Devine Scripture

Hebrews 11:26

What does Hebrews 11:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 11:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 11:26 means

Moses considered the reproach tied to the Messiah to be greater wealth than Egypt’s treasures, because he was looking to God’s reward. The author interprets Moses’ suffering as participation in the pattern that culminates in Christ—bearing shame for God’s redemptive purposes. This shows that Old Testament faith, rightly understood, was Christward: identifying with God’s anointed and his people. Moses’ valuation teaches that eternal reward eclipses earthly riches, and that suffering for God’s cause is an honor that aligns believers with the saving work fulfilled in Jesus.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Judging a part in the shame of Christ to be better than all the wealth of Egypt; for he was looking forward to his reward.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

greater wealth having reckoned the reproach of the Christ than the treasures in Egypt, for he did look to the recompense of reward;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasure of the Egyptians. For he looked unto the reward.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

esteeming the reproach of the Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, for he had respect to the recompense.

Context

Here the writer reveals the inner calculation behind Moses’ choice: a Christ-centered perspective on suffering and reward. This explicitly ties the Old Testament story to the New Testament fulfillment. With this motivation in view, the narrative moves to Moses’ endurance and bold actions—leaving Egypt, keeping the Passover, and leading Israel through the Red Sea—all demonstrations of faith acting on God’s word despite visible threats.

v.25choosing rather to share ill treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

v.26This passage

v.27By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 69:7

    Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; Shame hath covered my face.

  • Matthew 6:1

    Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them: else ye have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.

  • Proverbs 23:18

    For surely there is a reward; And thy hope shall not be cut off.

  • 1 Peter 4:14

    If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you.

  • Acts 5:41

    They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.

  • Psalms 37:16

    Better is a little that the righteous hath Than the abundance of many wicked.

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