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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 11:11 By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/11-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/58_Heb_11_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hebrews 11:11 - The Faith of Abraham and Sarah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised." /><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/11-11.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/11-11.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 11</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="/ad11.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/11-10.htm" title="Hebrews 11:10">◄</a> Hebrews 11:11 <a href="/hebrews/11-12.htm" title="Hebrews 11:12">►</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">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> And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. <a href="/nlt/hebrews/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise. <a href="/esv/hebrews/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. <a href="/bsb/hebrews/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. <a href="/blb/hebrews/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> By faith also Sarah, herself barren, received power for the conception of seed, even beyond the opportune age, since she considered the One having promised faithful. <a href="/kjv/hebrews/11.htm">King James Bible</a> Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. <a href="/nkjv/hebrews/11.htm">New King James Version</a> By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. <a href="/nasb_/hebrews/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. <a href="/nasb/hebrews/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. <a href="/nasb77/hebrews/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised; <a href="/lsb/hebrews/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she regarded Him faithful who had promised. <a href="/amp/hebrews/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> By faith even Sarah herself received the ability to conceive [a child], even [when she was long] past the normal age for it, because she considered Him who had given her the promise to be reliable and true [to His word]. <a href="/csb/hebrews/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> By faith even Sarah herself, when she was unable to have children, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she considered that the one who had promised was faithful. <a href="/hcsb/hebrews/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> By faith even Sarah herself, when she was unable to have children, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she considered that the One who had promised was faithful. <a href="/asv/hebrews/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised: <a href="/cev/hebrews/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Even when Sarah was too old to have children, she had faith that God would do what he had promised, and she had a son. <a href="/erv/hebrews/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised: <a href="/gwt/hebrews/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Faith enabled Abraham to become a father, even though he was old and Sarah had never been able to have children. Abraham trusted that God would keep his promise. <a href="/gnt/hebrews/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> It was faith that made Abraham able to become a father, even though he was too old and Sarah herself could not have children. He trusted God to keep his promise. <a href="/isv/hebrews/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> By faith Sarah, even though she was old and barren, received the strength to conceive, because she was convinced that the one who had made the promise was faithful. <a href="/msb/hebrews/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> By faith Sarah, even though she was beyond the proper age, received power and was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. <a href="/net/hebrews/11.htm">NET Bible</a> By faith, even though Sarah herself was barren and he was too old, he received the ability to procreate, because he regarded the one who had given the promise to be trustworthy. <a href="/nheb/hebrews/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> By faith, even barren Sarah herself received power to conceive when she was past age, and gave birth, since she considered him faithful who had promised. <a href="/wbt/hebrews/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. <a href="/wey/hebrews/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Through faith even Sarah herself received strength to become a mother--although she was past the time of life for this--because she judged Him faithful who had given the promise. <a href="/web/hebrews/11.htm">World English Bible</a> By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive, and she bore a child when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/hebrews/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And by faith Sarah, herself barren, received power to conceive seed even after the time of life, seeing she judged Him who promised faithful; <a href="/blb/hebrews/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> By faith also Sarah, herself barren, received power for the conception of seed, even beyond the opportune age, since she considered the One having promised faithful. <a href="/ylt/hebrews/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> By faith also Sarah herself did receive power to conceive seed, and she bare after the time of life, seeing she did judge Him faithful who did promise; <a href="/slt/hebrews/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> By faith Sara also herself received power for the laying down of seed, and brought forth during the time of age, for she deemed him faithful having promised.