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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 11:16 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/11-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/58_Heb_11_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hebrews 11:16 - The Faith of Abraham and Sarah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. 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Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. <a href="/nlt/hebrews/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. <a href="/esv/hebrews/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. <a href="/bsb/hebrews/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/hebrews/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But now they stretch forward to a better one, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. <a href="/kjv/hebrews/11.htm">King James Bible</a> But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. <a href="/nkjv/hebrews/11.htm">New King James Version</a> But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. <a href="/nasb_/hebrews/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. <a href="/nasb/hebrews/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. <a href="/nasb77/hebrews/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. <a href="/lsb/hebrews/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But now, they aspire to a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He prepared a city for them. <a href="/amp/hebrews/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But the truth is that they were longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one. For that reason God is not ashamed [of them or] to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob]; for He has prepared a city for them. <a href="/csb/hebrews/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. <a href="/hcsb/hebrews/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. <a href="/asv/hebrews/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city. <a href="/cev/hebrews/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But they were looking forward to a better home in heaven. This is why God wasn't ashamed for them to call him their God. He even built a city for them. <a href="/erv/hebrews/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. <a href="/gwt/hebrews/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Instead, these men were longing for a better country-a heavenly country. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God. He has prepared a city for them. <a href="/gnt/hebrews/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> Instead, it was a better country they longed for, the heavenly country. And so God is not ashamed for them to call him their God, because he has prepared a city for them. <a href="/isv/hebrews/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> Instead, they were longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, because he has prepared a city for them. <a href="/net/hebrews/11.htm">NET Bible</a> But as it is, they aspire to a better land, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. <a href="/nheb/hebrews/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Instead, they were longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. <a href="/wbt/hebrews/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city. <a href="/wey/hebrews/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> but, as it is, we see them eager for a better land, that is to say, a heavenly one. For this reason God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has now prepared a city for them.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/hebrews/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/web/hebrews/11.htm">World English Bible</a> But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/hebrews/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> but now they long for better, that is, heavenly, for this reason God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for He prepared a city for them. <a href="/blb/hebrews/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But now they stretch forward to a better one, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. <a href="/ylt/hebrews/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> but now they long for a better, that is, an heavenly, wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for He did prepare for them a city. <a href="/slt/hebrews/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And now they feel an ardent desire for a better, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them to be called their God: for he prepared for them a city.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/hebrews/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But now they desire a better, that is to say, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city. <a href="/cpdv/hebrews/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But now they hunger for a better place, that is, Heaven. For this reason, God is not ashamed to be called their God. For he has prepared a city for them. <a href="/nabre/hebrews/11.htm">New American Bible</a> But now they desire a better homeland, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. <a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But now it is evident, that they desire a better city, that city which is in heaven: therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/11.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Now it is apparent that they longed for better than that, which is in Heaven; because of this, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a City for them.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/hebrews/11.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country; wherefore God is not ashamed of them, that he should be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city.<CM> <a href="/godbey/hebrews/11.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> but now they seek a better country, that is, a heavenly. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city. <a href="/haweis/hebrews/11.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But now their longing desires are after a better country, that is, the heavenly one: wherefore God is not ashamed of them to be called their God: for he hath prepared a city for them.