11:24 11:24

Hebrews 11:25

11:26 11:26

Bible Versions

Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Choosing {G138} rather {G3123} to suffer affliction {G4778} with the people {G2992} of God {G2316}, than {G2228} to enjoy the pleasures {G2192}{G619} of sin {G266} for a season {G4340};
He chose being mistreated along with God’s people rather than enjoying the passing pleasures of sin.
He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin.
choosing rather to share ill treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Hebrews 11:25 is a powerful verse found within the "Hall of Faith" chapter, highlighting the discerning choice made by Moses. It underscores a fundamental principle of biblical faith: prioritizing eternal values over fleeting worldly gratifications.

Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative in Hebrews 11, which celebrates the faith of Old Testament figures. Specifically, it refers to Moses' pivotal decision to identify with the enslaved Israelites rather than remain in the luxurious, powerful court of Pharaoh. Born a Hebrew but raised as an Egyptian prince (as recounted in Exodus 2), Moses had immense worldly opportunities. His choice was a deliberate renunciation of privilege for a life of hardship alongside God's chosen people, motivated by a spiritual foresight that transcended immediate circumstances.

Key Themes

  • Deliberate Choice: The verse emphasizes Moses' active decision ("Choosing rather"). This was not an accidental or forced situation, but a conscious act of faith and allegiance.
  • Solidarity in Suffering: Moses chose to "suffer affliction with the people of God." This highlights the theme of identifying with God's community, even when it involves hardship, persecution, or social marginalization. It speaks to the value of spiritual kinship over material comfort.
  • Fleeting Pleasures of Sin: The "pleasures of sin for a season" refers to the temporary, transient nature of gratification derived from ungodly living or compromising one's faith for worldly gain. The Greek word for "season" here, proskairon, literally means "for a time" or "temporary," sharply contrasting with the eternal perspective of faith.
  • Eternal Perspective: Implicitly, this choice is driven by a belief in a greater, more enduring reward, which the next verse in Hebrews 11 explicitly addresses. Moses' decision was a demonstration of faith as the assurance of things hoped for.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "pleasures of sin" (ἁμαρτίαν - hamartian) refers to the gratification that comes from a life lived apart from God's will. The crucial element is "for a season" (πρόσκαιρον - proskairon), which emphasizes the temporary nature of such enjoyment. This contrasts sharply with the enduring nature of suffering with God's people, which, though difficult, leads to an eternal reward. The word "affliction" (κακοπάθεια - kakopatheia) denotes suffering evil or hardship, truly reflecting the harsh realities of Israelite bondage.

Related Scriptures

Moses' decision here foreshadows the call for believers to take up their cross and follow Christ, enduring hardship for the sake of the Kingdom. The contrast between temporary pleasure and eternal reward is a recurring biblical theme, found also in passages like Romans 6:23, which states that "the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." The suffering endured for Christ is often presented as light and momentary compared to the eternal glory it produces, as seen in 2 Corinthians 4:17.

Practical Application

Hebrews 11:25 challenges believers today to evaluate their own priorities. Are we willing to forgo temporary comforts, worldly status, or sinful gratifications for the sake of identifying with Christ and His people, even if it means enduring hardship or being misunderstood? This verse encourages a long-term, eternal perspective, reminding us that the transient allure of sin pales in comparison to the lasting joy and recompense found in faithfulness to God. It calls for a life of spiritual integrity and commitment, valuing our position as "people of God" above all else.

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.

  • Psalms 84:10

    For a day in thy courts [is] better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

  • 2 Timothy 2:3

    Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

  • 2 Timothy 2:10

    Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:17

    Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

  • Job 36:21

    Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.

  • 1 Peter 4:12

    ¶ Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

  • 1 Peter 4:16

    Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
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