Bible Strands
Hebrews 11:14
Now those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The author addresses believers facing pressure to abandon their faith, using the patriarchs’ past declarations to explain their spiritual orientation. The text states that those who make such claims demonstrate they are looking for a homeland of their own.
The words — The verb ἐμφανίζουσιν (emphanizousin) literally means to make manifest, while ἐπιζητοῦσιν (epizētousin) means they are seeking. Together they show that the patriarchs’ words function as public proof of their active pursuit of a specific destination.
The thread — This motif of unfulfilled earthly longing appears in Hebrews 11:16, which identifies the destination as a heavenly country, and in 2 Corinthians 4:18, which contrasts temporary visible realities with eternal unseen ones. The author also echoes Romans 8:23, where believers groan while awaiting a reality not yet received.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to examine whether their own declarations and daily pursuits align with a fixed, transcendent destination rather than temporary earthly security. It demands a clear-eyed assessment of what one actively seeks when facing displacement or loss.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
- Romans 8:23 Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
- Hebrews 11:16 Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
- Hebrews 13:14 For here we do not have a permanent city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.
- Philippians 1:23 I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.