Hebrews 11:3

KJV

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

KJV (with Strong's)

Through faith {G4102} we understand {G3539} that the worlds {G165} were framed {G2675} by the word {G4487} of God {G2316}, so {G1519} that things which {G3588} are seen {G991} were {G1096} not {G3361} made {G1096} of {G1537} things which do appear {G5316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

By trusting, we understand that the universe was created through a spoken word of God, so that what is seen did not come into being out of existing phenomena.

Berean Standard Bible

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

American Standard Version

By faith we understand that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen hath not been made out of things which appear.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 11:3 serves as a foundational declaration within the "Hall of Faith" chapter, asserting that through the lens of faith, humanity can comprehend the profound truth of the universe's origin and meticulous design. It reveals that the vast cosmos, with all its visible intricacies, was not formed from pre-existing, observable materials but was brought into being solely by the powerful, authoritative, and spoken word of God, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and creative might.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the author's profound definition of faith in [Hebrews 11:1-2](/hebrews/11-1-2 "Hebrews 11:1-2 - The Definition of Faith"), which establishes faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Before embarking on a lengthy catalog of Old Testament heroes who exemplified faith, the author strategically places this universal truth about creation. By starting with the ultimate act of God's power—bringing the universe into existence from nothing—the author grounds the subsequent examples of faith in a grand, cosmic reality. This sets the stage for understanding how faith enables believers to grasp realities beyond their immediate sensory experience, including the invisible God and His mighty works, preparing them to accept the seemingly impossible feats achieved by faith throughout history.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The epistle to the Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were likely facing persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism. This context necessitated a robust defense of Christ's superiority and the New Covenant's efficacy. In the Hellenistic world of the first century, various philosophical schools debated the origin of the cosmos, often positing pre-existent matter or an impersonal force. Against this backdrop, Hebrews 11:3 offers a distinctively biblical and Jewish perspective, emphasizing a personal, transcendent God who creates by divine fiat, not by manipulating existing elements. This understanding of creation was central to Jewish identity and provided a firm foundation for trust in God's power and promises, countering any philosophical or cultural pressures to doubt His ultimate authority.
* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 11:3 powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout the epistle and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Faith as a Mode of Understanding**, highlighting that faith is not a blind leap but a profound way of knowing and apprehending ultimate truths that human reason or empirical observation alone cannot fully explain. It asserts that our understanding of origins is fundamentally a matter of faith, as illuminated by divine revelation. Secondly, the verse articulates the doctrine of **Creation *Ex Nihilo*** (from nothing), a cornerstone of biblical theology. The declaration that "things which are seen were not made of things which do appear" directly refutes any notion of God merely reordering existing matter, emphasizing His absolute power to speak the universe into existence from non-existence, echoing the creative acts detailed in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). Thirdly, it powerfully emphasizes **The Power of God's Word**. Creation is attributed directly to "the word of God," underscoring the dynamic, effective, and authoritative nature of God's spoken command. This theme resonates with other biblical passages, such as [Psalm 33:6](/psalms/33-6 "Psalm 33:6 - Creation by God's Word") which states, "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made," and [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through the Word"), which attributes creation to the divine Logos.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **understand (Greek, _noiéō'_):** From the root _nous_ (mind), this verb means "to exercise the mind," "to comprehend," or "to heed." It implies an active mental process of perceiving and grasping truth, not merely a passive reception of information. In this context, it suggests that faith is not irrational, but rather provides the necessary framework for true comprehension of cosmic origins, allowing the mind to grasp realities beyond empirical observation.
* **worlds (Greek, _aiṓn'_):** While often translated as "worlds," _aiṓn_ primarily refers to an "age" or "period of time." By extension, it can encompass the entire cosmic order, including both space and time, or the "universe" in its temporal and spatial totality. Here, it signifies not just the physical cosmos but the entire framework of existence, including its temporal progression, indicating that God framed not only matter but also the very fabric of time and space.
* **framed (Greek, _katartízō'_):** This verb means "to complete thoroughly," "to repair," "to adjust," "to fit," or "to prepare." It suggests a purposeful, skillful, and perfect arrangement. It implies that God did not merely bring things into being but meticulously ordered, arranged, and perfected the cosmos, demonstrating divine artistry and precision in its design and structure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Through faith we understand":** This opening clause establishes the epistemological basis for comprehending creation. It asserts that human reason alone is insufficient; a spiritual faculty, faith, is required to grasp the ultimate truth of origins. Faith acts as the interpretive lens through which divine revelation about creation becomes intelligible.
* **"that the worlds were framed by the word of God":** This is the core declaration of the verse. It identifies God as the ultimate Creator and His "word" (His authoritative utterance, His divine command) as the instrument of creation. The term "framed" emphasizes the deliberate, orderly, and perfect design of the cosmos, implying not chaotic emergence but intentional construction by a divine artisan.
* **"so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear":** This concluding clause clarifies the nature of God's creation, asserting the doctrine of *creation ex nihilo*. It means that the visible universe was not formed from pre-existing, observable matter or components. God did not merely rearrange or reconfigure existing elements; He spoke the cosmos into existence from non-existence, highlighting His absolute power and transcendence over all created things.

