CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Hebrews 11:2 This is why the ancients were commended.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/11-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/58_Heb_11_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hebrews 11:2 - Faith and Assurance" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="This is why the ancients were commended." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/hebrews/11-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/hebrews/11-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/hebrews/">Hebrews</a> > <a href="/hebrews/11.htm">Chapter 11</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/hebrews/11-1.htm" title="Hebrews 11:1">◄</a> Hebrews 11:2 <a href="/hebrews/11-3.htm" title="Hebrews 11:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/hebrews/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/hebrews/11.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />This is what the ancients were commended for.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/hebrews/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/hebrews/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For by it the people of old received their commendation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is why the ancients were commended.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For in this the ancients were commended.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/hebrews/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For by it the elders obtained a good report.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/hebrews/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For by it the elders obtained a <i>good</i> testimony.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/hebrews/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For by it the people of old gained approval.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/hebrews/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For by it the men of old gained approval.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/hebrews/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For by it the men of old gained approval.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/hebrews/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For by it the men of old gained approval.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/hebrews/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For by this [kind of] faith the men of old gained [divine] approval.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/hebrews/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For by this our ancestors were approved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/hebrews/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For our ancestors won God&#8217s approval by it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/hebrews/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For therein the elders had witness borne to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/hebrews/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It was their faith that made our ancestors pleasing to God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/hebrews/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For therein the elders had witness borne to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/hebrews/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />God accepted our ancestors because of their faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/hebrews/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />It was by their faith that people of ancient times won God's approval. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/hebrews/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />By faith our ancestors won approval.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/hebrews/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is why the ancients were commended.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/hebrews/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For by it the people of old received God's commendation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/hebrews/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For by this, the people of old were attested. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/hebrews/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For by it the elders obtained a good report.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For by it the saints of old won God's approval.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/hebrews/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For by this, the elders obtained approval. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/hebrews/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for by this, the elders were well-attested.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For in this the ancients were commended.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/hebrews/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for in this were the elders testified of;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/hebrews/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For by this were the elders testified of.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/hebrews/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For by this the ancients obtained a testimony. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/hebrews/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For this reason, the ancients were given testimony.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/hebrews/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Because of it the ancients were well attested.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And in this way it became a testimonial of the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/11.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And by this there was a testimony concerning the ancients.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/hebrews/11.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />for by this the ancients obtained a good reputation.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/hebrews/11.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />For by it the elders receive the witness of the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/hebrews/11.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />for thereby the ancients obtained a testimony of approbation.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/hebrews/11.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />and it was for their faith that our fore-fathers acquired so great a reputation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For by it the saints of old won God's approval.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/hebrews/11.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />for in this the elders were well reported of.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/hebrews/11.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />for by it the ancients obtained an <i>honorable</i> testimony.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/hebrews/11-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-IAXXp5zcA?start=2072" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/11.htm">Faith and Assurance</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tautē (DPro-DFS) -- This; he, she, it. ">This is why</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4245.htm" title="4245: presbyteroi (Adj-NMP) -- Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian presbyter.">ancients</a> <a href="/greek/3140.htm" title="3140: emartyrēthēsan (V-AIP-3P) -- To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.">were commended.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">3</span>By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-39.htm">Hebrews 11:39</a></span><br />These were all commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-38.htm">Hebrews 10:38-39</a></span><br />But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.” / But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-18.htm">James 2:18-26</a></span><br />But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. / You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. / O foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is worthless? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/4-1.htm">Romans 4:1-3</a></span><br />What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has discovered? / If Abraham was indeed justified by works, he had something to boast about, but not before God. / For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/4-18.htm">Romans 4:18-22</a></span><br />Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” / Without weakening in his faith, he acknowledged the decrepitness of his body (since he was about a hundred years old) and the lifelessness of Sarah’s womb. / Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-6.htm">Galatians 3:6-9</a></span><br />So also, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” / Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. / The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-7.htm">2 Corinthians 5:7</a></span><br />For we walk by faith, not by sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-21.htm">Matthew 21:21-22</a></span><br />“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. / If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-8.htm">Luke 18:8</a></span><br />I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/20-29.htm">John 20:29</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-7.htm">1 Peter 1:7-9</a></span><br />so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. / Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy, / now that you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-4.htm">1 John 5:4</a></span><br />because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/15-6.htm">Genesis 15:6</a></span><br />Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/6-8.htm">Genesis 6:8-9</a></span><br />Noah, however, found favor in the eyes of the LORD. / This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/5-24.htm">Genesis 5:24</a></span><br />Enoch walked with God, and then he was no more, because God had taken him away.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For by it the elders obtained a good report.</p><p class="hdg">the elders.