Hebrews 11:29
What does Hebrews 11:29 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 11:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 11:29 means
Israel passed through the Red Sea as if on dry land, trusting the path God opened. When the Egyptians tried the same, they were swallowed up, showing that deliverance belongs to those who follow God’s word in faith, not to those who merely attempt the outward act. Faith moves forward between threatening walls, relying on God’s faithfulness, while unbelief meets judgment. This scene displays God’s sovereign power to save his people and to thwart their enemies, and it calls believers to step where God leads, even when the way seems impossible.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were swallowed up.
KJV
King James Version · 1611By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were swallowed up.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949By faith they went through the Red Sea as if it had been dry land, though the Egyptians were overcome by the water when they made an attempt to do the same.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862By faith they did pass through the Red Sea as through dry land, which the Egyptians having received a trial of, were swallowed up;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752By faith they passed through the Red Sea, as by dry land: which the Egyptians attempting, were swallowed up.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890By faith they passed through the Red sea as through dry land; of which the Egyptians having made trial were swallowed up.
Context
Following the Passover, the Red Sea event presents faith’s boldness under maximum pressure. It contrasts Israel’s obedience with Egypt’s presumption, underlining that faith’s object—God’s word—makes all the difference. With Israel now beyond Egypt, the narrative advances into the conquest era, beginning with Jericho’s fall and highlighting unlikely instruments like Rahab, before broadening to a rapid survey of many other examples.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 136:13
To him that divided the Red Sea in sunder; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever;
- Habakkuk 3:8
Was Jehovah displeased with the rivers? Was thine anger against the rivers, Or thy wrath against the sea, That thou didst ride upon thy horses, Upon thy chariots of salvation?
- Joshua 2:10
For we have heard how Jehovah dried up the water of the Red Sea before you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond the Jordan, unto Sihon and to Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
- Psalms 66:6
He turned the sea into dry land; They went through the river on foot: There did we rejoice in him.
- Nehemiah 9:11
And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their pursuers thou didst cast into the depths, as a stone into the mighty waters.
- Isaiah 11:15
And Jehovah will utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his scorching wind will he wave his hand over the River, and will smite it into seven streams, and cause men to march over dryshod.
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.