#### Literary Devices
Hebrews 11:3 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Paradox**, evident in the statement "things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." This highlights the counter-intuitive nature of divine creation, where the tangible and visible originate from the intangible and invisible. This paradox underscores the supernatural character of God's work, challenging purely materialistic worldviews. There is also a strong element of **Emphasis** through assertion, particularly regarding the "word of God" as the sole agent of creation, which elevates God's spoken command to a position of ultimate power and authority. Furthermore, the verse implicitly uses **Metaphor**, presenting faith as a faculty or a lens through which understanding is achieved, suggesting that just as physical eyes perceive visible light, spiritual faith perceives spiritual truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 11:3 is a profound theological statement that grounds our understanding of God's nature and His relationship to creation. It affirms God's absolute sovereignty and omnipotence, demonstrating that He is not limited by pre-existing conditions or materials. The doctrine of *creation ex nihilo* is crucial, as it distinguishes the biblical God from pagan deities who often merely ordered chaos or worked with existing matter. This verse asserts God's unique status as the ultimate source of all reality, reinforcing that He is the uncreated Creator. It also highlights the reliability and power of God's word, which is not merely communicative but inherently creative and effective. This foundational truth about creation provides a bedrock for trusting God in all other areas of life, for if He can speak the universe into being, He is certainly capable of fulfilling His promises and sustaining His people.

* [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - God Creates the Heavens and the Earth")
* [Psalm 33:6](/psalms/33-6 "Psalm 33:6 - Creation by the Word of the Lord")
* [Romans 4:17](/romans/4-17 "Romans 4:17 - God Calls Things That Are Not As Though They Were")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 11:3 invites us to cultivate a deeper, more profound faith in God as the ultimate Creator and sustainer of all things. In a world increasingly dominated by naturalistic explanations for existence, this verse calls us back to divine revelation as the primary source of truth about ultimate origins. If we can accept by faith that God spoke the entire universe into being from nothing, demonstrating limitless power and wisdom, then we can surely trust Him with the intricate details of our individual lives, our present circumstances, and our future hopes. This understanding should inspire awe and humility, reminding us of our creaturely status and God's infinite majesty. It encourages us to live lives that acknowledge His sovereignty, recognizing that the same powerful Word that brought the cosmos into existence is at work in His ongoing providential care and in the redemptive work of Christ. Our faith in creation should strengthen our faith in redemption, knowing that the God who spoke light into darkness can also speak life into our souls.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding creation "by faith" impact your view of scientific inquiry and human knowledge?**
* **In what ways does the concept of *creation ex nihilo* deepen your appreciation for God's power and sovereignty?**
* **How does the truth that God framed the worlds by His word influence your trust in His promises and His ability to act in your life today?**
* **What practical implications does this verse have for how you worship God and live out your daily faith?**

### FAQ

**What does "the worlds" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "worlds" is _aiṓn_ (G165), which literally means "age" or "period of time." While it can refer to the physical cosmos, in this context, it encompasses the entire framework of existence, including both space and time. So, "the worlds" refers not just to the physical universe but to the entire created order, including all its temporal dimensions and structures. It signifies that God is the Creator of all reality, both visible and invisible, and the very fabric of time itself.

**Does Hebrews 11:3 contradict scientific theories about the origin of the universe?**

Answer: Hebrews 11:3 does not directly contradict scientific theories, but rather operates on a different plane of explanation. Science describes the *how* of the universe's operation and development within the created order, based on observable phenomena. This verse, however, addresses the *ultimate origin* and the *who* behind creation, asserting that God brought everything into existence from nothing ("not made of things which do appear") through His divine word. It speaks to the supernatural cause that undergirds all natural processes. Faith provides the framework for understanding the ultimate beginning, a realm beyond the scope of empirical scientific investigation. Thus, the verse provides a theological foundation that complements, rather than competes with, scientific inquiry.

**What is the significance of "not made of things which do appear"?**

Answer: This phrase is a crucial theological statement asserting the doctrine of *creation ex nihilo*, meaning "creation out of nothing." It signifies that God did not merely reorder or reshape pre-existing matter, but literally spoke the universe into existence from non-existence. This emphasizes God's absolute power, His transcendence over creation, and His unique status as the uncreated Creator. It means that the visible, tangible world did not originate from any observable or pre-existent material source, but entirely from the invisible, powerful command of God. This concept is foundational to understanding God's omnipotence and His unique relationship to His creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 11:3, while speaking of God's general creative power, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament consistently reveals that the "word of God" through whom the worlds were framed is none other than the pre-existent Son, the [Logos](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word"). [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him") explicitly states, "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." Similarly, [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer") declares that "by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible... all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." The author of Hebrews himself begins his epistle by affirming that God "hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Speaks Through His Son, Who Made the Worlds")). Therefore, the faith by which we understand creation is ultimately faith in Christ, the very agent of creation, who not only brought all things into being but also sustains them by the "word of his power" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things by His Word")). This Christ-centered understanding of creation lays the groundwork for understanding His redemptive work, for the One who created all things is also the One who redeems them, reconciling all things to Himself through the cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")).

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

Psalms 33:6

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

2 Peter 3:5

For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

John 1:3

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Romans 4:17

¶ (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, [even] God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Acts 17:24

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Revelation 4:11

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Hebrews 1:2

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;