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/hebrews/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> By faith also Sara herself, being barren, received strength to conceive seed, even past the time of age; because she believed that he was faithful who had promised, <a href="/cpdv/hebrews/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> By faith also, Sarah herself, being barren, received the ability to conceive offspring, even though she was past that age in life. For she believed him to be faithful, who had promised. <a href="/nabre/hebrews/11.htm">New American Bible</a> By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age—and Sarah herself was sterile—for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy. <a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Through faith also Sarah who was barren, received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she was sure that he who had promised her was faithful. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/11.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> By faith also Sarah, who was sterile, received power to conceive seed, and she who was not in the time of her years gave birth, for she was sure that he who promised her was faithful.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/hebrews/11.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> By faith also Sarah herself received strength for the conception of seed, and brought forth a child when past the time of life, because she counted him faithful who had promised. <a href="/godbey/hebrews/11.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And by faith Sarah herself received power unto the conception of seed, even past the time of age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. <a href="/haweis/hebrews/11.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> By faith also that very Sarah, who was barren, received ability for the conception of seed, and past the usual time of life brought forth a child, because she accounted that he who promised it, would be true to his promise. <a href="/mace/hebrews/11.htm">Mace New Testament</a> 'Twas likewise through faith that Sara, though barren, received the power of becoming pregnant, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. <a href="/wey/hebrews/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Through faith even Sarah herself received strength to become a mother--although she was past the time of life for this--because she judged Him faithful who had given the promise. <a href="/worrell/hebrews/11.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> By faith Sarah herself also received power to conceive seed, even when past the age of child-bearing, since she accounted Him faithful, Who promised. <a href="/worsley/hebrews/11.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> By faith also Sarah received strength to conceive seed, and brought forth a son when she was past age, because she accounted Him faithful who had promised. <a href="/parallel/hebrews/11-11.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=2181" 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> …10For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11<a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: Pistei (N-DFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">By faith</a> <a href="/greek/4564.htm" title="4564: Sarra (N-DFS) -- Sarah, wife of Abraham. Of Hebrew origin; Sarra, the wife of Abraham.">Sarah,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">even though</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autē (PPro-DF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">she</a> <a href="/greek/4723.htm" title="4723: steira (Adj-NFS) -- Barren. A contraction from stereos; sterile.">was barren</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3844.htm" title="3844: para (Prep) -- Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. ">beyond</a> <a href="/greek/2540.htm" title="2540: kairon (N-AMS) -- Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.">the proper</a> <a href="/greek/2244.htm" title="2244: hēlikias (N-GFS) -- Age, term of life; full age, maturity; stature. From the same as helikos; maturity.">age,</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: elaben (V-AIA-3S) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">was enabled</a> <a href="/greek/1411.htm" title="1411: dynamin (N-AFS) -- From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power."></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.">to</a> <a href="/greek/2602.htm" title="2602: katabolēn (N-AFS) -- From kataballo; a deposition, i.e. Founding; figuratively, conception.">conceive</a> <a href="/greek/4690.htm" title="4690: spermatos (N-GNS) -- From speiro; something sown, i.e. Seed; by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant.">a child,</a> <a href="/greek/1893.htm" title="1893: epei (Conj) -- Of time: when, after; of cause: since, because; otherwise: else. From epi and ei; thereupon, i.e. Since.">because</a> <a href="/greek/2233.htm" title="2233: hēgēsato (V-AIM-3S) -- (a) To lead, (b) To think, be of opinion, suppose, consider. ">she considered</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">Him</a> <a href="/greek/4103.htm" title="4103: piston (Adj-AMS) -- Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful.">faithful</a> <a href="/greek/1861.htm" title="1861: epangeilamenon (V-APM-AMS) -- From epi and the base of aggelos; to announce upon, i.e. to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself.">who had promised.</a> 12And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.…<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/21-1.htm">Genesis 21:1-2</a> Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. / So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised. <a href="/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10-14</a> Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son!” Now Sarah was behind him, listening at the entrance to the tent. / And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. / So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” ... <a href="/romans/4-19.htm">Romans 4:19-21</a> 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, / being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised. <a href="/genesis/17-15.htm">Genesis 17:15-19</a> Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, do not call her Sarai, for her name is to be Sarah. / And I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will descend from her.” / Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah give birth at the age of ninety?” ... <a href="/luke/1-36.htm">Luke 1:36-37</a> Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month. / For no word from God will ever fail.” <a href="/genesis/15-4.htm">Genesis 15:4-6</a> Then the word of the LORD came to Abram, saying, “This