Hebrews 11:33
New International Version
who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,

New Living Translation
By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions,

English Standard Version
who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Berean Standard Bible
who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,

Berean Literal Bible
who by faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises; shut the mouths of lions,

King James Bible
Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

New King James Version
who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

New American Standard Bible
who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,

NASB 1995
who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,

NASB 1977
who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,

Legacy Standard Bible
who through faith conquered kingdoms, performed righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,

Amplified Bible
who by faith [that is, with an enduring trust in God and His promises] subdued kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promised blessings, closed the mouths of lions,

Christian Standard Bible
who by faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
who by faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,

American Standard Version
who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Contemporary English Version
Their faith helped them conquer kingdoms, and because they did right, God made promises to them. They closed the jaws of lions

English Revised Version
who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Through faith they conquered kingdoms, did what God approved, and received what God had promised. They shut the mouths of lions,

Good News Translation
Through faith they fought whole countries and won. They did what was right and received what God had promised. They shut the mouths of lions,

International Standard Version
Through faith they conquered kingdoms, administered justice, received promises, shut the mouths of lions,

NET Bible
Through faith they conquered kingdoms, administered justice, gained what was promised, shut the mouths of lions,

New Heart English Bible
who, through faith subdued kingdoms, worked out righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Webster's Bible Translation
Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Weymouth New Testament
men who, as the result of faith, conquered whole kingdoms, brought about true justice, obtained promises from God, stopped lions' mouths,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,

World English Bible
who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked out righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped mouths of lions,

Berean Literal Bible
who by faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises; shut the mouths of lions,

Young's Literal Translation
who through faith did subdue kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped mouths of lions,

Smith's Literal Translation
Who by faith subdued kingdoms, wrought justice, attained the promises, shut up the mouths of lions,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who by faith conquered kingdoms, wrought justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Catholic Public Domain Version
those who, by faith, conquered kingdoms, accomplished justice, obtained promises, closed the mouths of lions,

New American Bible
who by faith conquered kingdoms, did what was righteous, obtained the promises; they closed the mouths of lions,

New Revised Standard Version
who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Who through faith conquered kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Those who by faith conquered Kingdoms and wrought justice, received promises and shut the mouths of lions;
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
who, through faith, subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, closed the mouths of lions,

Godbey New Testament
who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness,

Haweis New Testament
who by faith vanquished kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Mace New Testament
who through faith subdued kingdoms, practis'd justice, obtained what was promised, stopped the mouths of lions,

Weymouth New Testament
men who, as the result of faith, conquered whole kingdoms, brought about true justice, obtained promises from God, stopped lions' mouths,

Worrell New Testament
who, through faith, subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,

Worsley New Testament
who by faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Faith of Many
32And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, 33who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.…

Cross References
Daniel 6:22
My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”

1 Samuel 17:34-37
David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. / Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” ...

Judges 14:5-6
Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother and came to the vineyards of Timnah. Suddenly a young lion came roaring at him, / and the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as one would tear a young goat. But he did not tell his father or mother what he had done.

1 Kings 17:22-24
And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah, and the child’s life returned to him, and he lived. / Then Elijah took the child, brought him down from the upper room into the house, and gave him to his mother. “Look, your son is alive,” Elijah declared. / Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is truth.”

2 Kings 4:32-35
When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his bed. / So he went in, closed the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the LORD. / Then Elisha got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eye to eye, and hand to hand. As he stretched himself out over him, the boy’s body became warm. ...

Joshua 6:20
So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it.

Judges 7:19-22
Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after the changing of the guard. They blew their horns and broke the jars that were in their hands. / The three companies blew their horns and shattered their jars. Holding the torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, they shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!” / Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran. ...

1 Samuel 12:11
So the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and He delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, and you dwelt securely.

2 Samuel 8:1-14
Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines. / David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute. / David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, who had marched out to restore his dominion along the Euphrates River. ...

1 Kings 18:36-39
At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. / Answer me, O LORD! Answer me, so that this people will know that You, the LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again.” / Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water in the trench. ...

Romans 4:20-21
Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, / being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised.

James 5:16-18
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. / Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. / Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops.

Matthew 21:21-22
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. / If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Mark 11:22-24
“Have faith in God,” Jesus said to them. / “Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him. / Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Luke 1:37
For no word from God will ever fail.”


Treasury of Scripture

Who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.

through.

Joshua 6:1-13:33
Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in…

2 Samuel 5:4-25
David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years…

2 Samuel 8:1-14
And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Methegammah out of the hand of the Philistines…

wrought.

Hebrews 11:4-8,17
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh…

obtained.

Hebrews 6:12-15
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises…

Hebrews 10:36
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

2 Samuel 7:11
And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.

stopped.

