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<!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 11:3 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/11-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/58_Heb_11_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hebrews 11:3 - Faith and Assurance" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script 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id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/hebrews/11-2.htm" title="Hebrews 11:2">◄</a> Hebrews 11:3 <a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm" title="Hebrews 11:4">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/hebrews/11.htm">New International Version</a> By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God&#8217s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. <a href="/nlt/hebrews/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen. <a href="/esv/hebrews/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. <a href="/bsb/hebrews/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/hebrews/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> By faith we understand the universe to have been formed by the word of God, so that the things being seen have not been made from the things being visible. <a href="/kjv/hebrews/11.htm">King James Bible</a> Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. <a href="/nkjv/hebrews/11.htm">New King James Version</a> By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. <a href="/nasb_/hebrews/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> By faith we understand that the world has been created by the word of God so that what is seen has not been made out of things that are visible. <a href="/nasb/hebrews/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. <a href="/nasb77/hebrews/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. <a href="/lsb/hebrews/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. <a href="/amp/hebrews/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> By faith [that is, with an inherent trust and enduring confidence in the power, wisdom and goodness of God] we understand that the worlds (universe, ages) were framed and created [formed, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose] by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. <a href="/csb/hebrews/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. <a href="/hcsb/hebrews/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> By faith we understand that the universe was created by God&#8217s command, so that what is seen has been made from things that are not visible. <a href="/asv/hebrews/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> By faith we understand that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen hath not been made out of things which appear. <a href="/cev/hebrews/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Because of our faith, we know that the world was made at God's command. We also know that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen. <a href="/erv/hebrews/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> By faith we understand that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen hath not been made out of things which do appear. <a href="/gwt/hebrews/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Faith convinces us that God created the world through his word. This means what can be seen was made by something that could not be seen. <a href="/gnt/hebrews/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> It is by faith that we understand that the universe was created by God's word, so that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen. <a href="/isv/hebrews/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> By faith we understand that time was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are invisible. <a href="/msb/hebrews/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/hebrews/11.htm">NET Bible</a> By faith we understand that the worlds were set in order at God's command, so that the visible has its origin in the invisible. <a href="/nheb/hebrews/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> By faith, we understand that the ages were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible. <a href="/wbt/hebrews/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which appeared. <a href="/wey/hebrews/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Through faith we understand that the worlds came into being, and still exist, at the command of God, so that what is seen does not owe its existence to that which is visible. <a href="/web/hebrews/11.htm">World English Bible</a> By faith we understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/hebrews/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> By faith we understand the ages to have been prepared by a saying of God, in regard to the things seen having not come out of things appearing. <a href="/blb/hebrews/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> By faith we understand the universe to have been formed by the word of God, so that the things being seen have not been made from the things being visible. <a href="/ylt/hebrews/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> by faith we understand the ages to have been prepared by a saying of God, in regard to the things seen not having come out of things appearing; <a href="/slt/hebrews/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> By faith we perceive that the times were adjusted by the word of God, so that things seen have been born not of things brought to light.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/hebrews/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> By faith we understand that the world was framed by the word of God; that from invisible things visible things might be made. <a href="/cpdv/hebrews/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> By faith, we understand the world to be fashioned by the Word of God, so that the visible might be made by the invisible. <a href="/nabre/hebrews/11.htm">New American Bible</a> By faith we understand that the universe was ordered by the word of God, so that what is visible came into being through the invisible. <a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For it is through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen came to be from those which are not seen. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/11.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For by faith we understand that the worlds were fashioned by the word of God, and these things that are seen came into being out of those things which are unseen.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/hebrews/11.