Hebrews 11:10

KJV

For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} he looked for {G1551} a city {G4172} which hath {G2192} foundations {G2310}, whose {G3739} builder {G5079} and {G2532} maker {G1217} is God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For he was looking forward to the city with permanent foundations, of which the architect and builder is God.

Berean Standard Bible

For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

American Standard Version

for he looked for the city which hath the foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 11:10 profoundly encapsulates the essence of Abraham's faith, revealing that his nomadic life was not an aimless wandering but a deliberate pilgrimage driven by an unwavering hope in an eternal, divinely constructed city. This verse highlights Abraham's unique spiritual foresight, demonstrating that his ultimate allegiance and anticipation were fixed on a permanent dwelling whose very existence and perfection were guaranteed by God Himself as its supreme architect and creator, providing the foundational reason for his obedient sojourning.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within the "Hall of Faith" chapter, Hebrews 11, which celebrates the exemplary faith of Old Testament figures. It immediately follows the description of Abraham's initial call to leave his homeland for an unknown destination, as detailed in [Hebrews 11:8](/hebrews/11-8 "Hebrews 11:8 - Abraham's Call to Obedience"), and his subsequent life as a sojourner, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were "heirs with him of the same promise" ([Hebrews 11:9](/hebrews/11-9 "Hebrews 11:9 - Abraham's Life as a Sojourner")). Hebrews 11:10 serves as the theological explanation for Abraham's transient lifestyle, clarifying that his willingness to live without a permanent earthly home stemmed from his profound conviction in a superior, eternal dwelling. It underscores that his faith was not merely in a physical land but in a spiritual, heavenly reality orchestrated by God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Abraham lived in a world where cities represented stability, security, and civilization. Ancient cities, often fortified with walls and established governments, were seen as the pinnacle of human achievement and a place of belonging. For Abraham to reject the security of Ur or Haran and live as a tent-dweller was a radical act. His life as a "sojourner" (or "stranger" and "pilgrim" as in [Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Hebrews 11:13 - Pilgrims on Earth")) was counter-cultural, signifying a deliberate detachment from earthly permanence. This historical reality sharpens the contrast presented in Hebrews 11:10: Abraham's hope was not in any human-built city, no matter how grand, but in a city whose architect was divine, transcending all earthly limitations and offering ultimate security and permanence.
* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 11:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Hebrews and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Eternal Hope and Divine Promise**, showing that Abraham's longing was not for a temporary settlement but for an everlasting city, a testament to God's ultimate and enduring promises. This "city" represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant with His people, a place of perfect peace and security, foreshadowing the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends") described in Revelation. Furthermore, the phrase "whose builder and maker is God" underscores the theme of **God as the Ultimate Architect and Creator**, emphasizing the divine origin and perfect design of this heavenly dwelling. Unlike human constructions, this city is eternal, flawless, and secure because God Himself is its architect and creator, echoing the truth that "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain" ([Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - The Lord Builds the House")). Finally, Abraham's life serves as a prime example of **The Pilgrim's Perspective**, encouraging believers to see their earthly lives as a temporary journey towards a permanent, divine destination, with their true citizenship residing in heaven ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Our Citizenship is in Heaven")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **looked for (Greek, _ekdéchomai'_):** This word signifies an active, expectant waiting, not a passive hope. It implies a deliberate anticipation and a focused gaze towards a future reality. Abraham wasn't merely wishing for a city; he was actively awaiting its manifestation, indicating a deep conviction in its certainty and a life oriented around this ultimate expectation.
* **foundations (Greek, _themélios'_):** Literally meaning "something put down," this term refers to the substructure of a building. In this context, it emphasizes the permanence, stability, and enduring nature of the city Abraham sought. Unlike earthly cities built on shifting ground or vulnerable to destruction, this city's foundations are unshakeable, signifying its divine origin and eternal security, a stark contrast to the temporary tents Abraham inhabited.
* **builder (Greek, _technítēs'_):** This word denotes a skilled craftsman, an architect, or an artisan. It highlights God's meticulous design, expert planning, and supreme competence in constructing this city. It's not a haphazard creation but a divinely engineered masterpiece, reflecting God's infinite wisdom, precision, and power in preparing a perfect dwelling for His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he looked for a city":** This opening clause establishes the profound spiritual orientation of Abraham's life. His physical journey and transient existence were not ends in themselves but were driven by an inner, active anticipation of a specific, ultimate destination. This "city" is not merely a metaphor for a concept but represents a real, albeit spiritual and future, dwelling place that was the object of his intense hope and faith.
* **"which hath foundations":** This phrase immediately differentiates the city Abraham sought from any earthly city. The emphasis on "foundations" speaks to its permanence, stability, and unshakeable nature. Unlike the temporary structures of this world, or even the most fortified ancient cities that could fall, this city is built on an eternal, secure basis, highlighting its divine origin and invulnerability.
* **"whose builder and maker is God":** This climactic declaration reveals the ultimate reason for the city's permanence and Abraham's unwavering faith. God Himself is presented as both the skilled architect (builder, _technítēs_) who designs with precision and the sovereign creator (maker, _dēmiourgós_) who brings into being. This dual description underscores the absolute perfection, divine authority, and eternal security of this city, affirming that its existence and nature are entirely dependent on and guaranteed by God's own character and power.

#### Literary Devices
Hebrews 11:10 employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, with "a city which hath foundations" symbolizing the eternal, heavenly dwelling prepared by God for His people. This symbolic city stands in stark contrast to the temporary, earthly existence of Abraham, who lived in tents. It functions as a profound **metaphor** for the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, a secure and permanent home for the faithful. The phrase "builder and maker" utilizes **hendiadys**, a figure of speech where two nouns connected by "and" express a single, complex idea. Instead of saying "God is its masterful builder," the text uses two distinct but related terms to emphasize the comprehensive and perfect creative work of God. This highlights God's dual role as both the meticulous designer (_technítēs_) and the sovereign originator (_dēmiourgós_), underscoring the divine excellence and absolute authority behind the construction of this anticipated city.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 11:10 is a profound theological statement on the nature of true faith and the ultimate hope of believers. It elevates Abraham's physical journey to a spiritual pilgrimage, revealing that his obedience was rooted in an eternal perspective. The "city with foundations" is a theological concept that transcends a literal urban center; it represents the eschatological reality of God's dwelling place with His people, a place of perfect peace, justice, and security that is both heavenly and eternal. This verse underscores God's sovereignty as the ultimate architect of not only creation but also of the destiny of His people, providing an unshakeable foundation for their hope. It teaches that our earthly lives, with all their transience and challenges, are but a temporary sojourn towards a divinely prepared, permanent inheritance.

* [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "The New Heaven and New Earth")
* [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Our Heavenly Citizenship")
* [John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "Jesus Prepares a Place")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 11:10 challenges believers to re-evaluate their priorities and cultivate an eternal mindset, just as Abraham did. In a world that constantly beckons us to build our kingdoms, accumulate earthly treasures, and seek security in temporary structures, this verse calls us to fix our gaze on the "city which hath foundations." It reminds us that our true and lasting inheritance is not found in fleeting possessions, achievements, or even earthly relationships, but in the unfailing promises of God and the eternal home He has prepared. Living with this perspective means embracing a pilgrim mentality, holding lightly to the things of this world, and investing our lives in that which has eternal value. It fosters resilience in trials, knowing that our ultimate destination is secure, and inspires faithful obedience, trusting in the divine architect who is building a perfect dwelling for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "city" or earthly security am I currently looking to for ultimate fulfillment and stability, rather than the city whose builder and maker is God?**
* **How does living with an eternal perspective, as exemplified by Abraham, change my daily decisions, priorities, and responses to challenges?**
* **In what ways can I more actively "look for" or anticipate the heavenly city, allowing that hope to shape my walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**What is the "city which hath foundations" that Abraham looked for?**

Answer: The "city which hath foundations" is a symbolic reference to the eternal, heavenly dwelling place prepared by God for His people. It contrasts sharply with any temporary earthly city or dwelling. While Abraham lived in tents, signifying his transient existence on earth, his hope was fixed on a permanent, divinely built reality. This city represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, the New Jerusalem, where God will dwell with His people in perfect peace and security for eternity ([Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2-3 "God Dwells with His People")). It is not a physical city on earth, but a spiritual and eschatological reality that transcends human construction and time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 11:10 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is not only the promised descendant through whom all nations would be blessed but also the very embodiment and guarantor of the "city which hath foundations." While Abraham looked forward in faith to a city built by God, believers now look to Christ, who Himself declared, "In my Father's house are many rooms... I am going there to prepare a place for you" ([John 14:2](/john/14-2 "Jesus Prepares a Place")). Jesus is the foundational cornerstone of this eternal city ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Christ the Cornerstone")), and through His atoning work on the cross and His resurrection, He has secured our citizenship in this heavenly dwelling ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Our Citizenship in Heaven")). The "builder and maker" is God, and it is through Christ that God's eternal plan for His people, culminating in the New Jerusalem, is realized. Thus, Abraham's faith, though directed towards a future city, ultimately pointed to the person and work of Christ, through whom access to this eternal, divinely built home is granted to all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 13:14

For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

Philippians 3:20

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Hebrews 12:22

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,

2 Corinthians 5:1

¶ For we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Hebrews 3:4

For every house is builded by some [man]; but he that built all things [is] God.

John 14:2

In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Revelation 21:2

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.