the early Christians, who, like the heroes of faith before them, faced intense opposition for their commitment to Christ.
c. 1400-400 BC
Suffering of Old Testament Figures
Throughout the Old Testament, figures like Joseph, Micaiah, Jeremiah, and Hanani faced ridicule, imprisonment, and chains for their faithfulness to God.
167-160 BC
Maccabean Revolt
Under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, Jewish patriots like the Maccabees and their followers faced intense persecution, including torture, mockings, scourging, and imprisonment for refusing to abandon their faith and practices.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus himself experienced mockery and rejection, and his followers would soon face similar trials and persecutions.
c. AD 40-60— this verse
Early Church Persecutions
As the Christian movement spread, believers faced increasing opposition, including public ridicule, beatings, and imprisonment by both Jewish and Roman authorities.
c. AD 62-64
Nero's Persecution of Christians
Emperor Nero scapegoated Christians for the Great Fire of Rome, leading to brutal executions, including mockings, scourging, and crucifixion.
This passage vividly depicts a mother encouraging her seven sons as they face horrific torture, including scourging and mocking, for their faithfulness to God's law, mirroring the experiences mentioned in Hebrews.
The prophet Micaiah was struck and imprisoned by King Ahab for delivering God's message, illustrating the 'mocking and imprisonment' that faithful messengers faced in Old Testament times.
Jeremiah 20:2Jeremiah's experience of being flogged and put in stocks by Pashhur the priest shows the direct physical suffering and public humiliation endured by prophets who spoke God's truth.
Acts 16:23-24Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison, demonstrating how even New Testament apostles suffered imprisonment and physical abuse for proclaiming the gospel.
2 Corinthians 11:23-25Paul recounts his own extensive suffering for Christ, including numerous beatings, imprisonments, and public shame, which serves as a powerful example of the 'mockings, scourgings, bonds, and imprisonment' faced by believers.
ellicottHebrews 11:36: "And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:"
(36) The language becomes more general, but still chiefly refers to the same troublous times. Yea, moreover of bonds.—Lasting and cruel captivity, a worse fate even than “mockings and scourgings.”
bengelHebrews 11:36: "And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:"
Hebrews 11:36 . Ἐμπαιγμῶν καὶ μαστίγων ) The same words occur, 2Ma 7:7 ; 2Ma 7:1 .— πεῖραν ἔλαβον , had trial ) This phrase increases the praise of constancy. The bitterness of experience showed many their weakness, who thought themselves strong. The same form of expression occurs at Deuteronomy 28:56 . The delicate and refined (the prosperous) are unacquainted with this experience ,…
The phrase "had trial of" suggests that these sufferings weren't just random misfortunes but rather tests, proving that their faith was genuine and strong enough to endure even the deepest forms of shame and confinement. The progression from "mockings and scourgings" to "chains and imprisonment" highlights an escalating intensity of persecution, emphasizing the profound cost of their faithfulness.
The author is building a powerful case for the faithfulness of God's people throughout history, highlighting individuals who endured incredible hardship because of their unwavering belief. Having just recounted examples of those who faced death, the text now broadens its scope to include others who suffered severe persecution, ranging from public humiliation and physical abuse to lengthy imprisonment. This serves to emphasize that "faith" isn't just about grand pronouncements or victorious battles, but also about persevering through brutal suffering for the sake of truth.
The author is building a powerful case for the faithfulness of God's people throughout history, highlighting individuals who endured incredible hardship because of their unwavering belief. Having just recounted examples of those who faced death, the text now broadens its scope to include others who suffered severe persecution, ranging from public humiliation and physical abuse to lengthy imprisonment. This serves to emphasize that "faith" isn't just about grand pronouncements or victorious battles, but also about persevering through brutal suffering for the sake of truth.
"Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment." — The phrase "had trial of" suggests that these sufferings weren't just random misfortunes but rather tests, proving that their faith was genuine and strong enough to endure even the deepest forms of s…
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Last reviewed October 2026