Hebrews 11:25
What does Hebrews 11:25 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 11:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 11:25 means
Moses chose to share mistreatment with the people of God rather than enjoy the short-lived pleasures of sin. Faith evaluates value over time: it weighs momentary gratification against lasting reward and chooses the path that aligns with God’s righteousness and people. This was not disdain for joy but rejection of sinful ease obtained by denying God’s calling. Such a choice inevitably brings hardship, yet it is grounded in confidence that what God promises outweighs all temporary advantages.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000choosing rather to share ill treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901choosing rather to share ill treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Feeling that it was better to undergo pain with the people of God, than for a short time to have a taste of the pleasures of sin;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862having chosen rather to be afflicted with the people of God, than to have sin's pleasure for a season,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Rather choosing to be afflicted with the people of God than to have the pleasure of sin for a time:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890choosing rather to suffer affliction along with the people ofGod than to have [the] temporary pleasure of sin;
Context
This verse deepens Moses’ renunciation introduced in verse 24. The author contrasts two paths—solidarity with God’s people in suffering, or sinful pleasure tied to Egypt’s comforts. Verse 26 will now disclose the mindset that enabled Moses to choose the harder road: he valued the reproach associated with Christ above Egypt’s treasure because he fixed his gaze on God’s reward.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 47:9
The princes of the peoples are gathered together To bethe people of the God of Abraham; For the shields of the earth belong unto God: He is greatly exalted.
- Psalms 84:10
For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
- Acts 20:23
save that the Holy Spirit testifieth unto me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
- Hebrews 10:32
But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were enlightened, ye endured a great conflict of sufferings;
- Job 21:11
They send forth their little ones like a flock, And their children dance.
- Psalms 73:18
Surely thou settest them in slippery places: Thou castest them down to destruction.
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