Hebrews 11:14

KJV

For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} they that say {G3004} such things {G5108} declare plainly {G1718} that {G3754} they seek {G1934} a country {G3968}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For people who speak this way make it clear that they are looking for a fatherland.

Berean Standard Bible

Now those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own.

American Standard Version

For they that say such things make it manifest that they are seeking after a country of their own.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 11:14 stands as a profound declaration within the "Hall of Faith," asserting that the consistent actions and confessions of God's faithful people throughout history unequivocally reveal their earnest pursuit of a spiritual, ultimate homeland. This verse underscores that their pilgrim lifestyle and detachment from earthly permanence serve as a powerful testimony to their deep-seated longing for a divine, eternal country, far surpassing any temporal dwelling.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the writer's discussion of Abraham and Sarah in [Hebrews 11:8-12](/hebrews/11-8-12 "Abraham and Sarah's Faith Journey"), highlighting their obedient departure from Ur and their subsequent life as "strangers and pilgrims on the earth" ([Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Hebrews 11:13 - Sojourners and Pilgrims")). The phrase "such things" in [Hebrews 11:14](/hebrews/11-14 "Hebrews 11:14 - Seeking a Country") directly refers to this confession of being temporary residents, a lifestyle marked by faith in God's future provision rather than settling for present comforts. The entire chapter, [Hebrews 11](/hebrews/11 "Hebrews 11 - The Faith Chapter"), systematically presents a lineage of heroes whose lives exemplify faith as a confident assurance of things hoped for and a conviction of things not seen ([Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - Definition of Faith")). Their actions, particularly their willingness to forgo earthly security, are presented as clear evidence of their focus on an unseen, eternal reality.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle to the Hebrews was likely addressed to Jewish Christians in the first century who were facing persecution and the temptation to revert to Judaism, with its tangible temple rituals and established social structures. The concept of "seeking a country" would resonate deeply with a people whose identity was historically tied to a promised land, yet who were now called to embrace a new covenant reality. The idea of pilgrimage was also culturally significant, with many traveling to Jerusalem for festivals, reinforcing the notion of life as a journey. For these believers, the writer emphasizes that their true inheritance and belonging are not found in the earthly Jerusalem or its temple, but in a heavenly, spiritual city. This perspective would provide encouragement to endure suffering, knowing their ultimate destination was secure with God.

* **Key Themes:** [Hebrews 11:14](/hebrews/11-14 "Hebrews 11:14 - Seeking a Country") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Hebrews. Foremost is the theme of **Faith as Endurance and Hope**, where faith is not merely intellectual assent but an active, forward-looking trust in God's promises, enabling believers to persevere through trials ([Hebrews 10:36](/hebrews/10-36 "Hebrews 10:36 - Need for Endurance")). Connected to this is the theme of the **Superiority of Christ and the New Covenant**, which posits that Christ offers a better hope and a better covenant than the old system ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Better Covenant")). The "country" they seek is intrinsically linked to this superior reality, a heavenly dwelling established by Christ. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Pilgrimage and Heavenly Citizenship**, portraying the Christian life as a journey towards an ultimate, eternal home, urging believers to live as sojourners who do not cling to the temporary comforts of this world but fix their gaze on the unseen, eternal city ([Hebrews 13:14](/hebrews/13-14 "Hebrews 13:14 - No Lasting City Here")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **declare plainly (Greek, _emphanízō'_):** From G1718, this word means "to exhibit (in person) or disclose (by words)," "to make manifest," or "to show clearly." It implies that the faithful's actions and confessions are not ambiguous or hidden but are made evident and visible for all to see. Their pursuit of a heavenly country is not a secret desire but a clear, undeniable truth demonstrated through their lifestyle and priorities.
* **seek (Greek, _epizētéō'_):** From G1934, this term signifies "to search (inquire) for," and intensively, "to demand" or "to crave." It conveys a sense of earnest, diligent pursuit, indicating that the "country" is not merely a passing thought but the deep, passionate object of their desire and effort. It's an active, intentional quest, not a passive hope.
* **country (Greek, _patrís'_):** From G3968, this word primarily means "a father-land" or "native town." Crucially, the Strong's definition explicitly notes its figurative meaning as a "heavenly home." This emphasizes that the "country" in view is not an earthly nation or geographical location, but a spiritual, ultimate place of origin, belonging, and rest—the true, eternal homeland provided by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they that say such things":** This phrase refers to the individuals of faith, particularly those mentioned immediately prior, like Abraham and Sarah, who confessed themselves to be "strangers and pilgrims on the earth" ([Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Hebrews 11:13 - Sojourners and Pilgrims")). "Such things" encompasses their verbal declarations and, more broadly, their entire lifestyle and choices that reflect this transient identity. Their willingness to live without a permanent earthly dwelling, relying solely on God's promise, is the "saying" being referenced.
* **"declare plainly":** This clause emphasizes the clarity and undeniable nature of their declaration. Their words and actions are not subtle hints but clear, manifest evidence of their inner conviction. The Greek word *emphanízō* suggests that their true aspirations are made visible and evident through their conduct, leaving no room for misinterpretation about their ultimate allegiances.
* **"that they seek a country":** This identifies the ultimate object of their pursuit and longing. The "country" is not an earthly nation, but a spiritual, heavenly homeland. The use of "seek" (G1934, *epizētéō*) denotes an earnest, active, and fervent pursuit. It is the destination that motivates their pilgrim journey and defines their identity. This "country" represents their ultimate belonging, rest, and inheritance in God's presence.

