Hebrews 11:26

KJV

Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

KJV (with Strong's)

Esteeming {G2233} the reproach {G3680} of Christ {G5547} greater {G3187} riches {G4149} than {G2233} the treasures {G2344} in {G1722} Egypt {G125}: for {G1063} he had respect {G578} unto {G1519} the recompence of the reward {G3405}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He had come to regard abuse suffered on behalf of the Messiah as greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, for he kept his eyes fixed on the reward.

Berean Standard Bible

He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward.

American Standard Version

accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 11:26 profoundly illustrates Moses' extraordinary faith, showcasing his radical revaluation of worldly power and wealth in favor of identifying with God's people and their divine destiny. This verse highlights Moses' deliberate choice to embrace the suffering and scorn associated with God's chosen, recognizing that the temporary allure of Egyptian treasures paled in comparison to the eternal, unseen reward promised by God. It stands as a testament to a faith that perceives spiritual realities as infinitely more valuable than any earthly possession or status.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial component of Hebrews 11, often called the "Hall of Faith" or "Faith's Roll Call," which systematically presents a series of Old Testament figures whose lives exemplify faith. Following Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Moses is given significant attention, with several verses (from [Hebrews 11:23](/hebrews/11-23 "Hebrews 11:23 - Moses' Parents' Faith") to [Hebrews 11:29](/hebrews/11-29 "Hebrews 11:29 - The Red Sea Crossing")) dedicated to his acts of faith. Verse 26, in particular, focuses on Moses' pivotal decision to forsake his privileged position in Egypt, building upon the earlier mention of his parents' faith in hiding him and his own refusal to be called Pharaoh's daughter's son in [Hebrews 11:24](/hebrews/11-24 "Hebrews 11:24 - Moses Refuses to be Called Son of Pharaoh's Daughter"). It sets the stage for his subsequent acts of leading Israel out of bondage and enduring hardship by faith.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses was raised in the opulent and powerful court of Pharaoh, the ruler of the dominant empire of Egypt. This position afforded him the highest level of education, immense wealth, and unparalleled political influence, as described in [Acts 7:22](/acts/7-22 "Acts 7:22 - Moses Learned All the Wisdom of the Egyptians"). Egypt was a beacon of advanced civilization, military might, and material prosperity. For Moses to "esteem the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt" meant consciously abandoning a life of ultimate worldly privilege and comfort. His choice was not merely a change of residence but a profound act of allegiance, identifying with a despised, enslaved people (Israel) over the most powerful nation on earth. This decision carried significant social, economic, and personal costs, underscoring the depth of his conviction in God's unseen promises.

* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 11:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the chapter and the broader book. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Valuation by Faith**, demonstrating how true faith reorders one's priorities, enabling the believer to perceive eternal realities as supremely valuable over temporary earthly gains. Moses' "esteeming" shows a radical shift in perspective. Secondly, the phrase "reproach of Christ" introduces the theme of **Suffering and Identification with God's People**, linking Moses' historical experience of scorn and hardship for God's cause to the future suffering of the Messiah and His followers. This theme is echoed throughout Hebrews, particularly in the call to "go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach" found in [Hebrews 13:13](/hebrews/13-13 "Hebrews 13:13 - Bearing Christ's Reproach"). Lastly, the verse emphasizes the theme of **Future Reward as Motivation**, highlighting that Moses' decision was not irrational but grounded in a confident expectation of God's promised "recompence of the reward." This forward-looking hope is a consistent motif in Hebrews, urging believers to persevere in faith, knowing that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, as stated in [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - God Rewards Those Who Seek Him").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Esteeming (Greek, _hēgéomai'_):** This verb signifies "to lead, command," but figuratively, as used here, it means "to deem, consider, account, or think." Moses didn't merely acknowledge a truth; he actively calculated, weighed, and concluded that the "reproach of Christ" held superior value. This implies a deliberate, rational, and faith-informed judgment, not a whimsical choice.
* **Reproach (Greek, _oneidismós'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to reproach, revile," this noun denotes "contumely, disgrace, scorn, or insult." It refers to the public shaming, social ostracism, and verbal abuse that comes from identifying with a despised group or cause. In Moses' context, it was the scorn associated with the enslaved Israelites; for the early Christians, it was the derision faced for following a crucified Messiah.
* **Recompence of the reward (Greek, _misthapodosía'_):** This compound word literally means "payment of wages" or "requital." It signifies a full and just repayment or retribution, whether good or bad. In this context, it refers to the promised and certain reward from God for faithfulness. It is a divine assurance that God will fully compensate those who suffer for His sake, far exceeding any earthly loss.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt:"** This clause presents Moses' radical re-evaluation of values. "Esteeming" (hēgéomai) indicates a deliberate, reasoned judgment. Moses weighed the "reproach of Christ"—the scorn and suffering associated with God's people and, by extension, God's Messiah—against the "treasures in Egypt," which represent the immense material wealth, power, and prestige available to him as Pharaoh's adopted grandson. His conclusion, driven by faith, was that the spiritual cost of identifying with God's purposes was infinitely more valuable than all the fleeting glories of the world's most powerful empire.
* **"for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward."** This clause explains the motivation behind Moses' seemingly counter-intuitive choice. The conjunction "for" (gár) introduces the reason. "He had respect unto" (apoblépō) means "he looked away from everything else and intently regarded" or "fixed his gaze upon." Moses' focus was not on the immediate suffering or loss but on the future, certain "recompence of the reward" promised by God. This refers to the full and just repayment God bestows upon His faithful servants, an eternal inheritance that far surpasses any earthly gain. His faith was forward-looking, anchored in the certainty of God's faithfulness to His promises.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is central, juxtaposing the "reproach of Christ" against the "treasures in Egypt," highlighting the stark difference between spiritual value and worldly allure. This contrast underscores Moses' profound reordering of priorities. **Foreshadowing** is evident in the phrase "reproach of Christ," as Moses lived centuries before Christ's incarnation. The author uses this anachronism to connect Moses' suffering for God's cause to the ultimate suffering of the Messiah and the subsequent experience of His followers, implying a timeless pattern of divine rejection and vindication. The phrase "greater riches" can be seen as a form of **hyperbole**, emphasizing the immeasurable superiority of spiritual blessings and eternal reward over any earthly wealth, making the choice seem almost self-evident from a faith perspective.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 11:26 offers profound theological insights into the nature of true faith and its implications for Christian discipleship. It reveals that authentic faith involves a radical reorientation of values, where the unseen, eternal realities of God's kingdom are esteemed above the tangible, temporary allure of the world. Moses' choice demonstrates that suffering for God's cause is not a loss but a privileged participation in the divine narrative, leading to a glorious, certain reward. This perspective challenges believers to embrace the cost of discipleship, confident that God is a faithful rewarder who will fully compensate those who prioritize His will and kingdom.

* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven") This passage directly echoes Moses' revaluation, urging believers to store up "treasures in heaven" rather than on earth, where they are subject to decay and theft, emphasizing the eternal security and value of spiritual investments.
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul Counts All as Loss for Christ") The Apostle Paul's testimony mirrors Moses' decision, as he counted all his former worldly advantages and achievements as "loss for the sake of Christ," considering them "rubbish" compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus.
* [2 Corinthians 4:17-18](/2_corinthians/4-17-18 "2 Corinthians 4:17-18 - Our Light and Momentary Troubles") Paul encourages believers to fix their eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for "our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." This passage underscores the eternal perspective that motivated Moses.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Moses' example in Hebrews 11:26 provides a powerful mirror for contemporary believers, inviting us to critically examine our own values and the true objects of our esteem. In a world that constantly bombards us with messages of material acquisition, status, and comfort as the ultimate good, Moses' decision to forsake the pinnacle of worldly success for the "reproach of Christ" challenges us to ask: What do we truly consider "greater riches"? Are we willing to embrace the potential scorn, misunderstanding, or hardship that comes with aligning ourselves fully with Christ and His kingdom, knowing that such reproach is a privilege and a pathway to eternal reward? This verse calls us to live with an eternal perspective, where our present choices are shaped not by immediate gratification or worldly approval, but by a confident expectation of God's promised recompense. It encourages a life of counter-cultural discipleship, where faith in the unseen future outweighs the allure of the visible present.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "treasures in Egypt" (worldly comforts, status, or security) might I be holding onto that prevent me from fully embracing the "reproach of Christ"?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that I "esteem the reproach of Christ greater riches" than earthly possessions or approval?**
* **In what ways am I actively "having respect unto the recompence of the reward," allowing future hope to shape my present decisions and endurance?**

### FAQ

**What does "the reproach of Christ" mean, given that Moses lived centuries before Jesus' incarnation?**

Answer: The phrase "the reproach of Christ" in [Hebrews 11:26](/hebrews/11-26 "Hebrews 11:26 - Moses' Faith and the Reproach of Christ") is a theological statement by the author of Hebrews, applying a New Testament understanding to an Old Testament event. It signifies the suffering, scorn, and rejection that is inherently linked to God's redemptive plan and His chosen Messiah. Even before Christ's physical incarnation, God's people, like Moses, experienced "reproach" for their allegiance to the one true God and His purposes. This suffering is seen as participation in the same divine purpose and ultimate rejection that the Messiah Himself would endure. The author of Hebrews views Christ as pre-existent and active throughout salvation history (see [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Therefore, any suffering endured for God's cause, particularly by those associated with His chosen people and covenant, is understood as sharing in the very "reproach" that would culminate in Christ's crucifixion. It highlights the timeless nature of the opposition faced by those who align with God's truth.

**Is it truly biblical to be motivated by "recompence of the reward" when serving God? Doesn't that make faith self-serving?**

Answer: While true faith should stem from love for God and not merely a transactional desire for reward, the Bible consistently presents God as a rewarder of faithfulness, and this promise often serves as a legitimate motivation for perseverance. [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - God Rewards Those Who Seek Him") explicitly states, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Moses, like many other biblical figures, understood that God is just and faithful to His promises. His focus on the "recompence of the reward" was not a selfish pursuit of personal gain, but a confident trust in God's character and His ultimate vindication of His servants. This reward is not earned by merit but is a gracious gift from God to those who walk by faith. It provides a powerful, eternal perspective that enables believers to endure present hardships, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Steadfastness and Eternal Reward")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 11:26 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself. Moses' willingness to embrace the "reproach of Christ" foreshadows the very path that Jesus would walk. Christ, being God, "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He willingly gave up the unimaginable "riches" of heaven—His divine glory and position—to endure the ultimate "reproach" of humanity: rejection, scorn, and a humiliating death on a cross ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). For "the joy that was set before him," Jesus "endured the cross, despising the shame," demonstrating the supreme example of looking to the "recompence of the reward"—His resurrection, exaltation, and the salvation of humanity. Thus, Moses' faith, though remarkable, points forward to the perfect faith and sacrifice of Jesus, who fully embodied the principle of valuing eternal glory over temporal comfort, becoming the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him ([Hebrews 5:9](/hebrews/5-9 "Hebrews 5:9 - Christ, the Source of Eternal Salvation")).

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 10:35

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Luke 14:14

And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

Revelation 3:18

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Hebrews 2:2

For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;

1 Peter 4:14

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

Psalms 89:50

Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; [how] I do bear in my bosom [the reproach of] all the mighty people;