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> By faith we understand that the ages were set in order by the word of God, so that the things which are seen, have not come into being from things that appear.<CM> <a href="/godbey/hebrews/11.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> By faith we understand that the worlds were created by the word of God, and that which was seen was not made from things which are manifest. <a href="/haweis/hebrews/11.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> By faith we understand that the worlds were exactly formed by the word of God, so that the visible objects were not made out of things which now appear.<CM> <a href="/mace/hebrews/11.htm">Mace New Testament</a> 'Tis by faith we learn that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the visible world was not made out of any thing that did appear. <a href="/wey/hebrews/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Through faith we understand that the worlds came into being, and still exist, at the command of God, so that what is seen does not owe its existence to that which is visible. <a href="/worrell/hebrews/11.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> By faith we perceive that the ages have been constituted by the word of God, so that what is seen has not arisen out of things that appear. <a href="/worsley/hebrews/11.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, for the things which are seen were not made of things which appear. <a href="/parallel/hebrews/11-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-IAXXp5zcA?start=2076" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/hebrews/11.htm">Faith and Assurance</a> …2This is why the ancients were commended. 3<a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: Pistei (N-DFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">By faith</a> <a href="/greek/3539.htm" title="3539: nooumen (V-PIA-1P) -- From nous; to exercise the mind, i.e. to comprehend, heed.">we understand that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- 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/165.htm" title="165: aiōnas (N-AMP) -- From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.">universe</a> <a href="/greek/2675.htm" title="2675: katērtisthai (V-RNM/P) -- From kata and a derivative of artios; to complete thoroughly, i.e. Repair or adjust.">was formed</a> <a href="/greek/4487.htm" title="4487: rhēmati (N-DNS) -- From rheo; an utterance,; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever.">at God’s command,</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very."></a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what</a> <a href="/greek/991.htm" title="991: blepomenon (V-PPM/P-ANS) -- (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.">is seen</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: gegonenai (V-RNA) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">was not made</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">out of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what</a> <a href="/greek/5316.htm" title="5316: phainomenōn (V-PPM/P-GNP) -- Prolongation for the base of phos; to lighten, i.e. Show.">was visible.</a> 4By 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/1-1.htm">Genesis 1:1</a> In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. <a href="/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1-3</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. <a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Colossians 1:16</a> For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. <a href="/psalms/33-6.htm">Psalm 33:6</a> By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth. <a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17</a> As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the presence of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist. <a href="/2_peter/3-5.htm">2 Peter 3:5</a> But they deliberately overlook the fact that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water, <a href="/revelation/4-11.htm">Revelation 4:11</a> “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and were created.” <a href="/isaiah/45-12.htm">Isaiah 45:12</a> It is I who made the earth and created man upon it. It was My hands that stretched out the heavens, and I ordained all their host. <a href="/proverbs/3-19.htm">Proverbs 3:19</a> The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding. <a href="/jeremiah/10-12.htm">Jeremiah 10:12</a> The LORD made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding. <a href="/job/38-4.htm">Job 38:4-7</a> Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. / Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it? / On what were its foundations set, or who laid its cornerstone, ... <a href="/nehemiah/9-6.htm">Nehemiah 9:6</a> You alone are the LORD. You created the heavens, the highest heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all things, and the host of heaven worships You. <a href="/psalms/148-5.htm">Psalm 148:5</a> Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He gave the command and they were created. <a href="/isaiah/40-26.htm">Isaiah 40:26</a> Lift up your eyes on high: Who created all these? He leads forth the starry host by number; He calls each one by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. <a href="/acts/17-24.htm">Acts 17:24</a> The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.faith.<a href="/hebrews/1-2.htm">Hebrews 1:2</a> Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;<a href="/genesis/1-1.htm">Genesis 1:1</a> In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.<a href="/genesis/2-1.htm">Genesis 2:1</a> Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/9-26.htm">Ages</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-28.htm">Appear</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-26.htm">Appeared</a> <a href="/titus/2-13.htm">Appearing</a> <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Apprehend</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-15.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-18.htm">Command</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-13.htm">Created</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">Events</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-10.htm">Exist</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-8.htm">Existence</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-1.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-19.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-13.htm">Formed</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm">Framed</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-2.htm">God's</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-36.htm">Order</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-6.htm">Origin</a> <a href="/philemon/1-19.htm">Owe</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-5.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-14.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-1.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-1.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-8.htm">Universe</a> <a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Visible</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-36.htm">Word</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-5.htm">World</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-2.htm">Worlds</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/13-8.htm">Ages</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-18.htm">Appear</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-20.htm">Appeared</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-7.htm">Appearing</a> <a href="/matthew/15-17.htm">Apprehend</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-14.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-22.htm">Command</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-27.htm">Created</a> <a href="/genesis/39-7.htm">Events</a> <a href="/james/3-16.htm">Exist</a> <a href="/revelation/4-11.htm">Existence</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-26.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-5.htm">Formed</a> <a href="/job/10-8.htm">Framed</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-25.htm">God's</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-10.htm">Order</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-21.htm">Origin</a> <a href="/revelation/7-10.htm">Owe</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-7.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-18.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/james/1-7.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-23.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/acts/7-50.htm">Universe</a> <a href="/genesis/8-5.htm">Visible</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-5.htm">Word</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-7.htm">World</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">Worlds</a><div class="vheading2">Hebrews 11</div>1. <a href="/hebrews/11-1.htm">What faith is.</a> 6. <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Without faith we cannot please God.</a> 7. <a href="/hebrews/11-7.htm">The examples of faithfulness in the fathers of old time.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/hebrews/11.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>By faith The phrase "By faith" sets the tone for the entire chapter of <a href="/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11</a>, often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame." The Greek word for faith here is "πίστις" (pistis), which implies a deep trust and confidence in God. This faith is not merely intellectual assent but a profound reliance on God's promises and character. In the context of Hebrews, faith is the means by which believers understand and interact with the unseen realities of God's kingdom. It is a faith that transcends human understanding and is rooted in the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (<a href="/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11:1</a>).we understand The Greek word for "understand" is "νοοῦμεν" (nooumen), which means to perceive with the mind or to comprehend. This suggests that faith is not opposed to understanding but rather enhances it. Through faith, believers gain insight into the truths of God's creation and His divine plan. This understanding is not derived from empirical evidence or human reasoning but from a spiritual discernment granted by God.that the universe The term "universe" in Greek is "αἰῶνας" (aionas), which can also be translated as "ages" or "worlds." This word encompasses not only the physical cosmos but also the temporal and spiritual dimensions of creation. It reflects the totality of God's creative work, both seen and unseen. The use of this term underscores the vastness and complexity of God's creation, which is beyond human comprehension yet made known to us through faith.was formed The Greek word "κατηρτίσθαι" (katērtisthai) means to be prepared, arranged, or put in order. This implies intentionality and purpose in God's creation. The universe is not a product of random chance but is intricately designed and sustained by God's sovereign will. This formation speaks to the order and harmony inherent in creation, reflecting the wisdom and power of the Creator.by God’s command The phrase "by God’s command" highlights the divine authority and power in creation. The Greek word "ῥήματι" (rhēmati) refers to a spoken word or utterance. This echoes the Genesis account where God speaks the world into existence (Genesis 1). It emphasizes the creative power of God's word, which brings forth life and order from nothingness. This command is not just a historical event but a continual reality, as God's word sustains and governs the universe.so that what is seen This phrase draws attention to the visible, tangible aspects of creation. The Greek word "βλεπόμενον" (blepomenon) refers to that which is perceived by the senses. It acknowledges the reality of the physical world, which is accessible to human observation and experience. However, it also implies that there is more to reality than what meets the eye, pointing to the spiritual truths that underlie the material world.was not made out of what was visible The concluding phrase underscores the concept of creation ex nihilo, meaning "out of nothing." The Greek construction here indicates that the visible world did not originate from pre-existing materials. This affirms the doctrine that God created everything from nothing by His powerful word. It challenges human understanding and invites believers to trust in the unseen power and wisdom of God. This truth calls for a humble acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and a recognition of our dependence on Him for all things.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hebrews/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) Through faith.--Rather, By faith, as in the following verses. The first place is not given to "the elders," for the writer's object is to set forth the achievements of faith. With these, he would say, the Scripture record is filled. Even where there is no mention of this principle we must trace it in the lives of God's servants; even where there is no history of men, there is a necessity for the exercise of faith by ourselves, and the first words of Scripture teach this lesson.That the worlds were framed.