#### Literary Devices
Hebrews 11:14 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where "a country" serves as a profound metaphor for the heavenly, spiritual reality that is the ultimate home for believers. This is not a literal nation on earth but the eternal dwelling place with God, often referred to as the "heavenly Jerusalem" ([Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")). There is also an **Implied Contrast** between the temporary, earthly existence (as "strangers and pilgrims") and the permanent, eternal "country" they seek. This contrast highlights the transient nature of worldly life versus the enduring nature of God's promises. The verse itself functions as a **Declarative Statement**, making a direct and assertive claim about the evident nature of the faithful's aspirations. Furthermore, the phrase "say such things" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where the verbal declaration stands for the entirety of their faith-filled lifestyle and confession.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 11:14 encapsulates a core theological truth about the nature of faith: it reorients a believer's ultimate allegiance from the temporal to the eternal. The "country" sought by the faithful is not a physical land but a spiritual reality, the ultimate dwelling place with God. This longing for a heavenly home is not escapism but a divinely implanted desire that shapes one's earthly priorities, values, and identity. It signifies that true faith recognizes the provisional nature of this world and anchors itself in the unshakeable promises of God, particularly the promise of an eternal inheritance and fellowship with the Creator. This perspective empowers believers to live as sojourners, detached from excessive worldly entanglement, yet actively engaged in God's purposes, knowing their true citizenship and ultimate rest lie beyond the confines of this present age.

* [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Our Heavenly Citizenship")
* [1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "Sojourners and Exiles")
* [Hebrews 13:14](/hebrews/13-14 "No Lasting City Here")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 11:14 serves as a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today. It calls us to examine where our deepest longings and ultimate allegiances truly lie. Are our lives, our words, and our actions "declaring plainly" that we seek a heavenly country, or are we clinging tightly to the comforts, securities, and ambitions of this passing world? Embracing our identity as spiritual pilgrims means holding earthly possessions, relationships, and achievements with an open hand, recognizing their temporary nature in light of eternity. This perspective liberates us from the anxieties of worldly accumulation and empowers us to invest in what truly lasts: God's kingdom and eternal realities. It encourages a life of faith that prioritizes spiritual growth, service to others, and a constant anticipation of our true home, shaping our daily decisions and interactions with the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do my daily choices and priorities "declare plainly" what I am truly seeking?**
* **How does understanding myself as a "sojourner" impact my relationship with material possessions and earthly ambitions?**
* **What specific actions can I take this week to live more intentionally with an eternal perspective, seeking the "country" God has prepared?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper longing for my heavenly home amidst the distractions and demands of the present world?**

### FAQ

**What does "a country" in Hebrews 11:14 refer to?**

Answer: The "country" in [Hebrews 11:14](/hebrews/11-14 "Hebrews 11:14 - Seeking a Country") does not refer to a literal earthly nation or geographical location. Instead, it is a metaphor for a spiritual, heavenly homeland—the ultimate dwelling place with God. This is the "city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God" ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - The City with Foundations")), the "heavenly Jerusalem" ([Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")), and ultimately, the new heaven and new earth where God will dwell with His people ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")). It represents the fulfillment of all God's promises and the eternal rest and inheritance for His faithful.

**How do believers "declare plainly" that they seek a country?**

Answer: Believers "declare plainly" their pursuit of a heavenly country not only through their verbal confessions but, more significantly, through their lifestyle and choices. As seen with figures like Abraham, this involves a willingness to live as "strangers and pilgrims on the earth" ([Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Hebrews 11:13 - Sojourners and Pilgrims")), detaching from the temporary securities of this world and prioritizing unseen, eternal realities. It means living with an eternal perspective that shapes one's values, ambitions, and use of resources, demonstrating that their true allegiance and ultimate hope lie beyond this present age. This "declaration" is evident in their perseverance through trials, their trust in God's promises, and their focus on building God's kingdom rather than earthly empires.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 11:14, with its emphasis on the faithful seeking a "country," finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one who points the way to this heavenly home, but He is the way, the truth, and the life, through whom alone we gain access to the Father and the heavenly city ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way")). Christ Himself promised, "In My Father's house are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you" ([John 14:2](/john/14-2 "John 14:2 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). The "country" that the Old Testament saints vaguely yearned for is now definitively revealed and secured in Christ's finished work. He is the mediator of the new covenant, through whom we "have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem" ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")). Our citizenship is now in heaven, from which we "eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Heavenly Citizenship")). Therefore, the pursuit of this heavenly country is intrinsically a pursuit of Christ, who embodies and guarantees our eternal inheritance and our ultimate dwelling place with God. As believers, our lives are now "hidden with Christ in God," and when He appears, we too will appear with Him in glory ([Colossians 3:3-4](/colossians/3-3-4 "Colossians 3:3-4 - Life Hidden in Christ")).

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

2 Corinthians 4:18

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.

2 Corinthians 5:7

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Hebrews 11:16

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.

Romans 8:23

And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.

Romans 8:25

But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it].

Hebrews 13:14

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

Philippians 1:23

For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: