Hebrews 11:36-37
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The text highlights that these sufferings weren't just endured, but were actively "had trial of" – meaning their faith was tested and proven through these harsh experiences. It suggests that enduring mocking and even imprisonment was a form of "testing," revealing the genuine strength of their conviction.
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 is expanding the list of Old Testament faithful, moving from those who faced death to those who endured prolonged suffering and humiliation. These examples highlight that faith isn't always about miraculous rescue, but also about enduring hardship with steadfastness, even facing intense public ridicule, physical beatings, and lengthy imprisonment. This shifts the focus from dramatic victories to the quiet, persistent courage of those who held onto God through immense trial.
The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 faced more than just disbelief; they endured profound suffering that tested their very beings. This verse unveils the escalating nature of their trials.
Hebrews 11:36 presents a chilling progression of suffering faced by those whose faith was unwavering. It begins with 'cruel mockings,' a form of public humiliation designed to shame and break the spirit. Imagine the ridicule, the insults, and the laughter directed at people for their devotion.
But their trials didn't stop there. The text moves to 'flogging'—a violent, physical punishment that inflicted pain and lasting scars. This wasn't just a slap on the wrist; it was brutal.
Then comes the escalation: 'chains and imprisonment.' This signifies a loss of freedom, confinement, and the isolating hardship of being locked away. These weren't minor inconveniences; they were severe deprivations intended to crush hope and silence testimony. The author highlights these experiences to show the depth of commitment required and the intense opposition faced by God's faithful.
The Greek word used for 'trial' here isn't just about enduring hardship; it's about proving something. What was being tested in these faithful individuals?
The phrasing 'had trial of' in Hebrews 11:36 is a powerful clue. It suggests that these experiences were not random misfortunes but were permitted by God to test and prove the genuineness of their faith. The original language implies undergoing an experience that reveals one's true character.
This wasn't about finding weakness; it was about demonstrating strength. For these believers, facing mockery, flogging, chains, and imprisonment became the proving ground where their deep trust in God was made evident. Their faith wasn't just an internal belief; it was a resilient quality that shone brightest under pressure.
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Their willingness to endure such intense suffering showed that their hope was not in worldly comfort or freedom, but in something eternal. This 'trial' was a testament to their conviction that God's promises were more valuable than their present circumstances.
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.
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 author of Hebrews broadens the examples of faithful endurance to include those who faced not only death but also intense suffering like public humiliation, physical abuse, and incarceration, highlighting that faithfulness can be tested in many harsh ways, not just the ultimate sacrifice.
c. 750-600 BC
Prophetic Ministry in Israel
Prophets like Amos, Isaiah, and Jeremiah faced ridicule, imprisonment, and violence for their messages from God. They were often misunderstood and persecuted by both the people and the rulers of Israel and Judah.
167-160 BC
Maccabean Revolt
Under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, Jewish worship was suppressed, and many Jews were tortured and executed for refusing to abandon their faith. The Maccabean books vividly recount instances of mockings, scourgings, and imprisonment.
c. 60 BC - AD 30
Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus himself faced mockery and scorn. His followers, the early disciples, would soon experience similar persecutions, including arrests and imprisonment, for proclaiming the gospel.
c. AD 40-60— this verse
Early Church Persecutions
The nascent Christian church faced significant opposition. Believers were subjected to public ridicule, beatings, and lengthy imprisonments for their allegiance to Christ, as documented in early church history and implied in New Testament letters.
This passage directly parallels the suffering described, showing a mother encouraging her seven sons to endure torture, mockings, and scourging for their faith, highlighting the historical context of persecution.
This Old Testament account shows the prophet Micaiah being imprisoned and told to eat the bread and water of affliction for speaking God's truth, illustrating the 'bonds and imprisonment' mentioned in Hebrews.
Jeremiah 20:2Jeremiah experienced scourging and imprisonment for his prophetic ministry, demonstrating the severe physical and emotional suffering endured by faithful messengers of God.
Acts 16:24The New Testament shows Paul and Silas being thrown into prison and their feet fastened in the stocks after being flogged, underscoring that these trials continued even into the early Christian era.
2 Corinthians 11:23-25Paul himself recounts enduring frequent beatings, imprisonments, and being subjected to insults and mockery, confirming that such suffering was a reality for those devoted to Christ's service.
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 text highlights that these sufferings weren't just endured, but were actively "had trial of" – meaning their faith was tested and proven through these harsh experiences. It suggests that enduring mocking and even imprisonment was a form of "testing," revealing the genuine strength of their conviction.
The author is expanding the list of Old Testament faithful, moving from those who faced death to those who endured prolonged suffering and humiliation. These examples highlight that faith isn't always about miraculous rescue, but also about enduring hardship with steadfastness, even facing intense public ridicule, physical beatings, and lengthy imprisonment. This shifts the focus from dramatic victories to the quiet, persistent courage of those who held onto God through immense trial.
The author is expanding the list of Old Testament faithful, moving from those who faced death to those who endured prolonged suffering and humiliation. These examples highlight that faith isn't always about miraculous rescue, but also about enduring hardship with steadfastness, even facing intense public ridicule, physical beatings, and lengthy imprisonment. This shifts the focus from dramatic victories to the quiet, persistent courage of those who held onto God through immense trial.
"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—" — The text highlights that these sufferings weren't just endured, but were actively "had trial of" – meaning their faith was tested and proven through these harsh experiences. It suggests that enduring…
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Last reviewed October 2026
