Hebrews 11:33
What does Hebrews 11:33 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 11:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 11:33 means
Through faith, God’s people conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promised outcomes, and shut the mouths of lions. This summarizes achievements like David’s victories, judges’ deliverances, and Daniel’s protection. The emphasis is that faith was the instrument by which God acted, not human prowess. Faith is active and courageous; it engages in righteous work and faces danger, trusting God to intervene. These snapshots remind us that trusting God does not mean passivity—it means stepping into callings where only God can bring success and safety.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who through faith overcame kingdoms, did righteousness, got their reward, kept the mouths of lions shut,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862who through faith did subdue kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped mouths of lions,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who by faith conquered kingdoms, wrought justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890who by faith overcame kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped lions' mouths,
Context
The survey now lists exemplary results associated with faith. The scope is broad, touching civic righteousness, fulfilled promises, and miraculous rescues. It draws the reader to recall multiple Old Testament episodes without detailing each. The following verse continues this list—quenching fire, escaping the sword, and finding strength in weakness—before the narrative pivots to sufferings also endured in faith, ensuring a balanced portrayal.
v.32And what shall I more say? for the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah; of David and Samuel and the prophets:
v.33This passage
v.34quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, waxed mighty in war, turned to flight armies of aliens.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 3:16
Now to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
- Joshua 6:1
Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.
- Hebrews 11:17
By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son;
- Psalms 144:1
Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, Andmy fingers to fight:
- Hebrews 6:12
that ye be not sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
- 2 Samuel 8:1
And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took the bridle of the mother city out of the hand of the Philistines.
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