one will not be your heir, but one who comes from your own body will be your heir.” / And the LORD took him outside and said, “Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.” Then He told him, “So shall your offspring be.” / Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness. <a href="/romans/9-9.htm">Romans 9:9</a> For this is what the promise stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.” <a href="/galatians/4-22.htm">Galatians 4:22-23</a> For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. / His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born through the promise. <a href="/genesis/12-2.htm">Genesis 12:2</a> I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. <a href="/genesis/16-1.htm">Genesis 16:1-2</a> Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. / So Sarai said to Abram, “Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. <a href="/genesis/21-6.htm">Genesis 21:6-7</a> Then Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me.” / She added, “Who would have told Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” <a href="/1_peter/3-5.htm">1 Peter 3:5-6</a> For this is how the holy women of the past adorned themselves. They put their hope in God and were submissive to their husbands, / just as Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. And you are her children if you do what is right and refuse to give way to fear. <a href="/genesis/22-17.htm">Genesis 22:17</a> I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. <a href="/genesis/24-1.htm">Genesis 24:1</a> By now Abraham was old and well along in years, and the LORD had blessed him in every way. <a href="/isaiah/51-2.htm">Isaiah 51:2</a> Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him, he was but one; then I blessed him and multiplied him.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.Sara.<a href="/genesis/17-17.htm">Genesis 17:17-19</a> Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear? … <a href="/genesis/18-11.htm">Genesis 18:11-14</a> Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women… <a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Genesis 21:1,2</a> And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken… because.<a href="/hebrews/10-23.htm">Hebrews 10:23</a> Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)<a href="/romans/4-20.htm">Romans 4:20,21</a> He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/11-8.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-9.htm">Age</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-8.htm">Although</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-13.htm">Bare</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Barren</a> <a href="/titus/3-5.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-4.htm">Bore</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-13.htm">Child</a> <a href="/luke/1-31.htm">Conceive</a> <a href="/luke/2-21.htm">Conception</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-8.htm">Considered</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-29.htm">Counted</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-2.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-12.htm">Enabled</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-9.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-23.htm">Faithful</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-10.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-29.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-5.htm">Life</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-3.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-32.htm">Past</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-2.htm">Power</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-9.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-9.htm">Promised</a> <a href="/philemon/1-8.htm">Proper</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Received</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-6.htm">Sara</a> <a href="/romans/9-9.htm">Sarah</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-16.htm">Seasonable</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-16.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-9.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/11-17.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-5.htm">Age</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-39.htm">Although</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-24.htm">Bare</a> <a href="/james/2-20.htm">Barren</a> <a href="/james/1-15.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-13.htm">Bore</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-23.htm">Child</a> <a href="/genesis/19-36.htm">Conceive</a> <a href="/genesis/3-16.htm">Conception</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-19.htm">Considered</a> <a href="/genesis/13-16.htm">Counted</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-13.htm">Enabled</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-21.htm">Faithful</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-22.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-4.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-19.htm">Life</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-23.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm">Past</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-34.htm">Power</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-39.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Promised</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-23.htm">Proper</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Received</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-6.htm">Sara</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-6.htm">Sarah</a> <a href="/mark/6-21.htm">Seasonable</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-18.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-34.