Hebrews 11:2
What does Hebrews 11:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 11:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 11:2 means
The “elders”—the faithful people of old—were commended by God because of this kind of faith. Their reputation for righteousness did not rest on flawless performance or outward success but on trusting submission to God’s promises. Heaven’s testimony about them is what matters most: God bore witness to their lives. This approval shows that faith has always been the way God’s people are counted pleasing to him. The saints of the past did not earn God’s favor; they received it as they believed and acted on his word, and their lives became enduring examples for others.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For therein the elders had witness borne to them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For by it the elders obtained a good report.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For therein the elders had witness borne to them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For by it our fathers had God's approval.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for in this were the elders testified of;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For by this the ancients obtained a testimony.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For in [the power of] this the elders have obtained testimony.
Context
After defining faith, the writer states why he is turning to the stories of Israel’s ancestors: their faith drew God’s commendation. This verse forms a bridge from the definition (verse 1) to the catalogue of examples that follows. It also underscores the main aim of the chapter—to encourage readers by pointing to a long line of men and women whom God approved because they trusted him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God bearing witness in respect of his gifts: and through it he being dead yet speaketh.
- Hebrews 11:39
And these all, having had witness borne to them through their faith, received not the promise,
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Hebrews 11
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Hebrews 11.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Creation
Explore the biblical understanding of creation, God's awesome power, and His eternal purposes revealed in the world around us
Topic
Bible Verses About Doubt
The Bible acknowledges the reality of doubt, offering comfort, guidance, and encouragement to those who wrestle with uncertainty.
Topic
Bible Verses About Faith
Explore what the Bible says about faith, its origin, its purpose, and its profound impact on the life of a believer.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Spiritually Numb
When God feels distant and you feel nothing — verses for the dry season.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Alone
When no one seems to see you — verses for the One who does.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Worried About Money
When the bills outpace the paycheck — verses for a steadier kind of provision.