Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. New Living Translation But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. English Standard Version But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. Berean Standard Bible Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Berean Literal Bible But now they stretch forward to a better one, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. King James Bible But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. New King James Version But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. New American Standard Bible But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. NASB 1995 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. NASB 1977 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. Legacy Standard Bible But now, they aspire to a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He prepared a city for them. Amplified Bible But the truth is that they were longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one. For that reason God is not ashamed [of them or] to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob]; for He has prepared a city for them. Christian Standard Bible But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Holman Christian Standard Bible But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. American Standard Version But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city. Contemporary English Version But they were looking forward to a better home in heaven. This is why God wasn't ashamed for them to call him their God. He even built a city for them. English Revised Version But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. GOD'S WORD® Translation Instead, these men were longing for a better country-a heavenly country. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God. He has prepared a city for them. Good News Translation Instead, it was a better country they longed for, the heavenly country. And so God is not ashamed for them to call him their God, because he has prepared a city for them. International Standard Version Instead, they were longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, because he has prepared a city for them. Majority Standard Bible Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. NET Bible But as it is, they aspire to a better land, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. New Heart English Bible Instead, they were longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Webster's Bible Translation But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city. Weymouth New Testament but, as it is, we see them eager for a better land, that is to say, a heavenly one. For this reason God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has now prepared a city for them. World English Bible But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionbut now they long for better, that is, heavenly, for this reason God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for He prepared a city for them. Berean Literal Bible But now they stretch forward to a better one, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. Young's Literal Translation but now they long for a better, that is, an heavenly, wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for He did prepare for them a city. Smith's Literal Translation And now they feel an ardent desire for a better, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them to be called their God: for he prepared for them a city. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut now they desire a better, that is to say, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city. Catholic Public Domain Version But now they hunger for a better place, that is, Heaven. For this reason, God is not ashamed to be called their God. For he has prepared a city for them. New American Bible But now they desire a better homeland, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. New Revised Standard Version But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut now it is evident, that they desire a better city, that city which is in heaven: therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Now it is apparent that they longed for better than that, which is in Heaven; because of this, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a City for them. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country; wherefore God is not ashamed of them, that he should be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city. Godbey New Testament but now they seek a better country, that is, a heavenly. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city. Haweis New Testament But now their longing desires are after a better country, that is, the heavenly one: wherefore God is not ashamed of them to be called their God: for he hath prepared a city for them. Mace New Testament they desired therefore a better, that is, an heavenly country: so that God is very justly stiled their God: for he had appointed a city for them. Weymouth New Testament but, as it is, we see them eager for a better land, that is to say, a heavenly one. For this reason God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has now prepared a city for them. Worrell New Testament But now they long for a better country, that is, a heavenly one; wherefore, God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for He prepared for them a city. Worsley New Testament But they desire a better, that is, an heavenly one; wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He hath prepared for them a city. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Faith of Abraham and Sarah…15If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. 17By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son,… Cross References Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, Revelation 21:2-3 I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. / And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. Matthew 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. John 14:2-3 In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? / And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am. 2 Corinthians 5:1-2 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. / For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, Colossians 3:1-2 Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. / Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 1 Peter 1:4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, Revelation 21:10-11 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, / shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal. 1 Corinthians 2:9 Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” Ephesians 2:19 Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, Luke 12:32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Romans 8:23 Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 3:12 The one who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will never again leave it. Upon him I will write the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from My God), and My new name. Galatians 4:26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. Treasury of Scripture But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: why God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city. they desire. Hebrews 11:14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. Hebrews 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, God is. Hebrews 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, to be. Genesis 17:7,8 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee… Exodus 3:6,15 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God… Isaiah 41:8-10 But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend… for. Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Hebrews 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: Jump to Previous Ashamed Better City Country Desire Eager Heaven Heavenly Instead Longing Prepare Prepared Ready Reason Seek Shame WhereforeJump to Next Ashamed Better City Country Desire Eager Heaven Heavenly Instead Longing Prepare Prepared Ready Reason Seek Shame WhereforeHebrews 11 1. What faith is.6. Without faith we cannot please God. 7. The examples of faithfulness in the fathers of old time. Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. This phrase reflects the faith of the patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who lived as nomads in the land of Canaan. Despite being promised the land, they understood that their ultimate inheritance was not earthly but spiritual. This longing for a "better country" signifies a desire for the eternal kingdom of God, which is consistent with the teachings of Jesus about the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 6:33). The concept of a "heavenly one" aligns with the New Testament's emphasis on eternal life and the new creation (Revelation 21:1-4). The patriarchs' faith is a model for believers, encouraging them to focus on eternal promises rather than temporary, worldly gains. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Persons / Places / Events 1. Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob)These are the individuals primarily referenced in Hebrews 11, who lived by faith and looked forward to God's promises. 2. Heavenly Country This represents the eternal dwelling place with God, a better and heavenly homeland that the faithful long for. 3. City Prepared by God Symbolizes the eternal city, often understood as the New Jerusalem, prepared by God for His people. Teaching Points Longing for the EternalBelievers are called to set their hearts on eternal things, not just earthly possessions or achievements. Faith and Identity Our identity as Christians is rooted in our relationship with God, who is not ashamed to be called our God when we live by faith. God's Prepared Place Trust in God's promise that He has prepared a place for us, which should inspire hope and perseverance in our faith journey. Living as Pilgrims Like the patriarchs, we are pilgrims on earth, and our ultimate home is with God. This perspective should influence our daily decisions and priorities. God's Approval Living by faith pleases God, and He honors those who earnestly seek Him and His promises.(16) They confess themselves but sojourners (Hebrews 11:13), and thus make it plain that they are still seeking their true home (14); and yet, if. they had sought nothing more than an earthly home, there is one already, which was once theirs, and to which they might return (15); hence it is no earthly but a heavenly-country that they desire. This is the general current of thought in these verses, presenting a very close analogy to the argument of Hebrews 3:7 to Hebrews 4:11; here, as there, words which otherwise might appear to have but an earthly reference are seen to have a higher and a spiritual import. In Hebrews 11:8-9 we have before us only the land of inheritance, but in Hebrews 11:10 the heavenly rest; and in Hebrews 11:13 words which as read in Genesis might seem to refer to a wandering life in the land of Canaan are taken as a confession of sojourning upon earth. It is not necessary to suppose that the desires and yearnings of "the fathers" expressed themselves in the definite forms which later revelation has made familiar; in all that is essential the hope existed, whilst the mode of the fulfilment was unknown. Through faith the patriarchs were willing to connect their whole life and that of their children with waiting at God's bidding for the fulfilment of a promise--wandering and sojourning until God's own time should come when He would grant a home in a country of their own. And yet each of these servants of God recognised that relation to God in which lay the foundation of the promise to him to be personal and abiding. If these two thoughts be united, it will be easy to see how each one for himself would be led to regard the state of wandering in which he spent his life as an emblem of a state of earthly waiting for an enduring home; the sojourning in the land was a constant symbol of the sojourning upon earth. Hence (see the passages quoted in Hebrews 11:13) the same language is used from age to age after Canaan is received as an inheritance. (Comp. Hebrews 4:9; and see Exodus 3:15, and Matthew 22:31-32.) . . . Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Instead,δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. they were longing for ὀρέγονται (oregontai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 3713: To stretch forth, mid: To hanker after, long for, be eager for, aspire to. a better [country], κρείττονος (kreittonos) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular - Comparative Strong's 2909: Stronger, more excellent. Comparative of a derivative of kratos; stronger, i.e. better, i.e. Nobler. a heavenly [one]. ἐπουρανίου (epouraniou) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 2032: From epi and ouranos; above the sky. Therefore διὸ (dio) Conjunction Strong's 1352: Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently. God Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. is not ashamed ἐπαισχύνεται (epaischynetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1870: To be ashamed, be ashamed of. From epi and aischunomai; to feel shame for something. to be called ἐπικαλεῖσθαι (epikaleisthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive Strong's 1941: (a) To call (name) by a supplementary (additional, alternative) name, (b) mid: To call upon, appeal to, address. their αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. God, Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. for γὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. He has prepared ἡτοίμασεν (hētoimasen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2090: To make ready, prepare. From hetoimos; to prepare. a city πόλιν (polin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 4172: A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town. for them. αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. Links Hebrews 11:16 NIVHebrews 11:16 NLT Hebrews 11:16 ESV Hebrews 11:16 NASB Hebrews 11:16 KJV Hebrews 11:16 BibleApps.com Hebrews 11:16 Biblia Paralela Hebrews 11:16 Chinese Bible Hebrews 11:16 French Bible Hebrews 11:16 Catholic Bible NT Letters: Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country (Heb. He. Hb) |
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