Devine Scripture

Hebrews 11:16

What does Hebrews 11:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 11:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 11:16 means

They longed for a better, heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Faith’s heavenly desire honors God, and God, in turn, honors such faith with his own name and a prepared dwelling. This verse assures believers that their longing is neither vain nor presumptuous; it matches God’s provision. The prepared city points forward to the consummate dwelling of God with his people, secured through the new covenant in Christ, where permanence, righteousness, and fellowship with God replace the tented sojourn of this age.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But now their desire is for a better country, that is to say, for one in heaven; and so it is no shame to God to be named their God; for he has made ready a town for them.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But 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.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but now they seek a better, that is, a heavenly; whereforeGod is not ashamed of them, to be called theirGod; for he has prepared for them a city.

Context

This verse concludes the reflection on pilgrimage by revealing its outcome: divine approval and prepared inheritance. It caps the section introduced in verse 13 and sets the theological stage for the next movement back to Abraham—now focusing on his supreme test with Isaac. The heavenly city theme also anticipates the chapter’s closing trajectory, in which all the faithful are perfected together in God’s better provision.

v.15And if indeed they had been mindful of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return.

v.16This passage

v.17By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Jeremiah 31:1

    At that time, saith Jehovah, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.

  • Genesis 28:13

    And, behold, Jehovah stood above it, and said, I am Jehovah, the God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;

  • Luke 12:32

    Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

  • Exodus 4:5

    that they may believe that Jehovah, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.

  • Isaiah 41:8

    But thou, Israel, my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend,

  • Exodus 3:15

    And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, Jehovah, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

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