Overview of Hebrews 11:1–40

Hebrews 11:1–40 surveys OT history from the perspective of faith, showing how the biblical account of early people of faith illustrates the themes of Habakkuk 2:3–4 (cf. Heb. 10:37–38): faith focuses on God’s promise for the future, perseveres, gives God pleasure, and wins his verdict that the one who lives by faith is “righteous.” By faith believers gain access to realities that cannot be seen. Faith moves people to take appropriate action in response to God’s word—offering an acceptable sacrifice, building an ark, setting out for a promised but heretofore unseen homeland, and so on. The survey opens and closes with the comment that God has “commended” (martyreō) the ancients for their faith (11:2, 39). After an introduction defining faith and the approving testimony it receives from God (vv. 1–2), each installment in the survey opens with “by faith” (pistei) (vv. 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31). The repetition of “by faith” and its prime location in each statement underscore faith’s significance. At 11:32 the author shifts from specific instances to summaries of the ancients’ actions “through faith” (v. 33). The concluding comment that OT saints were “commended [martyreō] through their faith” forms a bridge to their role as “witnesses” (martyrōn) on behalf of God and his faithfulness (12:1).