Hebrews 11:36-38
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— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "had trial of" isn't just about enduring hardship; it highlights that these experiences were a test of their faith, revealing their true devotion to God in the face of intense suffering. It implies these weren't just random misfortunes, but divine allowed tests that ultimately showcased their steadfastness.
The writer of Hebrews is continuing his tour through biblical history, celebrating the "hall of faith." After recounting those who were tortured or escaped death through faith, he broadens the scope to include those who endured public humiliation and harsh confinement. This verse highlights that faith isn't always about dramatic victories, but also about persevering through suffering, shame, and imprisonment for one's convictions.
We often think of persecution as purely physical. But what if the deepest wounds were inflicted by words and scorn?
This verse doesn't just list suffering; it paints a picture of escalating hardship. Notice the progression: 'mocking and flogging.' Mockery, the act of being ridiculed and scorned, was often just as painful, if not more so, than physical punishment. It attacked their dignity, their reputation, and their very sense of self-worth. Faith, however, enabled these individuals to endure not only the lash but also the sting of public shame and derision, seeing beyond the immediate humiliation to a greater, eternal reality.
The list of sufferings in Hebrews 11:36 isn't random. There's a deliberate, chilling escalation in the types of pain described.
The phrase 'yea, moreover' signals an advancement, moving from less severe to more severe forms of persecution. After the 'mockings and scourgings' – the public shame and physical pain – came 'bonds and imprisonment.' This wasn't just a temporary setback; it meant extended suffering, isolation, and the loss of freedom. Imprisonment often involved harsh conditions, chains, and the constant threat of further punishment. Yet, for those whose faith was tested, even these grim realities became just another 'trial' to be endured, demonstrating the profound resilience that true faith provides.
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.
kosmos · Greek Noun
The fallen, temporal system of humanity that is alienated from God. It stands in opposition to the kingdom of God and the values of the faithful.
This verse highlights that suffering for faith isn't new; the author points to both well-known Old Testament figures and more recent examples like the Maccabees, showing a continuity of persecution across centuries that would resonate deeply with his audience.
c. 1400 BC - 400 BC
Suffering of Old Testament Figures
Throughout the Old Testament, prophets and faithful individuals like Joseph, Micaiah, Jeremiah, and Hanani faced mockery, imprisonment, and severe punishment for their obedience to God.
c. 167-160 BC
Maccabean Revolt Begins
The persecution of Jews under Antiochus IV Epiphanes intensified, leading to widespread torture, martyrdom, and imprisonment for those who refused to abandon their faith.
c. 165 BC— this verse
Martyrdom of the Maccabean Brothers
The accounts of the seven Maccabean brothers and their mother being tortured, scourged, and imprisoned for their faithfulness to the Law of Moses are powerful examples of extreme suffering.
c. AD 30-60
Early Church Persecution
Following Jesus' ascension, early believers faced significant opposition, including public ridicule, beatings, and imprisonment, as detailed in the book of Acts.
This passage vividly describes the horrific tortures, including scourging and mockings, endured by the Maccabean martyrs, offering a direct historical parallel to the suffering mentioned in Hebrews.
The prophet Micaiah was imprisoned and starved for speaking God's truth to King Ahab, illustrating the 'bonds and imprisonment' faced by faithful messengers.
Jeremiah 20:2Jeremiah was beaten and placed in stocks for prophesying against the prevailing wickedness, a clear example of both scourging and imprisonment for faithfulness.
2 Corinthians 11:23-25Paul recounts his own extensive suffering, including beatings, imprisonments, and being subjected to public shame and ridicule, showing that these trials continued into the New Testament era.
Luke 14:26Jesus states that true disciples must 'hate' their own life to follow Him, a profound call to willingness to endure hardship, even unto death, which underpins the faith described in Hebrews 11.
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" isn't just about enduring hardship; it highlights that these experiences were a test of their faith, revealing their true devotion to God in the face of intense suffering. It implies these weren't just random misfortunes, but divine allowed tests that ultimately showcased their steadfastness.
The writer of Hebrews is continuing his tour through biblical history, celebrating the "hall of faith." After recounting those who were tortured or escaped death through faith, he broadens the scope to include those who endured public humiliation and harsh confinement. This verse highlights that faith isn't always about dramatic victories, but also about persevering through suffering, shame, and imprisonment for one's convictions.
The writer of Hebrews is continuing his tour through biblical history, celebrating the "hall of faith." After recounting those who were tortured or escaped death through faith, he broadens the scope to include those who endured public humiliation and harsh confinement. This verse highlights that faith isn't always about dramatic victories, but also about persevering through suffering, shame, and imprisonment for one's convictions.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Hebrews 11:36-38 is available in the Sola app.
"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— of whom the wo…" — The phrase "had trial of" isn't just about enduring hardship; it highlights that these experiences were a test of their faith, revealing their true devotion to God in the face of intense suffering.…
