Hebrews 11:2

For by it the elders obtained a good report.

For {G1063} by {G1722} it {G5026} the elders {G4245} obtained a good report {G3140}.

It was for this that Scripture attested the merit of the people of old.

This is why the ancients were commended.

For therein the elders had witness borne to them.

Hebrews 11:2 serves as the introductory statement to the renowned "Hall of Faith" chapter, setting the stage for a compelling list of Old Testament figures who lived by faith.

Context of Hebrews 11:2

This verse immediately follows Hebrews 11:1, which defines faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Therefore, "by it" in verse 2 directly refers to this active, confident faith. The author of Hebrews is encouraging a community that might be wavering in their commitment, possibly facing persecution, by reminding them of the enduring power and reward of living a life grounded in trust in God. The "elders" are the patriarchal and prophetic figures from Israel's history, whose stories will be recounted in the subsequent verses.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Commendation of Faith: The primary message is that faith, even when tested or unseen, is the very quality by which God approves and testifies of His people. It's not about perfect performance, but perfect trust.
  • A Legacy of Belief: This verse highlights that living by faith is not a new concept but a timeless principle that has defined God's people throughout history. The lives of these ancients serve as a powerful witness and encouragement for believers in every generation.
  • Divine Approval: The "good report" signifies God's own testimony concerning these individuals. Their faith was not in vain; it was recognized and honored by the Almighty, demonstrating that the just shall live by faith.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "good report" comes from the Greek word emartyrethesan (ἐμαρτυρήθησαν), which is the passive form of the verb martyreō. It literally means "they were testified of" or "they received a testimony." This implies that God Himself bore witness to their faith, or that their lives bore witness to the power of God operating through their faith. The "elders" (Greek: hoi archaioi) simply means "the ancients" or "those of old," emphasizing the historical lineage of faith.

Practical Application

Hebrews 11:2 offers profound encouragement for believers today. Just as the ancients were commended for their faith, so too are contemporary believers called to live by a similar trust in God's promises, even when they seem distant or unseen. Our faith, though often invisible to the world, is profoundly visible and valuable to God. This verse reminds us that we are part of a grand narrative of faith, connected to a cloud of witnesses who have gone before us, finding their approval and commendation in God alone. It challenges us to consider what "report" our own lives of faith are yielding before God, encouraging us to persevere in our walk, knowing that without faith it is impossible to please Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 11:39

    And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

  • Hebrews 11:4

    ¶ By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
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