Hebrews 11:13

All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

Study Bible

These all died in faith
This phrase refers to the patriarchs and matriarchs mentioned earlier in Hebrews 11, such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah. The Greek word for "faith" is "pistis," which implies a deep trust and confidence in God. Despite not receiving the promises during their lifetimes, they maintained their faith, demonstrating a steadfast belief in God's promises. This highlights the essence of faith as described in Hebrews 11:1, "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." Their faith was not in vain, as it was rooted in the eternal promises of God, which transcend earthly life.

not having received the things promised
The patriarchs lived with the expectation of God's promises, yet they did not see their fulfillment in their earthly lives. This speaks to the nature of God's promises, which often extend beyond our immediate understanding and timeline. The promises referred to here include the land, descendants, and blessings to all nations through Abraham's seed. Historically, these promises were partially fulfilled in the Old Testament but find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the eternal kingdom. This teaches believers to trust in God's timing and sovereignty, even when immediate results are not visible.

but having seen them and welcomed them from afar
The imagery here is of seeing something in the distance and greeting it with joy and anticipation. The Greek word "aspazomai" for "welcomed" conveys a sense of embracing or saluting. The patriarchs had a vision of God's promises and embraced them with faith, even though they were not yet realized. This reflects a spiritual insight and foresight, recognizing the reality of God's promises as if they were already present. It encourages believers to live with a forward-looking faith, confident in the fulfillment of God's word.

and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth
The acknowledgment of being "strangers and exiles" underscores the temporary nature of earthly life and the eternal perspective of the faithful. The Greek word "xenos" for "strangers" and "parepidēmos" for "exiles" suggest a sense of being foreigners or sojourners. This reflects the understanding that their true citizenship was in heaven, as Paul later writes in Philippians 3:20. The patriarchs lived with the awareness that their ultimate home was not in this world, but in the heavenly city prepared by God. This perspective challenges believers to live with a heavenly mindset, prioritizing eternal values over temporal concerns.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Patriarchs
This verse refers to the patriarchs mentioned earlier in Hebrews 11, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who lived by faith and trusted in God's promises despite not seeing them fulfilled in their lifetimes.

2. The Promised Land
The patriarchs were promised a land by God, which they did not possess during their lifetimes. They lived as sojourners, reflecting their faith in God's future fulfillment of His promises.

3. Faithful Witnesses
The "people" mentioned are part of the "cloud of witnesses" who lived by faith, as described throughout Hebrews 11, serving as examples for believers.

Teaching Points

Living by Faith
The patriarchs exemplified living by faith, trusting in God's promises even when they were not immediately visible. Believers today are called to live with the same faith, trusting in God's promises for the future.

Eternal Perspective
Recognizing ourselves as "strangers and exiles" on earth encourages us to focus on our eternal home and not become too attached to worldly things.

Welcoming God's Promises
Like the patriarchs, we are to "see and welcome" God's promises from afar, maintaining hope and assurance in what God has promised, even if fulfillment is not immediate.

Acknowledging Our Status
Understanding our identity as temporary residents on earth helps us prioritize spiritual growth and heavenly treasures over earthly gains.

Encouragement from the Faithful
The examples of faith in Hebrews 11 serve as encouragement for us to persevere in our faith journey, knowing that others have walked this path before us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of being "strangers and exiles on the earth" influence your daily decisions and priorities?

2. In what ways can you "see and welcome" God's promises in your life, even if they are not yet fulfilled?

3. How do the examples of faith in Hebrews 11 inspire you to trust in God's promises?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to maintain an eternal perspective in a world that often focuses on the temporary?

5. How can you encourage others in your community to live by faith, as the patriarchs did, despite not seeing immediate results?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 23:4
Abraham refers to himself as a "stranger and sojourner" in the land, highlighting his acknowledgment of being an exile on earth, which aligns with the theme of Hebrews 11:13.

Philippians 3:20
Paul speaks of believers' citizenship being in heaven, which connects to the idea of being strangers and exiles on earth, as mentioned in Hebrews 11:13.

1 Peter 2:11
Peter urges believers to live as "aliens and strangers" in the world, echoing the sentiment of Hebrews 11:13 about acknowledging our temporary status on earth.