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Hebrews 11 New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://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=1.0; maximum-scale=1.0; user-scalable=0;"/><title>Hebrews 11 New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition</title><link rel="stylesheet" href="/chapnew2.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="../spec.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /></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="../cmenus/hebrews/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="/bmcc/hebrews/11-1.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="http://biblehub.com/catholic">Bible</a> > <a href="../">NRSVCE</a> > Hebrews 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></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="../hebrews/10.htm" title="Hebrews 10">◄</a> Hebrews 11 <a href="../hebrews/12.htm" title="Hebrews 12">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top">New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition</td><td width="1%" valign="top"></td></tr></table></div><div class="chap"><div class="text-html"> <h3><span id="en" class="text">The Meaning of Faith</span></h3><p class="chapter-2"><span class="text"><span class="versenum">1</span>Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">2</span>Indeed, by faith<span data-fn='#fen' class='footnote' data-link='[<a href="#fen-NRSVCE-34430a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]'>[<a href="#fen" xtitle="See footnote a">a</a>]</span> our ancestors received approval. </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">3</span>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.<span data-fn='#fen' class='footnote' data-link='[<a href="#fen-NRSVCE-34431b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]'>[<a href="#fen" xtitle="See footnote b">b</a>]</span></span></p> <h3><span id="en" class="text">The Examples of Abel, Enoch, and Noah</span></h3><p><span class="text"><span class="versenum">4</span>By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable<span data-fn='#fen' class='footnote' data-link='[<a href="#fen-NRSVCE-34432c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]'>[<a href="#fen" xtitle="See footnote c">c</a>]</span> sacrifice than Cain’s. Through this he received approval as righteous, God himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith<span data-fn='#fen' class='footnote' data-link='[<a href="#fen-NRSVCE-34432d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]'>[<a href="#fen" xtitle="See footnote d">d</a>]</span> he still speaks. </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">5</span>By faith Enoch was taken so that he did not experience death; and “he was not found, because God had taken him.” For it was attested before he was taken away that “he had pleased God.” </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">6</span>And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">7</span>By faith Noah, warned by God about events as yet unseen, respected the warning and built an ark to save his household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir to the righteousness that is in accordance with faith.</span></p> <h3><span id="en" class="text">The Faith of Abraham</span></h3><p><span class="text"><span class="versenum">8</span>By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">9</span>By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">10</span>For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">11</span>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.<span data-fn='#fen' class='footnote' data-link='[<a href="#fen-NRSVCE-34439e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]'>[<a href="#fen" xtitle="See footnote e">e</a>]</span> </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">12</span>Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.”</span></p> <p><span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">13</span>All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">14</span>for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">15</span>If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">16</span>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.</span></p> <p><span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">17</span>By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">18</span>of whom he had been told, “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.” </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">19</span>He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead—and figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">20</span>By faith Isaac invoked blessings for the future on Jacob and Esau. </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">21</span>By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, “bowing in worship over the top of his staff.” </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">22</span>By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his burial.<span data-fn='#fen' class='footnote' data-link='[<a href="#fen-NRSVCE-34450f" title="See footnote f">f</a>]'>[<a href="#fen" xtitle="See footnote f">f</a>]</span></span></p> <h3><span id="en" class="text">The Faith of Moses</span></h3><p><span class="text"><span class="versenum">23</span>By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months after his birth, because they saw that the child was beautiful; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.