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Hebrews 11:4-39</a></b></br> By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/9-19.htm">Ancients</a> <a href="/philemon/1-14.htm">Approval</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-17.htm">Borne</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">Commended</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-10.htm">Divine</a> <a href="/titus/1-5.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-9.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/galatians/2-21.htm">Gained</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-36.htm">God's</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-24.htm">Good</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-12.htm">Obtained</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm">Power</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-32.htm">Received</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-7.htm">Report</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-10.htm">Saints</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-17.htm">Testified</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-28.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-8.htm">Therein</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-23.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Won</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/24-13.htm">Ancients</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-39.htm">Approval</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-39.htm">Borne</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-5.htm">Commended</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-3.htm">Divine</a> <a href="/james/5-14.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-9.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-33.htm">Gained</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-3.htm">God's</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-12.htm">Good</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Obtained</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-11.htm">Power</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Received</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-39.htm">Report</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-24.htm">Saints</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-39.htm">Testified</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-9.htm">Therein</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-34.htm">Won</a><div class="vheading2">Hebrews 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/11-1.htm">What faith is.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Without faith we cannot please God.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/11-7.htm">The examples of faithfulness in the fathers of old time.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/hebrews/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>This is why</b><br>The phrase "This is why" refers back to the preceding verse, which discusses faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. It sets the stage for understanding that faith is the foundation for the commendation of the ancients. This concept of faith is central to the entire chapter, which is often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame."<p><b>the ancients</b><br>The "ancients" refers to the Old Testament figures who lived by faith. These include Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and others mentioned later in the chapter. These individuals are examples of living by faith before the coming of Christ. Their lives are documented in the Hebrew Scriptures, providing a historical and spiritual lineage for the early Christian audience, who would have been familiar with these stories.<p><b>were commended</b><br>The ancients were "commended" for their faith, meaning they received approval or praise from God. This commendation is not based on their works or adherence to the law but on their faith, which aligns with the broader biblical theme that righteousness comes through faith. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/romans/4-3.htm">Romans 4:3</a>, where Abraham's faith is credited to him as righteousness. The commendation of the ancients serves as a testament to the enduring nature of faith and its importance in the relationship between God and humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_elders.htm">The Elders</a></b><br>Refers to the patriarchs and matriarchs of the faith, such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and others mentioned in <a href="/bsb/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11</a>. These individuals are commended for their faith and serve as examples for believers.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/f/faith.htm">Faith</a></b><br>The central theme of <a href="/bsb/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11</a>, described as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. It is by faith that the elders received commendation from God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/commendation.htm">Commendation</a></b><br>The "good report" or testimony that the elders received from God due to their faith. This commendation is not just a human acknowledgment but a divine approval.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_as_the_foundation.htm">Faith as the Foundation</a></b><br>Faith is the foundation upon which believers build their relationship with God. It is through faith that we receive God's commendation, just as the elders did.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_by_faith.htm">Living by Faith</a></b><br>The lives of the elders demonstrate that faith is not passive but active. Believers are called to live out their faith in tangible ways, trusting in God's promises even when they are not yet visible.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_approval.htm">Divine Approval</a></b><br>True commendation comes from God, not from human accolades. Our focus should be on living a life that pleases God, seeking His approval above all else.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/legacy_of_faith.htm">Legacy of Faith</a></b><br>The elders left a legacy of faith that continues to inspire believers today. We are encouraged to consider the impact of our faith on future generations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hebrews_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_fearing_god_mean.htm">Where did the taken one go?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'rightly_dividing'_mean.htm">What is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_secrets_biblical.htm">Is keeping secrets aligned with biblical teachings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_rhetorical_criticism.htm">Who was Uriah the Hittite in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hebrews/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">For by it</span>.--Better, <span class= "ital">For therein the elders had witness borne to them.</span> The connection seems to be this: Faith truly accomplishes all this; for it was in the exercise of such a faith that the elders gained the witness which the Scripture bears (see <a href="/context/hebrews/11-4.htm" title="By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaks.">Hebrews 11:4-5</a>; <a href="/hebrews/11-39.htm" title="And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:">Hebrews 11:39</a>) to them and to their noble deeds. This verse, then, is added to confirm the first.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hebrews/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For in this</span> (<span class="accented">i.e. faith</span>, <span class="greek">ἐν ταύτῃ</span>) <span class="cmt_word">the elders obtained a good report</span>; literally <span class="accented">were witnessed of</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> it was in respect of their faith, which inspired their deeds, that they were praised. (For a similar use of the preposition <span class="greek">ἐν</span>, cf. <a href="/1_corinthians/11-22.htm">1 Corinthians 11:22</a>, <span class="greek">ἐπαινέσω ἐν</span>, <span class="greek">τούτῳ</span>). Thus is introduced the illustrative review of Old Testament instances, the purpose of which has been explained above. It begins from the beginning, Abel being the first example. But in the Old Testament the account of the creation precedes that first recorded instance; and, therefore, it is in the first place fittingly referred to, the existence of an unseen creative power mentally perceived beyond things visible, being the primary article - the very foundation - of all religious faith (cf. below, ver. 6). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/hebrews/11-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">This is why</span><br /><span class="grk">ταύτῃ</span> <span class="translit">(tautē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">οἱ</span> <span class="translit">(hoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ancients</span><br /><span class="grk">πρεσβύτεροι</span> <span class="translit">(presbyteroi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4245.htm">Strong's 4245: </a> </span><span class="str2">Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were commended.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐμαρτυρήθησαν</span> <span class="translit">(emartyrēthēsan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3140.htm">Strong's 3140: </a> </span><span class="str2">To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/11-2.htm">Hebrews 11:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/hebrews/11-2.htm">Hebrews 11:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/hebrews/11-2.htm">Hebrews 11:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/hebrews/11-2.htm">Hebrews 11:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/hebrews/11-2.htm">Hebrews 11:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/11-2.htm">Hebrews 11:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/11-2.htm">Hebrews 11:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/11-2.htm">Hebrews 11:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/11-2.htm">Hebrews 11:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/hebrews/11-2.htm">Hebrews 11:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/hebrews/11-2.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 11:2 For by this the elders obtained testimony (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/11-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 11:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 11:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/11-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 11:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 11:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>