Hebrews 11:35
What does Hebrews 11:35 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 11:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 11:35 means
Some women received their dead back by resurrection, as God restored life through his prophets. But others were tortured, refusing release, because they aimed for a better resurrection. Faith does not guarantee uniform earthly outcomes; it fixes hope on God’s ultimate raising of the dead. Those who declined deliverance at the price of apostasy did so because they valued eternal life over temporary relief. The “better resurrection” contrasts brief reprieves in this age with the final, glorious life to come, which God grants to those who persevere.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Women received their dead by a resurrection: and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Women received their dead by a resurrection: and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Women had their dead given back to them living; others let themselves be cruelly attacked, having no desire to go free, so that they might have a better life to come;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Women received by a rising again their dead, and others were tortured, not accepting the redemption, that a better rising again they might receive,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Women received their dead raised to life again. But others were racked, not accepting deliverance, that they might find a better resurrection.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Women received their dead again by resurrection; and others were tortured, not having accepted deliverance, that they might get a better resurrection;
Context
This verse acts as a hinge between triumphs and trials. After highlighting dramatic victories, it acknowledges that faith also endures severe suffering. The mention of resurrection creates a theological thread: some tasted a temporary return of life, while others endured in view of the final resurrection. The next verses will continue describing diverse persecutions, showing that God’s commendation rests on faith regardless of earthly outcome.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 22:24
the chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, bidding that he should be examined by scourging, that he might know for what cause they so shouted against him.
- Luke 20:36
for neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
- 2 Kings 4:27
And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came near to thrust her away; but the man of God said, Let her alone: for her soul is vexed within her; and Jehovah hath hid it from me, and hath not told me.
- Philippians 3:11
if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead.
- Luke 14:14
and thou shalt be blessed; because they have not wherewith to recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed in the resurrection of the just.
- Acts 24:15
having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust.
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