Judges 14:5,6
Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him…

1 Samuel 17:33-36
And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth…

Psalm 91:13
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Jump to Previous
Acts Administered Conquered Faith Gained Justice Kept Kingdoms Lions Mouths Obtained Overcame Performed Promised Promises Received Result Reward Righteousness Shut Stopped Subdue Subdued True. Whole Worked Wrought
Jump to Next
Acts Administered Conquered Faith Gained Justice Kept Kingdoms Lions Mouths Obtained Overcame Performed Promised Promises Received Result Reward Righteousness Shut Stopped Subdue Subdued True. Whole Worked Wrought
Hebrews 11
1. What faith is.
6. Without faith we cannot please God.
7. The examples of faithfulness in the fathers of old time.














who through faith conquered kingdoms
This phrase highlights the power of faith in achieving victory over earthly powers. Biblical examples include Joshua leading the Israelites to conquer Canaan (Joshua 6) and David's victories over the Philistines (1 Samuel 17). These conquests were not merely military but were seen as acts of divine intervention, where faith in God's promises and commands led to triumph. Theologically, this reflects the belief that faith aligns believers with God's will, enabling them to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

administered justice
This refers to the role of faith in establishing and upholding justice. Figures like King Solomon, known for his wisdom and fair judgments (1 Kings 3:28), exemplify this. The administration of justice in ancient Israel was deeply connected to the covenantal laws given by God, emphasizing righteousness and equity. Faithful leaders were seen as instruments of God's justice, ensuring that His laws were upheld in society.

and gained what was promised
This phrase underscores the fulfillment of God's promises through faith. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, who received the promise of numerous descendants and a land (Genesis 12:2-3), are prime examples. Despite not seeing the complete fulfillment in their lifetimes, their faith was credited as righteousness (Romans 4:3). This reflects the eschatological hope that believers hold, trusting in God's ultimate fulfillment of His promises.

who shut the mouths of lions
This alludes to the story of Daniel in the lions' den (Daniel 6), where faith in God led to miraculous deliverance. Daniel's unwavering commitment to prayer and obedience to God, despite the threat of death, exemplifies the protective power of faith. This event is also seen as a type of Christ, who through His faithfulness and obedience, overcame death and the grave. The shutting of the lions' mouths symbolizes God's ability to protect and deliver His faithful from harm.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Conquered Kingdoms
This phrase refers to the faithful individuals in the Old Testament who, through their faith in God, were able to achieve military victories and establish God's rule. Examples include Joshua, who led the Israelites into the Promised Land, and King David, who expanded Israel's territory.

2. Administered Justice
This highlights the judges and leaders who, through their faith, upheld God's laws and ensured justice among the people. Figures like Samuel and Solomon are notable for their roles in maintaining justice and righteousness.

3. Obtained Promises
This refers to those who received God's promises through faith, such as Abraham, who was promised numerous descendants, and Sarah, who bore Isaac in her old age.

4. Shut the Mouths of Lions
This is a direct reference to Daniel, who, through his unwavering faith, was protected by God when he was thrown into the lions' den.
Teaching Points
Faith as a Catalyst for Victory
Faith in God empowers believers to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, just as the heroes of faith conquered kingdoms. We are called to trust God in our battles, knowing He is our strength.

Righteous Leadership
Administering justice requires faith and integrity. As Christians, we are to lead by example, upholding God's standards in our communities and workplaces.

Trusting in God's Promises
Like the patriarchs, we are to hold fast to God's promises, even when fulfillment seems delayed. Our faith is strengthened as we wait on His perfect timing.

Divine Protection
Faith in God provides protection in the face of danger, as seen in Daniel's experience. We can trust God to deliver us from harm and to be our refuge.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Hebrews 11:33?

2. How can we "conquer kingdoms" in our spiritual battles today?

3. What does "administered justice" teach us about God's character and our responsibilities?

4. How does Hebrews 11:33 connect with the faith of Old Testament heroes?

5. In what ways can we "shut the mouths of lions" in our lives?

6. How can we apply the faith demonstrated in Hebrews 11:33 to modern challenges?

7. How does Hebrews 11:33 demonstrate the power of faith in overcoming challenges?

8. What historical events might Hebrews 11:33 be referencing?

9. How does Hebrews 11:33 relate to the concept of divine intervention?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 11?

11. What does it mean to seek God?

12. Who is The Wicked One in the story?

13. What are the main themes of the Bible's books?

14. How do we reconcile Psalm 91:7 with the countless believers throughout history who have suffered widespread destruction and calamities?
What Does Hebrews 11:33 Mean
conquered kingdoms

Hebrews 11:33 opens with “who through faith conquered kingdoms,” reminding us of men and women who stepped onto real battlefields convinced that God would keep His word. Think of:

• Joshua at Jericho—he marched, shouted, and “the wall fell down flat” (Joshua 6:20), proving God’s promise in Joshua 1:3.

