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Hebrews 11:16

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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.

But {G1161} now {G3570} they desire {G3713} a better {G2909} country, that is {G5123}, an heavenly {G2032}: wherefore {G1352} God {G2316} is {G1870} not {G3756} ashamed {G1870}{G846} to be called {G1941} their {G846} God {G2316}: for {G1063} he hath prepared {G2090} for them {G846} a city {G4172}.

but as it is, they aspire to a better fatherland, a heavenly one. This is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

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.

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.

Commentary

Hebrews 11:16 stands as a profound testament to the ultimate hope and enduring faith of God's people, both in ancient times and today. It beautifully captures the spiritual longing for an eternal home, contrasting earthly aspirations with a divine, everlasting perspective.

Context of Hebrews 11:16

This verse is nestled within the famous "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews chapter 11, which celebrates the exemplary faith of Old Testament saints. The author highlights figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who lived as strangers and pilgrims on earth, acknowledging that their true homeland was not of this world. They lived with a future-oriented hope, seeking a city with foundations, as seen with Abraham in Hebrews 11:10. Hebrews 11:16 serves as a summary of this profound spiritual yearning shared by all who truly trust in God's promises.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Heavenly Desire and Hope: The verse emphasizes that these faithful individuals "desire a better country, that is, an heavenly." This is not a mere wish but a deep, fundamental longing for an existence beyond the temporal and imperfect realities of earth. It underscores that the ultimate destination of faith is not earthly prosperity but an eternal, divine dwelling. This longing for a heavenly homeland aligns with the concept of our citizenship being in heaven.
  • God's Unashamed Relationship: Because these saints lived by faith, orienting their lives towards God's promised eternal dwelling, God is "not ashamed to be called their God." This powerful statement signifies His approval, delight, and profound commitment to those who place their trust fully in Him. It speaks to a deep, covenantal relationship where God proudly identifies with His faithful children. The statement that God is 'not ashamed to be called their God' echoes His foundational covenant relationship with His people, as seen when He introduced Himself to Moses in Exodus 3:6.
  • The Prepared City: The verse culminates with the assurance that God "hath prepared for them a city." This "city" is a powerful metaphor for a secure, eternal dwelling place, a permanent and glorious home where believers will ultimately reside with God. It represents the fulfillment of all divine promises and the culmination of the believer's journey of faith. This prepared city is often understood as the New Jerusalem described in Revelation, a place of ultimate communion with God. This promise of a prepared dwelling also resonates with Jesus' words about preparing a place for His followers.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "better country" translates from the Greek kremittos patridos (κρείττονος πατρίδος), emphasizing superiority and excellence. It's not just a different country, but one that is inherently more excellent, superior in every way. The term "ashamed" comes from the Greek epaischunomai (ἐπαισχύνεται), meaning to feel disgrace or humiliation. The text states that God does not feel this way about being associated with His faithful people, highlighting His honor and affirmation of their faith.

Practical Application

Hebrews 11:16 offers profound encouragement and guidance for believers today. It calls us to:

  • Cultivate an Eternal Perspective: It challenges us to live with our ultimate destination in mind, setting our hopes and affections on heavenly realities rather than solely on transient earthly achievements or possessions.
  • Find Comfort in God's Approval: Knowing that God is "not ashamed" to be called our God provides immense comfort and assurance. It reminds us that our faith, even in its struggles and imperfections, pleases Him and secures His loving approval and presence.
  • Live as Pilgrims: It encourages us to embrace our status as pilgrims on earth, recognizing that this world is not our final home. This perspective can free us from undue attachment to worldly things and motivate us to live in a way that reflects our heavenly citizenship.
  • Anticipate the Future: The promise of a "prepared city" offers a glorious hope that sustains us through trials and uncertainties. It reminds us that a perfect, eternal home awaits all who persevere in faith.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 13:14 (13 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 11:10 (12 votes)

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

  • Philippians 3:20 (12 votes)

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

  • John 14:2 (8 votes)

    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.

  • Hebrews 2:11 (7 votes)

    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,

  • Matthew 25:34 (7 votes)

    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:

  • Hebrews 11:14 (6 votes)

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