<CM> <a href="/mace/hebrews/11.htm">Mace New Testament</a> they desired therefore a better, that is, an heavenly country: so that God is very justly stiled their God: for he had appointed a city for them. <a href="/wey/hebrews/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> but, as it is, we see them eager for a better land, that is to say, a heavenly one. For this reason God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has now prepared a city for them. <a href="/worrell/hebrews/11.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But now they long for a better country, that is, a heavenly one; wherefore, God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for He prepared for them a city. <a href="/worsley/hebrews/11.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But they desire a better, that is, an heavenly one; wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He hath prepared for them a city. <a href="/parallel/hebrews/11-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-IAXXp5zcA?start=2235" 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">The Faith of Abraham and Sarah</a> …15If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Instead,</a> <a href="/greek/3568.htm" title="3568: nyn (Adv) -- A primary particle of present time; now; also as noun or adjective present or immediate."></a> <a href="/greek/3713.htm" title="3713: oregontai (V-PIM-3P) -- To stretch forth, mid: To hanker after, long for, be eager for, aspire to. ">they were longing for</a> <a href="/greek/2909.htm" title="2909: kreittonos (Adj-GFS-C) -- Stronger, more excellent. Comparative of a derivative of kratos; stronger, i.e. better, i.e. Nobler.">a better country,</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tout’ (DPro-NNS) -- This; he, she, it. "></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist."></a> <a href="/greek/2032.htm" title="2032: epouraniou (Adj-GFS) -- From epi and ouranos; above the sky.">a heavenly one.</a> <a href="/greek/1352.htm" title="1352: dio (Conj) -- Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently.">Therefore</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1870.htm" title="1870: epaischynetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To be ashamed, be ashamed of. From epi and aischunomai; to feel shame for something.">is not ashamed</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/1941.htm" title="1941: epikaleisthai (V-PNM/P) -- (a) To call (name) by a supplementary (additional, alternative) name, (b) mid: To call upon, appeal to, address. ">to be called</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">their</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God,</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">for</a> <a href="/greek/2090.htm" title="2090: hētoimasen (V-AIA-3S) -- To make ready, prepare. From hetoimos; to prepare.">He has prepared</a> <a href="/greek/4172.htm" title="4172: polin (N-AFS) -- A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.">a city</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">for them.</a> 17By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son,…<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="/philippians/3-20.htm">Philippians 3:20</a> But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, <a href="/revelation/21-2.htm">Revelation 21:2-3</a> I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. / And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. <a href="/matthew/5-12.htm">Matthew 5:12</a> Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. <a href="/john/14-2.htm">John 14:2-3</a> In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? / And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-1.htm">2 Corinthians 5:1-2</a> For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. / For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, <a href="/colossians/3-1.htm">Colossians 3:1-2</a> Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. / Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. <a href="/1_peter/1-4.htm">1 Peter 1:4</a> and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, <a href="/revelation/21-10.htm">Revelation 21:10-11</a> And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, / shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-9.htm">1 Corinthians 2:9</a> Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” <a href="/ephesians/2-19.htm">Ephesians 2:19</a> Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, <a href="/luke/12-32.htm">Luke 12:32</a> Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. <a href="/romans/8-23.htm">Romans 8:23</a> 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. <a href="/2_timothy/4-18.htm">2 Timothy 4:18</a> And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. <a href="/revelation/3-12.htm">Revelation 3:12</a> The one who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will never again leave it. Upon him I will write the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from My God), and My new name. <a href="/galatians/4-26.htm">Galatians 4:26</a> But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: why God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city.they desire.<a href="/hebrews/11-14.htm">Hebrews 11:14</a> For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.<a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">Hebrews 12:22</a> But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,God is.<a href="/hebrews/2-11.htm">Hebrews 2:11</a> For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,to be.<a href="/genesis/17-7.htm">Genesis 17:7,8</a> And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee… <a href="/exodus/3-6.htm">Exodus 3:6,15</a> Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God… <a href="/isaiah/41-8.htm">Isaiah 41:8-10</a> But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend… for.<a href="/hebrews/11-10.htm">Hebrews 11:10</a> For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.<a href="/hebrews/13-14.htm">Hebrews 13:14</a> For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.<a href="/matthew/25-34.htm">Matthew 25:34</a> Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/2-11.htm">Ashamed</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Better</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-10.htm">City</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-15.htm">Country</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-8.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">Eager</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-5.