<span data-fn='#fen' class='footnote' data-link='[<a href="#fen-NRSVCE-34451g" title="See footnote g">g</a>]'>[<a href="#fen" xtitle="See footnote g">g</a>]</span> </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">24</span>By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called a son of Pharaoh’s daughter, </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">25</span>choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">26</span>He considered abuse suffered for the Christ<span data-fn='#fen' class='footnote' data-link='[<a href="#fen-NRSVCE-34454h" title="See footnote h">h</a>]'>[<a href="#fen" xtitle="See footnote h">h</a>]</span> to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to the reward. </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">27</span>By faith he left Egypt, unafraid of the king’s anger; for he persevered as though<span data-fn='#fen' class='footnote' data-link='[<a href="#fen-NRSVCE-34455i" title="See footnote i">i</a>]'>[<a href="#fen" xtitle="See footnote i">i</a>]</span> he saw him who is invisible. </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">28</span>By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.<span data-fn='#fen' class='footnote' data-link='[<a href="#fen-NRSVCE-34456j" title="See footnote j">j</a>]'>[<a href="#fen" xtitle="See footnote j">j</a>]</span></span></p> <h3><span id="en" class="text">The Faith of Other Israelite Heroes</span></h3><p><span class="text"><span class="versenum">29</span>By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">30</span>By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days. </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">31</span>By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient,<span data-fn='#fen' class='footnote' data-link='[<a href="#fen-NRSVCE-34459k" title="See footnote k">k</a>]'>[<a href="#fen" xtitle="See footnote k">k</a>]</span> because she had received the spies in peace.</span></p> <p><span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">32</span>And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">33</span>who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">34</span>quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">35</span>Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">36</span>Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">37</span>They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two,<span data-fn='#fen' class='footnote' data-link='[<a href="#fen-NRSVCE-34465l" title="See footnote l">l</a>]'>[<a href="#fen" xtitle="See footnote l">l</a>]</span> they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented— </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">38</span>of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.</span></p> <p><span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">39</span>Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, </span> <span id="en" class="text"><span class="versenum">40</span>since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect.</span></p> <A name="fen"></a><div class="footnotes"><h4>Footnotes</h4><ol><li id="fen"><a hlef="#en" xtitle="Go to Hebrews 11:2">Hebrews 11:2</a> <span class='footnote-text'>Gk <i>by this</i></span></li><li id="fen"><a hlef="#en" xtitle="Go to Hebrews 11:3">Hebrews 11:3</a> <span class='footnote-text'>Or <i>was not made out of visible things</i></span></li><li id="fen"><a hlef="#en" xtitle="Go to Hebrews 11:4">Hebrews 11:4</a> <span class='footnote-text'>Gk <i>greater</i></span></li><li id="fen"><a hlef="#en" xtitle="Go to Hebrews 11:4">Hebrews 11:4</a> <span class='footnote-text'>Gk <i>through it</i></span></li><li id="fen"><a hlef="#en" xtitle="Go to Hebrews 11:11">Hebrews 11:11</a> <span class='footnote-text'>Or <i>By faith Sarah herself, though barren, received power to conceive, even when she was too old, because she considered him faithful who had promised.</i></span></li><li id="fen"><a hlef="#en" xtitle="Go to Hebrews 11:22">Hebrews 11:22</a> <span class='footnote-text'>Gk <i>his bones</i></span></li><li id="fen"><a hlef="#en" xtitle="Go to Hebrews 11:23">Hebrews 11:23</a> <span class='footnote-text'>Other ancient authorities add <i>By faith Moses, when he was grown up, killed the Egyptian, because he observed the humiliation of his people</i> (Gk <i>brothers</i>)</span></li><li id="fen"><a hlef="#en" xtitle="Go to Hebrews 11:26">Hebrews 11:26</a> <span class='footnote-text'>Or <i>the Messiah</i></span></li><li id="fen"><a hlef="#en" xtitle="Go to Hebrews 11:27">Hebrews 11:27</a> <span class='footnote-text'>Or <i>because</i></span></li><li id="fen"><a hlef="#en" xtitle="Go to Hebrews 11:28">Hebrews 11:28</a> <span class='footnote-text'>Gk <i>would not touch them</i></span></li><li id="fen"><a hlef="#en" xtitle="Go to Hebrews 11:31">Hebrews 11:31</a> <span class='footnote-text'>Or <i>unbelieving</i></span></li><li id="fen"><a hlef="#en" xtitle="Go to Hebrews 11:37">Hebrews 11:37</a> <span class='footnote-text'>Other ancient authorities add <i>they were tempted</i></span></li></ol></div> <!--end of footnotes--></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div><div id="botbox"><div class="padbot"><div align="center">Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. 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