Hebrews 11:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 11:16 profoundly articulates the ultimate hope and enduring faith of Old Testament saints, revealing their deep spiritual longing for an eternal, divine homeland beyond earthly existence. It celebrates their unwavering conviction in God's promises, affirming that because they oriented their lives toward this heavenly reality, God proudly identifies Himself as their God, having prepared for them a glorious, permanent dwelling place—a city of His own making.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within the celebrated "Hall of Faith" in [Hebrews chapter 11](/hebrews/11 "Hebrews 11 - The Hall of Faith"), a chapter dedicated to showcasing exemplary faith from Old Testament history. The author of Hebrews meticulously presents a parade of faithful individuals—from Abel to the prophets—who, by faith, lived with an eternal perspective. Immediately preceding [Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - The Heavenly Country"), the text focuses on Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, highlighting their nomadic lives as "strangers and pilgrims on the earth" ([Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Hebrews 11:13 - Strangers and Pilgrims")). These patriarchs, though recipients of earthly promises, understood that their true inheritance was not of this world. [Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - Abraham's Search for a City") explicitly states Abraham "looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." Thus, [Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - The Heavenly Country") serves as a summarizing declaration, encapsulating the shared, transcendent desire of all these faithful for a superior, heavenly reality, and God's corresponding affirmation of their faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of the book of Hebrews was primarily Jewish Christians facing persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism. The author's aim was to demonstrate the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant over the Old, encouraging perseverance in faith. In the Greco-Roman world, citizenship was highly valued, offering rights and protections. Many Jewish people, dispersed throughout the Roman Empire, often longed for their ancestral homeland, Jerusalem. However, the author elevates this earthly longing to a spiritual plane, redirecting their ultimate hope from a physical city or nation to a heavenly one. This reorientation was crucial for believers enduring hardship, reminding them that their true identity and reward were not found in this transient world but in an eternal, divine realm. The concept of a "city" also resonated deeply with ancient peoples, as cities represented security, civilization, and the pinnacle of human achievement, making the "city prepared by God" an incredibly potent image of ultimate rest and fulfillment.
* **Key Themes:** [Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - The Heavenly Country") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Hebrews. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **faith as forward-looking expectation**. The faith described is not merely belief in past events but a confident assurance of future realities, particularly the promise of an eternal home. Secondly, it highlights the **pilgrim motif**, portraying believers as sojourners on earth whose true citizenship is heavenly, a concept echoed in [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Heavenly Citizenship"). Thirdly, the verse powerfully conveys the theme of **God's faithfulness and covenantal commitment**. God's willingness to be called "their God" signifies His unwavering loyalty and delight in those who trust Him, reminiscent of His self-identification to Moses in [Exodus 3:6](/exodus/3-6 "Exodus 3:6 - God Identifies Himself to Moses"). Finally, the "prepared city" introduces the theme of **eschatological hope and divine provision**, pointing to the ultimate, glorious culmination of God's redemptive plan, often understood as the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends") in the New Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **desire (Greek, _orégomai'_):** This word, G3713, means "to stretch oneself, i.e. reach out after (long for)." It conveys a strong, earnest longing or striving towards something, not merely a casual wish. It implies an active orientation of one's whole being towards a particular object or goal. In this context, the saints' desire for a heavenly country is not passive but an intense, active yearning that shaped their earthly lives.
* **ashamed (Greek, _epaischýnomai'_):** This word, G1870, means "to feel shame for something" or to feel disgrace/humiliation. The text's emphatic statement that God is *not* ashamed to be called their God highlights His profound approval, honor, and delight in His faithful people. It signifies that their lives of faith, though often marked by earthly weakness or suffering, bring Him no dishonor but rather glory and affirmation.
* **prepared (Greek, _hetoimázō'_):** This word, G2090, means "to prepare" or "to make ready." It signifies a deliberate, purposeful act of divine provision. God has not merely wished for a city to exist but has actively and intentionally made it ready for His people. This underscores the certainty and intentionality of God's promise, assuring believers that their ultimate home is not a vague hope but a divinely secured reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly":** This clause introduces a contrast ("But now") with the earthly realities or the temporary nature of their sojourn. The "they" refers to the Old Testament saints previously mentioned, particularly the patriarchs. Their desire is not for just any country, but a "better" one (Greek: _kreíttōn_, G2909, meaning superior, nobler), explicitly defined as "an heavenly" one. This clarifies that their ultimate longing transcends any earthly nation or inheritance, pointing to a spiritual, eternal realm.
* **"wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God":** This clause presents the divine consequence and affirmation of their heavenly desire. Because these saints lived with such a profound, heaven-oriented faith, God, in turn, is not ashamed to identify Himself with them. This is a powerful statement of divine approval and covenantal intimacy, signifying that their faith brings Him honor and that He delights in His relationship with them.
* **"for he hath prepared for them a city":** This final clause provides the reason ("for") for God's unashamed identification: He has actively and intentionally "prepared" a permanent, secure dwelling place for them. The "city" serves as a powerful metaphor for this ultimate, eternal home, a place of rest, security, and communion with God, signifying the fulfillment of all His promises to His faithful people.