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-23.htm">Heavenly</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-11.htm">Instead</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-4.htm">Longing</a> <a href="/philemon/1-22.htm">Prepare</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-7.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-5.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-14.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-6.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-12.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm">Ashamed</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-25.htm">Better</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">City</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">Country</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-24.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/james/3-1.htm">Eager</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">Heavenly</a> <a href="/james/4-15.htm">Instead</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-14.htm">Longing</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-13.htm">Prepare</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-17.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-12.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-14.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-26.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Wherefore</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> <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> </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>Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. This phrase reflects the faith of the patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who lived as nomads in the land of Canaan. Despite being promised the land, they understood that their ultimate inheritance was not earthly but spiritual. This longing for a "better country" signifies a desire for the eternal kingdom of God, which is consistent with the teachings of Jesus about the Kingdom of Heaven (<a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a>). The concept of a "heavenly one" aligns with the New Testament's emphasis on eternal life and the new creation (<a href="/revelation/21.htm">Revelation 21:1-4</a>). The patriarchs' faith is a model for believers, encouraging them to focus on eternal promises rather than temporary, worldly gains.Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, This statement underscores the deep relationship between God and those who live by faith. In the Old Testament, God often identified Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (<a href="/exodus/3-6.htm">Exodus 3:6</a>), signifying a covenant relationship. The phrase indicates God's approval and pride in those who trust in Him, as seen in His promises and faithfulness. It also reflects the honor God bestows upon those who seek Him earnestly, as He is pleased with their faith (<a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a>). This relationship is further exemplified in the New Testament, where believers are called children of God (<a href="/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12</a>).for He has prepared a city for them. This part of the verse points to the eschatological hope of a future dwelling place with God. The "city" is often interpreted as the New Jerusalem, described in <a href="/revelation/21-2.htm">Revelation 21:2</a>, which symbolizes the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to His people. This city is not built by human hands but is a divine creation, representing the eternal home for believers. The preparation of this city is a testament to God's sovereignty and His plan for redemption and restoration. It echoes Jesus' promise in <a href="/john/14-2.htm">John 14:2-3</a>, where He assures His disciples of preparing a place for them in His Father's house. This assurance provides comfort and hope for believers, affirming that their faith will culminate in eternal communion with God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/patriarchs.htm">Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob)</a> These are the individuals primarily referenced in <a href="/bsb/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11</a>, who lived by faith and looked forward to God's promises. 2. <a href="/topical/h/heavenly_country.htm">Heavenly Country</a> This represents the eternal dwelling place with God, a better and heavenly homeland that the faithful long for. 3. <a href="/topical/c/city_prepared_by_god.htm">City Prepared by God</a> Symbolizes the eternal city, often understood as the New Jerusalem, prepared by God for His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/l/longing_for_the_eternal.htm">Longing for the Eternal</a> Believers are called to set their hearts on eternal things, not just earthly possessions or achievements. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_identity.htm">Faith and Identity</a> Our identity as Christians is rooted in our relationship with God, who is not ashamed to be called our God when we live by faith. <a href="/topical/g/god's_prepared_place.htm">God's Prepared Place</a> Trust in God's promise that He has prepared a place for us, which should inspire hope and perseverance in our faith journey. <a href="/topical/l/living_as_pilgrims.htm">Living as Pilgrims</a> Like the patriarchs, we are pilgrims on earth, and our ultimate home is with God. This perspective should influence our daily decisions and priorities. <a href="/topical/g/god's_approval.htm">God's Approval</a> Living by faith pleases God, and He honors those who earnestly seek Him and His promises.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hebrews_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 11</a> <a href="/q/is_our_true_citizenship_heavenly.htm">Is our true citizenship in heaven or on earth?</a> <a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'many_mansions'.htm">What did Jesus mean by "many mansions" in heaven?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_rahab's_lie_rewarded_in_joshua_2.htm">Why does God seemingly reward Rahab's lie in Joshua 2:4-7 despite prohibitions against bearing false witness elsewhere?</a> <a href="/q/is_there_evidence_of_the_ammonites'_fall.htm">In Ezekiel 25:2-7, can any solid historical or archaeological evidence confirm the exact downfall of the Ammonites as predicted?