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-15.htm">Time</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>By faith Sarah Sarah, originally named Sarai, was the wife of Abraham and is a central figure in the narrative of God's covenant with Abraham. Her faith is significant because it highlights the role of women in the biblical narrative and God's plan. Despite initial doubt, as seen in <a href="/genesis/18-12.htm">Genesis 18:12</a> when she laughed at the promise of bearing a child, Sarah ultimately believed in God's promise. Her faith is a testament to the transformative power of trust in God, even when circumstances seem impossible.even though she was barren and beyond the proper age Sarah's barrenness is a recurring theme in Genesis, emphasizing the miraculous nature of Isaac's birth. In ancient Near Eastern culture, barrenness was often seen as a source of shame and a sign of divine disfavor. Sarah was well beyond childbearing years, as <a href="/genesis/17-17.htm">Genesis 17:17</a> notes that she was 90 years old when she was promised a son. This underscores the miraculous intervention of God, who often works through human weakness to demonstrate His power and faithfulness.was enabled to conceive a child The conception of Isaac was a direct result of divine intervention. This miraculous event is a foreshadowing of other miraculous births in the Bible, most notably the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. It highlights God's sovereignty over nature and His ability to fulfill His promises against all odds. The birth of Isaac is a pivotal moment in the Abrahamic covenant, as it ensures the continuation of the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come.because she considered Him faithful who had promised Sarah's faith was rooted in her belief in God's faithfulness. The promise referred to is found in <a href="/genesis/17-16.htm">Genesis 17:16</a>, where God promises Abraham that Sarah will bear a son. This phrase emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's character and His promises. It connects to other scriptural affirmations of God's faithfulness, such as <a href="/lamentations/3-22.htm">Lamentations 3:22-23</a> and <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-24.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:24</a>. Sarah's story encourages believers to trust in God's promises, even when fulfillment seems delayed or impossible.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/sarah.htm">Sarah</a> The wife of Abraham, initially named Sarai, who was barren for many years. Her faith is highlighted in this verse as she believed in God's promise despite her old age. 2. <a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a> Sarah's husband, the patriarch of the Israelites, who received God's promise of numerous descendants. 3. <a href="/topical/p/promise_of_god.htm">Promise of God</a> The divine assurance given to Abraham and Sarah that they would have a son, Isaac, through whom God's covenant would continue. 4. <a href="/topical/c/conception_of_isaac.htm">Conception of Isaac</a> The miraculous event where Sarah, despite her old age and barrenness, conceived Isaac, fulfilling God's promise. 5. <a href="/topical/f/faith.htm">Faith</a> The central theme of <a href="/bsb/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11</a>, highlighting the trust and belief in God's promises despite human impossibilities.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_promises.htm">Faith in God's Promises</a> Sarah's account teaches us that faith involves trusting in God's promises, even when circumstances seem impossible. Her faith was not in her own ability but in God's faithfulness. <a href="/topical/g/god's_timing.htm">God's Timing</a> God's promises are fulfilled in His perfect timing. Sarah had to wait many years, teaching us patience and trust in God's timing rather than our own. <a href="/topical/o/overcoming_doubt.htm">Overcoming Doubt</a> Initially, Sarah laughed at the promise due to doubt, but she eventually believed. This shows that faith can grow and overcome initial skepticism. <a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness.htm">God's Faithfulness</a> The verse emphasizes God's faithfulness. Sarah's ability to conceive was not due to her own strength but because she "considered Him faithful who had promised." <a href="/topical/r/role_of_women_in_faith.htm">Role of Women in Faith</a> Sarah's inclusion in the "Hall of Faith" in <a href="/bsb/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11</a> highlights the significant role women play in the account of faith and God's plan.<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/how_does_sarah's_late_conception_fit_today.htm">Hebrews 11:11 – If Sarah conceived in her old age, how does this align with modern medical understanding of fertility limits? </a> <a href="/q/how_did_abraham_father_a_child_at_100.htm">How could Abraham, at nearly 100 years old, realistically father a child (Genesis 17:1, 17:17)? </a> <a href="/q/how_did_sarah_conceive_despite_her_age.htm">How could Sarah conceive at such an advanced age if Genesis 21:2 contradicts natural biological limits? </a> <a href="/q/what_events_shaped_sarah's_life.htm">What significant events shaped Sarah's life journey?</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>(11) Through faith also Sara herself.--Rather, By faith Sarah herself also, or, even Sarah herself. This emphatic introduction of the name of Sarah may point to the unbelief which for a brief while she displayed (<a href="/genesis/18-12.htm" title="Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?">Genesis 18:12</a>); but the words may simply mean, "Sarah also, on her part"--the joint recipient with Abraham of the divine promise, a promise in which it might at first seem that she had no part. (Comp. <a href="/context/genesis/16-1.htm" title="Now Sarai Abram's wife bore him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.">Genesis 16:1-2</a>.) The words "was delivered of a child" are absent from the best authorities; so that we must read, "even when she was past age." With the last words of the verse compare <a href="/hebrews/10-23.htm" title="Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)">Hebrews 10:23</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hebrews/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 11, 12. - By faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, even when she was past age (ἕτεκεν, as in the Textus Receptus, after καὶ παρὰ καιρὸν ἡλικίας, may be rejected, being, perhaps, an interpolation suggested by καὶ), because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea-shore innumerable. The vitality of Abraham's faith is represented as evinced by its surviving and triumphing over a succession of trials, over apparent impossibilities. One such peculiar trial was the long delay of the birth of a legitimate heir through whom the promise