And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that even those who achieved great things through faith didn't receive all that was promised in their lifetime. It subtly points out that the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises often stretches beyond our earthly existence, inviting us to trust in what is yet unseen. This reminds us that our journey of faith is about holding onto God's promises, even when we don't see the full picture unfold.
And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,
English Standard Version (ESV)
After recounting a string of heroes and heroines of faith—from Abraham to the prophets—this verse serves as a summary conclusion to their stories. Despite their incredible faith and the commendations they received for it, the author points out that none of them fully received the ultimate promise they were looking toward, leaving a sense of anticipation for what was yet to come.
These heroes of faith are celebrated for their trust, yet the verse reveals a surprising tension: they didn't receive what was promised.
Hebrews 11 is packed with incredible stories of faith – people who pleased God through their trust. The verse tells us they "obtained a good report through their faith." This means God Himself testified to their faith, acknowledging their obedience and trust even when things were tough.
But here's the twist: "they did not receive the promise." This doesn't mean their faith was weak or that God's promises failed. Instead, it highlights that the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, particularly the coming of the Messiah and the full redemption He brings, was something they saw from a distance. They believed in it, lived for it, and were commended for it, but they didn't experience its full realization in their earthly lives. Their faith looked forward to a future completion.
What exactly was this promise they didn't receive? It's more than just a future event; it's about who is coming and what that means for us.
The "promise" here primarily refers to the Messianic promise – the assurance that God would send a Savior, Jesus Christ, to redeem His people. For the Old Testament saints, this was a future hope. They received the promise that it would come, and their faith was in God's faithfulness to bring it about.
For us, living after Christ's coming, the situation is different. We have received the accomplishment of that promise in Jesus. Yet, the verse also points to a future, perfected state. The ultimate fulfillment – the complete redemption, the resurrection, and the eternal dwelling with God – is still something we look forward to. The saints of old, and even we today, are part of a grander plan where God has "provided some better thing for us" (Hebrews 11:40), ensuring that perfection is realized for all believers, both past and present, together.
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Understand the original words
pistis · Greek Noun
A firm conviction, trust, or reliance upon God and His promises. It is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, forming the basis of the believer's relationship with God.
martyreō · Greek Verb
The divine act of bearing witness to or approving of someone’s character or actions. In a biblical context, it signifies that God acknowledges a person as righteous or faithful.
epaggelia · Greek Noun
The fulfillment of what God has declared He will do. It refers to God's covenants and future blessings for His people, which are secured by His integrity and power.
This verse highlights a crucial aspect of faith: the heroes of old received God's commendation and saw the promises from afar, but the ultimate fulfillment of those promises—specifically Christ and the heavenly inheritance—was realized in a later era, pointing to a future perfection for all believers.
c. 2000 BC - 400 BC
Patriarchal and Israelite Eras
This period encompasses the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and many others mentioned in Hebrews 11. These figures lived under various covenants and promises from God, anticipating a future fulfillment.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus and Law Given
The deliverance from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai were foundational events, but still preparatory to the ultimate promised blessing.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
The establishment of the Davidic monarchy represented a peak of national fulfillment, yet the promise of an eternal king and kingdom remained future.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Exile
The Babylonian conquest and exile marked a severe judgment, underscoring the unfulfilled nature of God's promises and the people's need for a deeper redemption.
c. 1st Century AD— this verse
Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus' arrival is the pivotal moment where the 'promise' began its ultimate fulfillment, though its full realization was still awaited.
c. AD 60-70
Writing of Hebrews
The author of Hebrews writes to Jewish Christians, likely experiencing persecution, to encourage them to persevere in faith, highlighting the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant.
This verse echoes the theme of needing endurance to receive the promise, highlighting that for those in the writer's present audience, the promise is still something to be received through patient perseverance.
Galatians 3:16This passage speaks of God's promise being made to Abraham and his 'offspring,' pointing to a future fulfillment that wasn't fully realized by Abraham himself, paralleling the idea in Hebrews 11:39.
Philippians 3:12-14Paul describes his own striving towards 'the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus,' showing a similar forward-looking perspective common to those of faith who haven't yet fully attained their ultimate inheritance.
1 Peter 1:10-12This passage explains how Old Testament prophets searched intently into the salvation revealed to believers through Christ, confirming their faith in promises that were yet to be fully realized in their lifetime.
ellicottHebrews 11:39: "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:"
(39) Having obtained a good report. —Now that the history is concluded the word of Hebrews 11:2 is resumed. That in such a faith as was described in Hebrews 11:1 “the elders” received their witness from God, the records themselves have shown; yet “these all, having had witness borne to them through their faith, received not the promise,” i.e., the promised blessing. There are three passages of…
barnesHebrews 11:39: "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:"
And these all, having obtained a good report through faith - They were all commended and approved on account of their confidence in God; see the notes on Hebrews 11:2 . Received not the promise - That is, did not receive the fulfillment of the promise; or did not receive all that was promised. They all still looked forward to some future blessings; notes, Hebrews 11:13.
The verse highlights that even those who achieved great things through faith didn't receive all that was promised in their lifetime. It subtly points out that the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises often stretches beyond our earthly existence, inviting us to trust in what is yet unseen. This reminds us that our journey of faith is about holding onto God's promises, even when we don't see the full picture unfold.
After recounting a string of heroes and heroines of faith—from Abraham to the prophets—this verse serves as a summary conclusion to their stories. Despite their incredible faith and the commendations they received for it, the author points out that none of them fully received the ultimate promise they were looking toward, leaving a sense of anticipation for what was yet to come.
After recounting a string of heroes and heroines of faith—from Abraham to the prophets—this verse serves as a summary conclusion to their stories. Despite their incredible faith and the commendations they received for it, the author points out that none of them fully received the ultimate promise they were looking toward, leaving a sense of anticipation for what was yet to come.
"And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised," — The verse highlights that even those who achieved great things through faith didn't receive all that was promised in their lifetime. It subtly points out that the ultimate fulfillment of God's prom…
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Last reviewed October 2026