Hebrews 11:37
What does Hebrews 11:37 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 11:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 11:37 means
Some were stoned, some sawn apart, some tempted, others killed by the sword. Many were reduced to wearing sheepskins and goatskins, living in poverty, hardship, and mistreatment. Faith sometimes leads to martyrdom and severe deprivation. These descriptions show that the faithful were not sheltered from brutality; yet their steadfastness witnesses to the surpassing worth of God. Stripped of worldly comforts and even life, they clung to God’s promises. Their sufferings do not negate faith; they display its depth and its refusal to let go of God under the greatest pressure.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword: they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated
KJV
King James Version · 1611They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword: they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949They were stoned, they were cut up with knives, they were tested, they were put to death with the sword, they went about in sheepskins and in goatskins; being poor and in pain and cruelly attacked,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tried; in the killing of the sword they died; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins--being destitute, afflicted, injuriously treated,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752They were stoned, they were cut asunder, they were tempted, they were put to death by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being in want, distressed, afflicted:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890They were stoned, were sawn asunder, were tempted, died by the death of the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted, evil treated,
Context
The list of afflictions intensifies, moving from beatings and imprisonment to execution and extreme poverty. By cataloging such extremes, the author prepares for a divine evaluation of these sufferers in verse 38. The narrative aims to reshape readers’ expectations: faith may lead through triumphs or through trials, but in both cases God’s commendation rests on trust in him, not on outward circumstances.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 11:23
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I more; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths oft.
- Luke 11:51
from the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zachariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary: yea, I say unto you, it shall be required of this generation.
- 1 Samuel 22:17
And the king said unto the guard that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of Jehovah; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of Jehovah.
- Matthew 21:35
And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
- Acts 12:2
And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
- Matthew 23:35
that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of Abel the righteous unto the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom ye slew between the sanctuary and the altar.
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.