• Gideon with just 300 men, smashing Midianite power because “the LORD said, ‘I will deliver you’ ” (Judges 7:7).

• David unifying Israel, defeating Philistine strongholds, and later declaring, “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure” (2 Samuel 22:33).

Every victory shouted that faith is not wishful thinking but trust in a living Lord who intervenes in history (Psalm 44:3). When life feels like a battle, this line calls us to the same sturdy reliance: His promises have not weakened.


administered justice

Faith isn’t only displayed on the battlefield; it shapes how God’s people govern and judge. In Scripture we see:

• Deborah judging Israel “under the palm tree” (Judges 4:4-5) and leading her nation to freedom.

• Samuel, who “judged Israel all the days of his life” (1 Samuel 7:15) and held kings accountable.

• Solomon, asking for wisdom and rendering righteous verdicts, so that “all Israel…saw that the wisdom of God was in him” (1 Kings 3:28).

Their faith produced action: fair courts, protection for the oppressed, and laws reflecting God’s righteousness (Micah 6:8). For us, it means trusting Him enough to do what is right, even when it costs.


gained what was promised

Faith also receives. The verse recalls believers who laid hold of tangible promises:

• Abraham and Sarah received Isaac, “the child of promise” (Genesis 21:1-3; Romans 9:9).

• Israel entered Canaan so that “not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed” (Joshua 21:45).

• Elijah prayed, and promised rain returned after three dry years (1 Kings 18:41-45; James 5:17-18).

God’s timelines can stretch us, yet Hebrews 10:23 urges, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” The record of fulfilled promises fuels endurance when ours seem slow in coming.


shut the mouths of lions

The author then singles out a dramatic rescue: Daniel in the den. “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths” (Daniel 6:22). Daniel’s faith was tested in a hostile culture, yet he would not mute his daily prayers (Daniel 6:10). God honored that steadfastness, turning a deadly pit into a platform for His glory so that King Darius proclaimed, “He is the living God” (Daniel 6:26-27).

This line also echoes David’s earlier deliverance from a lion while shepherding (1 Samuel 17:34-37). Whether in literal dens or figurative ones—office politics, cultural pressure, even personal anxieties—faith trusts the same God who can silence every prowling threat (Psalm 91:13).


summary

Hebrews 11:33 strings together victories, verdicts, fulfillments, and rescues to show the many-sided triumph of faith. It conquers, governs, receives, and survives because its object is God Himself—unchanging, truthful, all-powerful. The verse calls us to step into today’s battles, decisions, waits, and dangers with the same settled confidence: the God who acted then still acts now.

(33) Subdued kingdoms.--Better, overcame kingdoms. To all the deliverers of Israel of whom we have read in Hebrews 11:32 (and especially to David, 2 Samuel 8, 10, 11) these words will apply. They also "wrought righteousness," as each judge or king or prophet "executed judgment and justice unto all his people" (2Samuel 8:15).

Obtained promises.--Do these words mean that these men of faith won promises of future blessing (such as were vouchsafed to David and the prophets), or that promises of deliverance were fulfilled to them? There seems no reason for doubting that the writer's language may include both thoughts. The words which follow (though illustrated in the history of Samson and of David) clearly point to Daniel (Hebrews 6).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
who
οἳ (hoi)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

through
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

faith
πίστεως (pisteōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

conquered
κατηγωνίσαντο (katēgōnisanto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2610: From kata and agonizomai; to struggle against, i.e. to overcome.

kingdoms,
βασιλείας (basileias)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 932: From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.

administered
εἰργάσαντο (eirgasanto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2038: To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor.

justice,
δικαιοσύνην (dikaiosynēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1343: From dikaios; equity; specially justification.

[and] obtained
ἐπέτυχον (epetychon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2013: To attain, obtain, acquire. From epi and tugchano; to chance upon, i.e. to attain.

what was promised;
ἐπαγγελιῶν (epangeliōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 1860: A promise. From epaggello; an announcement.

[who] shut
ἔφραξαν (ephraxan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5420: To stop, close up, obstruct. Apparently a strengthening form of the base of phren; to fence or inclose, i.e., to block up.

[the] mouths
στόματα (stomata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4750: The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword.

of lions,
λεόντων (leontōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3023: A lion. A primary word; a 'lion'.


Links
Hebrews 11:33 NIV
Hebrews 11:33 NLT
Hebrews 11:33 ESV
Hebrews 11:33 NASB
Hebrews 11:33 KJV

Hebrews 11:33 BibleApps.com
Hebrews 11:33 Biblia Paralela
Hebrews 11:33 Chinese Bible
Hebrews 11:33 French Bible
Hebrews 11:33 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: Hebrews 11:33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms worked out (Heb. He. Hb)
Hebrews 11:32
Top of Page
Top of Page