#### Literary Devices
Hebrews 11:16 employs several potent literary devices. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in the use of "country" and "city" to represent spiritual realities. The "better country" is explicitly defined as "heavenly," transforming a geographical term into a spiritual destination. Similarly, the "city" is not a literal earthly metropolis but a powerful image of a secure, permanent, and divinely established dwelling place, symbolizing the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. **Personification** is evident in the statement that God is "not ashamed." Shame is a human emotion, and attributing its absence to God emphasizes His profound approval and delight in His faithful people, highlighting the depth of His covenantal relationship with them. The phrase "But now" introduces a subtle **contrast**, shifting the focus from the temporary, earthly existence of the patriarchs to their enduring, heavenly aspiration, thereby underscoring the qualitative superiority of the spiritual over the temporal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 11:16 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of true faith, not as a static belief, but as a dynamic, forward-looking orientation toward God's eternal promises. It reveals that the ultimate object of the believer's hope is not found in the transient realities of this world, but in a divine, heavenly realm. God's unashamed identification with those who possess such faith underscores His covenant faithfulness and the deep pleasure He takes in His people's trust. The "prepared city" serves as a powerful symbol of God's ultimate provision and the secure, glorious destiny awaiting all who live by faith, affirming that God's promises are not merely theoretical but culminate in a tangible, eternal dwelling. This verse thus bridges the Old Testament saints' longing with the New Testament revelation of God's ultimate plan for His people.

* [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven"): "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ."
* [John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place"): "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. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
* [Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2-3 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem"): "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 11:16 offers profound encouragement and a vital reorientation for believers navigating the complexities of modern life. It challenges us to cultivate an eternal perspective, recognizing that our ultimate hope and citizenship lie beyond the temporal confines of this world. In a society often consumed by earthly pursuits and fleeting achievements, this verse calls us to anchor our deepest desires in the "heavenly country" and the "prepared city" that God Himself has established. This perspective frees us from the anxieties of materialism and the disappointments of earthly impermanence, allowing us to live as pilgrims, unburdened by excessive attachment to what will pass away. Furthermore, the assurance that God is "not ashamed to be called their God" provides immense comfort and validation. It reminds us that our faith, even in its struggles and imperfections, is deeply pleasing to Him, securing His proud identification and unwavering commitment to us. This divine approval empowers us to persevere through trials, knowing that our lives of faith bring honor to our Heavenly Father and that a glorious, eternal home awaits.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me to "desire a better country, that is, an heavenly" in my daily life and choices?**
* **How does the knowledge that God is "not ashamed to be called my God" impact my sense of identity, worth, and confidence in my relationship with Him?**
* **In what ways am I living as a "stranger and pilgrim" on earth, and how can I more intentionally orient my life towards the "prepared city"?**
* **How does the promise of a "prepared city" provide hope and comfort amidst the uncertainties and challenges of this present world?**

### FAQ
**What does "a better country, that is, an heavenly" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase describes the ultimate spiritual homeland that faithful believers long for, which transcends any earthly nation or geographical location. It signifies a realm of divine perfection, righteousness, and eternal communion with God. It's "better" not just in comparison to earthly countries, but qualitatively superior in every conceivable way—free from sin, suffering, and decay. It represents the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate destination for His people, where they will dwell in His presence forever. It's the spiritual reality of God's kingdom, fully realized.

**Why is it significant that God is "not ashamed to be called their God"?**

Answer: This statement is profoundly significant because it highlights God's deep approval, delight, and unwavering commitment to those who live by faith. In ancient cultures, to be "ashamed" of someone implied a lack of honor, a disassociation, or even disgrace. The text emphatically states that God feels no such thing towards His faithful saints. Instead, He proudly identifies with them, affirming their lives of faith as honorable and pleasing to Him. It underscores the intimate, covenantal relationship between God and His people, demonstrating that their trust in His promises brings Him glory and secures His loyal presence. It echoes His self-identification to Moses as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in [Exodus 3:6](/exodus/3-6 "God Identifies Himself to Moses"), signifying an enduring, personal bond.

**What is the "city" that God "hath prepared for them"?**

Answer: The "city" is a powerful metaphor for the secure, permanent, and glorious dwelling place that God has divinely established for His people. It is not a literal earthly city but symbolizes the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the culmination of the believer's journey of faith. In the New Testament, this "city" is often identified with the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-2 "The New Jerusalem Descends") described in the book of Revelation, a place where God's presence fully dwells among His people, where there is no more sorrow, pain, or death ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Tears")). It represents the ultimate rest, security, and communion that believers will experience in God's eternal kingdom. Jesus Himself promised to "go and prepare a place for you" in [John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "Jesus Prepares a Place"), a promise that resonates deeply with this prepared city.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 11:16 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "heavenly country" and the "city" that God has prepared are not abstract concepts but are made real and accessible through His redemptive work. Jesus Himself declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way")). He is the one who has gone before us to "prepare a place" for us in His Father's house ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "Jesus Prepares a Place")), assuring us of our eternal dwelling. The longing of the Old Testament saints for a "better country" is fully satisfied in Christ, who, by His death and resurrection, opened the path to true communion with God in the heavenly realms. Furthermore, God is "not ashamed to be called their God" precisely because of Christ. Through Christ's perfect sacrifice, believers are cleansed, justified, and made righteous, allowing God to embrace them as His own, without blemish or shame ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Christ's Church without Spot")). The "prepared city" is the New Jerusalem, the bride of Christ, where He reigns eternally, and where His people will dwell in His glorious presence forever ([Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2-3 "The New Jerusalem Descends")). Thus, Christ is not only the means by which we access this heavenly reality, but He is also the central figure and the very essence of the eternal home for which all the faithful yearn.

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.

Hebrews 11:10

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

Philippians 3:20

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

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.

Hebrews 2:11

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

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

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