--Literally, that the ages have been prepared. The remarkable expression which was used in <a href="/hebrews/1-2.htm" title="Has in these last days spoken to us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;">Hebrews 1:2</a> is here repeated. The complete preparation of all that the successive periods of time contain is the idea which the words present. The narrative of the first chapter of Genesis ascribes the whole creation of "the heaven and the earth" to God; and associates with "a word of God" every stage in the preparation and furnishing of the earth. (See Note on <a href="/hebrews/1-2.htm" title="Has in these last days spoken to us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;">Hebrews 1:2</a>.) This is the first lesson of that record. But it does not stand alone, as is taught more plainly still by the next clause.So that things which are seen.--A slight alteration in the Greek is necessary here--"the thing seen" (or "what is seen") being the true reading. A more important point is a change in the aspect of the whole clause, which the Greek seems to require. As the English words stand, they point out the significance of the statement of Scripture respecting the creative act: we believe the writer intended rather to state the divine purpose in relation to that first creation and all subsequent acts that are included in the "preparing of the ages." "In order that what is seen should not have come into being out of things which appear." This is probably the true meaning of the clause. In the narrative of the first chapter of Genesis God would have us learn a lesson for the whole course of human history and development. As the visible universe did not take its being out of what was apparent, so what from time to time is seen does not arise of itself out of what is manifest to man's natural perceptions. Not only is the eternity of matter denied, but from the beginning a warning has been given against a materialistic philosophy. The first page of Scripture is designed to teach the constant presence and work of the Creator. This lesson we learn and apply by faith; and the result of its application is seen in many points of the history which follows. In that history the operation of faith is twofold. The writer's most obvious design is to call attention to the faith possessed by "the elders," and its wonderful triumphs; but it is in many cases by the same faith that we interpret the Scripture record so as to discover this to have been their guiding principle. But seldom does the Old Testament directly speak of faith, and hence the importance of this verse (which some have thought incongruous, since it retards the exhibition of the elders' faith) as throwing light on our interpretation of the teaching of God's word.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hebrews/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - By faith we perceive that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen (or, that which is seen) have (or, has) not been made of things which do appear. "By the word of God" has reference to "and God said," of <a href="/genesis/1.htm">Genesis 1</a>, which chapter enunciates the primary article of all definite religions faith, viz. the existence and operation of God, as the unseen Author of the visible universe. Even without a revelation to declare this, faith's office is to apprehend it from observation of the phenomena themselves; as is intimated in <a href="/romans/1-20.htm">Romans 1:20</a>, where even to the Greek "the invisible things of God from the creation of the world" are said to be "clearly seen, being understood [νοούμενα: cf νοοῦμεν in the passage before us] by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead." The drift of both passages is the same, viz. this, and no more - that faith recognizes an unseen power and Godhead behind, and accounting for, the seen universe. Commentators, who - taking μὴ ἐκ φαινομένων as equivalent to ἐκ μὴ φαινομένων, and hence seeking to explain what is meant by "non-apparent things" - perceive here a reference either to the formless void (<a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Genesis 1:2</a>) out of which the present creation was evolved, or to the Platonic conception of eternal ideas in the Divine mind, read into the text what is not there. <a href="/commentaries/hebrews/11-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>By faith Πίστει (Pistei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. we understand that νοοῦμεν (nooumen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3539.htm">Strong's 3539: </a> From nous; to exercise the mind, i.e. to comprehend, heed. the τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. universe αἰῶνας (aiōnas) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_165.htm">Strong's 165: </a> From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period. was formed κατηρτίσθαι (katērtisthai) Verb - Perfect Infinitive Middle or Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_2675.htm">Strong's 2675: </a> From kata and a derivative of artios; to complete thoroughly, i.e. Repair or adjust. by God’s command, ῥήματι (rhēmati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4487.htm">Strong's 4487: </a> From rheo; an utterance, ; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever. so that εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. what τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. is seen βλεπόμενον (blepomenon) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_991.htm">Strong's 991: </a> (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at. was not made γεγονέναι (gegonenai) Verb - Perfect Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. out of ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. what τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. was visible. φαινομένων (phainomenōn) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5316.htm">Strong's 5316: </a> Prolongation for the base of phos; to lighten, i.e. Show. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/11-3.htm">Hebrews 11:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/hebrews/11-3.htm">Hebrews 11:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/hebrews/11-3.htm">Hebrews 11:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/hebrews/11-3.htm">Hebrews 11:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/hebrews/11-3.htm">Hebrews 11:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/11-3.htm">Hebrews 11:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/11-3.htm">Hebrews 11:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/11-3.htm">Hebrews 11:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/11-3.htm">Hebrews 11:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/hebrews/11-3.htm">Hebrews 11:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-3.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the universe (Heb. 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