Bible Strands
Hebrews 11:2
This is why the ancients were commended.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The author addresses Jewish Christians to explain how faith operates within salvation history. He introduces the upcoming catalogue by noting why earlier generations received divine approval.
The words — ἐμαρτυρήθησαν (emarturēthēsan) translates literally to "were commended" or "received testimony," while πρεσβύτεροι (presbuteroi) refers to "the ancients" or earlier generations. The Greek syntax directly ties this past approval to the faith defined in the preceding verse.
The thread — The same verb for "commended" appears in Hebrews 11:4 regarding Abel and Hebrews 11:39 regarding the entire Old Testament roster. These references establish a consistent biblical pattern of divine approval tied to trust rather than visible results.
Why it lands — The text states that past approval rests on faith, not on receiving promises. It requires readers to measure their own endurance against the same standard of trust in God’s word.
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 by it the elders obtained a good report.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 11:39 These were all commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised.
- Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.