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)
While we often focus on the brutal execution methods, the verse also includes being "tempted." This wasn't just a minor inconvenience; it refers to the agonizing pressure from persecutors, even loved ones, to renounce their faith, a torment potentially more soul-crushing than physical pain.
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 continuing the powerful catalog of faith-filled individuals in Hebrews 11, highlighting their incredible endurance through persecution. Having celebrated those who received promises and achieved victories, the focus now shifts starkly to those who faced extreme suffering and death, emphasizing that their faith remained unbroken even when their lives were brutally cut short. This verse details brutal execution methods and extreme hardship, setting the stage for the author to declare that the world was not worthy of such faithful souls.
Imagine facing death in its most brutal forms. This verse doesn't hold back when describing what God's faithful endured.
Hebrews 11 paints a vivid picture of faith's cost, and verse 37 is a stark reminder of the physical suffering some faced.
Brutal Endings
These aren't abstract ideas; they are the realities faced by those who remained loyal to God, demonstrating a profound commitment even in the face of unimaginable pain.
Beyond physical torture, these faithful ones faced intense pressure to give up everything. What does 'tempted' really mean here?
The word 'tempted' in this verse can be a bit confusing at first, but it speaks to another layer of suffering: the pressure to compromise.
More Than Just Pain
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Imagine life stripped bare – no home, no security, just rough clothing and constant hardship. What does this tell us about their 'faith'?
The latter part of Hebrews 11:37 describes a life of extreme hardship and displacement, emphasizing that faith isn't just about how you die, but how you live under pressure.
A Life on the Margins
Their faith sustained them not only through moments of violent death but through prolonged periods of suffering, proving that faithfulness is a way of life, even when that life is one of constant struggle and rejection by the world.
Understand the original words
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 highlights extreme suffering, pointing to the brutal persecutions during the Maccabean era and the subsequent Roman period, reminding readers that faithfulness often comes at a terrible cost.
c. 750 BC
Assyrian Expansion
The Assyrian Empire's growing military might began to exert pressure on the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, leading to periods of vassalage and contributing to instability.
c. 620-609 BC
Reign of Josiah in Judah
King Josiah instituted religious reforms, centralizing worship and rediscovering the Law. This period saw a renewed faithfulness but also faced external threats.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Jerusalem, deporting some of the royal family and elite, including the prophet Daniel, to Babylon. This marked the beginning of the exile.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Another wave of exiles, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel, were taken to Babylon after a rebellion against Babylonian rule.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar's forces utterly destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, ending the Davidic monarchy and scattering the remaining population, intensifying the exile.
c. 167-160 BC— this verse
Maccabean Revolt
The Maccabean family led a rebellion against Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who had desecrated the Temple and attempted to force Greek ways on the Jews. This period saw brutal persecutions and martyrdoms.
c. AD 40-60
Roman Rule and Jewish Unrest
Judea was under Roman control, experiencing political tension and sporadic uprisings. This era saw increasing persecution of those who remained faithful to Jewish law and traditions.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of being 'slain with the sword,' showing that even faithful prophets faced violent persecution, highlighting the continuity of suffering for God's messengers.
2 Chronicles 24:20-22This account of Zechariah being stoned to death in the temple courtyard is a specific Old Testament example of the 'stoning' mentioned in Hebrews, illustrating the harsh justice and faithlessness faced by God's people.
Daniel 11:33This verse speaks of those with 'understanding' who will fall by sword and flame, prophecies that find their fulfillment in the severe persecutions described in Hebrews 11, underscoring the prophetic anticipation of such suffering.
Matthew 23:37Jesus laments over Jerusalem for stoning prophets, directly connecting to the violent deaths detailed in Hebrews 11 and showing that this suffering was a recurring theme recognized even by Christ.
The account of the seven brothers facing torture and death, with intense temptations to renounce their faith, powerfully illustrates the 'tempted,' 'afflicted,' and 'tormented' experiences described in Hebrews 11:37.
vincentHebrews 11:37: "They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;"
They were stoned (ἐλιθάσθησαν)A characteristic Jewish punishment. See 2 Chronicles 24:20; Matthew 23:37; John 10:31; Acts 5:26; Acts 7:59; Acts 14:19. The verb λιθοβολεῖν is also used in Matthew, Luke, and Acts, and once in this epistle, Hebrews 12:20.Were sawn asunder (ἐπίσθησαν)N.T.o. As Isaiah, accordi…
barnesHebrews 11:37: "They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;"
They were stoned - A common method of punishment among the Jews; see the notes on Matthew 21:35 , Matthew 21:44 . Thus, Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada the priest, was stoned; see 2 Chronicles 24:21 ; compare 1 Kings 21:1-14 . It is not improbable that this was often resorted to in times of popular tumult, as i…
While we often focus on the brutal execution methods, the verse also includes being "tempted." This wasn't just a minor inconvenience; it refers to the agonizing pressure from persecutors, even loved ones, to renounce their faith, a torment potentially more soul-crushing than physical pain.
The author is continuing the powerful catalog of faith-filled individuals in Hebrews 11, highlighting their incredible endurance through persecution. Having celebrated those who received promises and achieved victories, the focus now shifts starkly to those who faced extreme suffering and death, emphasizing that their faith remained unbroken even when their lives were brutally cut short. This verse details brutal execution methods and extreme hardship, setting the stage for the author to declare that the world was not worthy of such faithful souls.
The author is continuing the powerful catalog of faith-filled individuals in Hebrews 11, highlighting their incredible endurance through persecution. Having celebrated those who received promises and achieved victories, the focus now shifts starkly to those who faced extreme suffering and death, emphasizing that their faith remained unbroken even when their lives were brutally cut short. This verse details brutal execution methods and extreme hardship, setting the stage for the author to declare that the world was not worthy of such faithful souls.
"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—" — While we often focus on the brutal execution methods, the verse also includes being "tempted." This wasn't just a minor inconvenience; it refers to the agonizing pressure from persecutors, even loved…
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Last reviewed October 2026