of an innumerable seed might be fulfilled, and this till it seemed out of the question in the natural course of things. Yet "he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief... being fully persuaded that what he had promised he was able to perform" (see <a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17-23</a>, which is a fuller statement of the idea of this verse, including the use of the words νενεκρώμενον and νέκρωσις to express effeteness, and ἐδυναμώθη, corresponding to δύναμον ἔλαβε here. This is a further instance of Pauline thought in this Epistle - ideas already enlarged on by St. Paul being taken for granted as understood.) In Romans Abraham's faith in this regard is treated as typifying Christian faith in the resurrection from the dead (ver. 24), as is also, in the chapter before us (ver. 19), his faith displayed on the occasion of the offering of Isaac. For to us also our inability to conceive the mode of accomplishment of what well-grounded faith assures us of is no just cause for staggering. "How are the dead raised up? and with what kind of body do they come?" was asked by the Corinthian doubters. St. Paul directs them, in reply, to faith in "the power of God" (cf. <a href="/mark/12-24.htm">Mark 12:24</a>) to accomplish his purposes and fulfill his promises in ways unknown to us, transcending, though analogous to, the mysterious processes of nature that we see before our eyes. For "with God all things are possible." Sarah is here joined with Abraham, as also "receiving power" by faith, i.e. her own faith, as the structure of ver. 11 seems evidently to imply. But how is this consistent with the account of her in Genesis, where she is nowhere held up as an example of faith; nay, is censured for incredulity (<a href="/genesis/18-12.htm">Genesis 18:12-16</a>) with respect to the promise cf. offspring? The answer may be that her temporary unbelief is concluded to have been succeeded by faith, as proved by the result, viz. that she "received power." And, indeed, her laughter recorded in <a href="/genesis/18.htm">Genesis 18</a>, does not seem intended to imply any permanent "heart of unbelief;" for even Abraham had laughed as she did when the same announcement had been previously made to him (<a href="/genesis/17-17.htm">Genesis 17:17</a>), and the "laughter" associated with her memory has quite a different meaning given it when that of temporary incredulity was changed into that of joy on the birth of the promised son, who was consequently called Isaac (equivalent to "laughter"). It is, however, Abraham himself who is put prominently before us as the great example of faith; Sarah is only introduced by his side (with the words καὶ αὐτὴ) as sharing it and cooperating to the result. To him singly the writer returns in ver. 12, Διὸ καὶ ἀφ ἑνὸς, etc. <a href="/commentaries/hebrews/11-11.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. Sarah, Σάρρᾳ (Sarra) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4564.htm">Strong's 4564: </a> Sarah, wife of Abraham. Of Hebrew origin; Sarra, the wife of Abraham. even though καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. she αὐτῇ (autē) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Feminine 3rd Person Singular <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. was barren στεῖρα (steira) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4723.htm">Strong's 4723: </a> Barren. A contraction from stereos; 'sterile'. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. beyond παρὰ (para) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3844.htm">Strong's 3844: </a> Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. the opportune καιρὸν (kairon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2540.htm">Strong's 2540: </a> Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time. age, ἡλικίας (hēlikias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2244.htm">Strong's 2244: </a> Age, term of life; full age, maturity; stature. From the same as helikos; maturity. was enabled ἔλαβεν (elaben) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. to 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. conceive καταβολὴν (katabolēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2602.htm">Strong's 2602: </a> From kataballo; a deposition, i.e. Founding; figuratively, conception. a child, σπέρματος (spermatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4690.htm">Strong's 4690: </a> From speiro; something sown, i.e. Seed; by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant. because ἐπεὶ (epei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1893.htm">Strong's 1893: </a> Of time: when, after; of cause: since, because; otherwise: else. From epi and ei; thereupon, i.e. Since. she considered ἡγήσατο (hēgēsato) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2233.htm">Strong's 2233: </a> (a) To lead, (b) To think, be of opinion, suppose, consider. Him τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine 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. faithful πιστὸν (piston) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4103.htm">Strong's 4103: </a> Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful. who had promised. ἐπαγγειλάμενον (epangeilamenon) Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1861.htm">Strong's 1861: </a> From epi and the base of aggelos; to announce upon, i.e. to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/11-11.htm">Hebrews 11:11 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/hebrews/11-11.htm">Hebrews 11:11 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/hebrews/11-11.htm">Hebrews 11:11 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/hebrews/11-11.htm">Hebrews 11:11 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/hebrews/11-11.htm">Hebrews 11:11 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/11-11.htm">Hebrews 11:11 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/11-11.htm">Hebrews 11:11 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/11-11.htm">Hebrews 11:11 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/11-11.htm">Hebrews 11:11 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/hebrews/11-11.htm">Hebrews 11:11 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-11.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 11:11 By faith even Sarah herself received power (Heb. He. 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