</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>(16) They confess themselves but sojourners (<a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm" title="These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.">Hebrews 11:13</a>), and thus make it plain that they are still seeking their true home (14); and yet, if. they had sought nothing more than an earthly home, there is one already, which was once theirs, and to which they might return (15); hence it is no earthly but a heavenly-country that they desire. This is the general current of thought in these verses, presenting a very close analogy to the argument of <a href="/hebrews/3-7.htm" title="Why (as the Holy Ghost said, To day if you will hear his voice,">Hebrews 3:7</a> to <a href="/hebrews/4-11.htm" title="Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.">Hebrews 4:11</a>; here, as there, words which otherwise might appear to have but an earthly reference are seen to have a higher and a spiritual import. In <a href="/context/hebrews/11-8.htm" title="By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing where he went.">Hebrews 11:8-9</a> we have before us only the land of inheritance, but in <a href="/hebrews/11-10.htm" title="For he looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.">Hebrews 11:10</a> the heavenly rest; and in <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm" title="These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.">Hebrews 11:13</a> words which as read in Genesis might seem to refer to a wandering life in the land of Canaan are taken as a confession of sojourning upon earth. It is not necessary to suppose that the desires and yearnings of "the fathers" expressed themselves in the definite forms which later revelation has made familiar; in all that is essential the hope existed, whilst the mode of the fulfilment was unknown. Through faith the patriarchs were willing to connect their whole life and that of their children with waiting at God's bidding for the fulfilment of a promise--wandering and sojourning until God's own time should come when He would grant a home in a country of their own. And yet each of these servants of God recognised that relation to God in which lay the foundation of the promise to him to be personal and abiding. If these two thoughts be united, it will be easy to see how each one for himself would be led to regard the state of wandering in which he spent his life as an emblem of a state of earthly waiting for an enduring home; the sojourning in the land was a constant symbol of the sojourning upon earth. Hence (see the passages quoted in <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm" title="These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.">Hebrews 11:13</a>) the same language is used from age to age after Canaan is received as an inheritance. (Comp. <a href="/hebrews/4-9.htm" title="There remains therefore a rest to the people of God.">Hebrews 4:9</a>; and see <a href="/exodus/3-15.htm" title="And God said moreover to Moses, Thus shall you say to the children of Israel, the LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial to all generations.">Exodus 3:15</a>, and <a href="/context/matthew/22-31.htm" title="But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have you not read that which was spoken to you by God, saying,">Matthew 22:31-32</a>.) . . . <a href="/commentaries/hebrews/11-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Instead, δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. they were longing for ὀρέγονται (oregontai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3713.htm">Strong's 3713: </a> To stretch forth, mid: To hanker after, long for, be eager for, aspire to. a better [country], κρείττονος (kreittonos) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_2909.htm">Strong's 2909: </a> Stronger, more excellent. Comparative of a derivative of kratos; stronger, i.e. better, i.e. Nobler. a heavenly [one]. ἐπουρανίου (epouraniou) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2032.htm">Strong's 2032: </a> From epi and ouranos; above the sky. Therefore διὸ (dio) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1352.htm">Strong's 1352: </a> Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently. God Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. is not ashamed ἐπαισχύνεται (epaischynetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> To be ashamed, be ashamed of. From epi and aischunomai; to feel shame for something. to be called ἐπικαλεῖσθαι (epikaleisthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_1941.htm">Strong's 1941: </a> (a) To call (name) by a supplementary (additional, alternative) name, (b) mid: To call upon, appeal to, address. their αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. God, Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. for γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. He has prepared ἡτοίμασεν (hētoimasen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2090.htm">Strong's 2090: </a> To make ready, prepare. From hetoimos; to prepare. a city πόλιν (polin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4172.htm">Strong's 4172: </a> A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town. for them. αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/11-16.htm">Hebrews 11:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/hebrews/11-16.htm">Hebrews 11:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/hebrews/11-16.htm">Hebrews 11:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/hebrews/11-16.htm">Hebrews 11:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/hebrews/11-16.htm">Hebrews 11:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/11-16.htm">Hebrews 11:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/11-16.htm">Hebrews 11:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/11-16.htm">Hebrews 11:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/11-16.htm">Hebrews 11:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/hebrews/11-16.htm">Hebrews 11:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-16.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/11-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 11:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 11:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/11-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 11:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 11:17" /></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>