Hebrews 11:33

KJV

Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G3739} through {G1223} faith {G4102} subdued {G2610} kingdoms {G932}, wrought {G2038} righteousness {G1343}, obtained {G2013} promises {G1860}, stopped {G5420} the mouths {G4750} of lions {G3023},

Complete Jewish Bible

who, through trusting, conquered kingdoms, worked righteousness, received what was promised, shut the mouths of lions,

Berean Standard Bible

who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,

American Standard Version

who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 11:33 stands as a powerful testament within the "Hall of Faith" chapter, encapsulating the extraordinary accomplishments of Old Testament believers who, empowered by their unwavering trust in God, achieved monumental feats. This verse transitions from individual heroes to a collective summary, illustrating faith's dynamic capacity to overcome formidable challenges, establish righteousness, secure divine promises, and experience miraculous protection, thereby serving as a profound encouragement for perseverance in faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 11:33 is nestled within the celebrated "faith chapter," a grand rhetorical masterpiece designed to encourage a wavering Christian community. The author meticulously constructs a historical panorama, beginning with Abel and progressing through a litany of Old Testament figures—Abraham, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, and Samuel, alongside the prophets. This verse, along with verses 32-34, marks a pivotal shift from individual examples to a rapid-fire, generalized summary of collective achievements. This serves to broaden the scope of faith's impact, demonstrating that its power is not confined to a select few but is a pervasive principle enabling God's people to perform extraordinary acts and endure immense suffering for His glory. The immediate verses that follow (Hebrews 11:35-38) pivot to the suffering endured by faith, presenting a balanced picture of faith's triumphs and its steadfastness in adversity, culminating in the ultimate goal of encouraging the readers to run the race with perseverance, fixing their eyes on Jesus ([Hebrews 12:1-2](/hebrews/12-1-2 "Hebrews 12:1-2 - Run with Perseverance")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle to the Hebrews was addressed to a community of Jewish Christians, likely in Rome, who were facing intense persecution and social ostracism for their allegiance to Christ. This pressure tempted them to revert to the perceived safety and familiarity of Judaism, with its established rituals and traditions. In this context, the author uses the Old Testament as a rich source of encouragement, reminding them that faith in God has always been the pathway to divine favor and power, even in the most challenging circumstances. The examples cited in chapter 11, including the general categories in verse 33, would have resonated deeply with their understanding of Israel's history—a history replete with instances of God's miraculous intervention on behalf of His faithful people. The cultural expectation of a visible, tangible religious system (Judaism) was being challenged by the "unseen" nature of Christian faith, making the emphasis on faith as the "assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" ([Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - The Definition of Faith")) particularly relevant.
* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 11:33 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the chapter and the book. Firstly, it underscores **Faith's Active and Victorious Power**. Faith is presented not as passive belief but as an active principle that enables believers to engage with and overcome the world's challenges, as seen in the "subdued kingdoms" and "stopped the mouths of lions." This theme highlights God's ability to use His faithful servants to establish His will, even over powerful empires and seemingly insurmountable dangers, echoing the triumphs of figures like [Joshua](/joshua/11 "Joshua 11 - Conquest of the Land") or [David](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath"). Secondly, the phrase "wrought righteousness" emphasizes that genuine faith invariably leads to **Ethical Conduct and God's Approval**. It's not merely about miraculous acts but about living in accordance with God's moral standards, reflecting a life aligned with His character, which is pleasing in His sight. Thirdly, "obtained promises" speaks to the theme of **Divine Fulfillment and Protection**. Faith is the means by which God's specific assurances—whether physical deliverance, spiritual blessings, or the realization of His grand plan—are brought to fruition. The vivid imagery of "stopped the mouths of lions" is a direct and unmistakable allusion to [Daniel in the lions' den](/daniel/6-22 "Daniel 6:22 - Daniel's Deliverance from the Lions"), symbolizing God's miraculous intervention and protective care for His faithful servants in the face of mortal danger, reinforcing God's unwavering faithfulness to those who trust Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **subdued (Greek, _katagōnízomai'_):** From _katá_ (against) and _agōnízomai_ (to contend, struggle), this verb means "to struggle against, to overcome." It implies that the victories achieved by faith were not effortless or passive, but involved active engagement, contention, and ultimately, triumph over opposition. This word vividly portrays the dynamic, conquering nature of faith.
* **wrought (Greek, _ergázomai'_):** This middle voice verb means "to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc." When paired with "righteousness," it signifies actively "working righteousness" or "practicing justice." It emphasizes that faith is not merely an internal conviction but manifests in outward, ethical conduct and diligent obedience to God's will.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** Derived from _peíthō_ (to persuade), _pístis_ encompasses "persuasion," "credence," "moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher)," and especially "reliance upon Christ for salvation." In this context, it denotes the deep, active trust and conviction in God's character and promises that enabled these believers to act decisively and achieve the impossible.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who through faith":** This opening phrase establishes the singular, indispensable means by which all the subsequent actions were accomplished. It underscores that human ability or strength was secondary; it was their profound reliance on and conviction in God that empowered them. This highlights faith as the active conduit for divine power.
* **"subdued kingdoms":** This clause refers to military and political victories achieved by God's people, not through superior might, but through divine enablement mediated by faith. It evokes historical events such as Joshua's conquest of Canaan, David's victories over the Philistines, or the judges' deliverance of Israel from oppressors, all demonstrating God's sovereign power working through His faithful servants to establish His will and justice.
* **"wrought righteousness":** This signifies that faith leads to practical, ethical living in alignment with God's standards. It's not just about miraculous feats but also about consistent integrity, justice, and obedience in daily life. This reflects a deep commitment to God's character and His moral law, demonstrating that true faith produces righteous fruit.
* **"obtained promises":** This refers to the realization of God's specific assurances and covenants. These promises could be personal (like the birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah), national (like the possession of the promised land), or spiritual (like deliverance from enemies). It emphasizes God's faithfulness to fulfill His word to those who trust Him, often in ways that defy natural expectation.
* **"stopped the mouths of lions,":** This vivid and specific imagery is a direct allusion to the miraculous preservation of Daniel in the lions' den ([Daniel 6](/daniel/6 "Daniel in the Lions' Den")). It symbolizes God's supernatural intervention and protection for His faithful servants in the face of mortal danger, representing deliverance from seemingly inescapable threats and overwhelming adversaries through divine power.

#### Literary Devices
Hebrews 11:33 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Allusion**, specifically to the story of Daniel in the lions' den, which serves as a powerful, concrete example of God's miraculous protection for the faithful. This specific allusion, following more general statements, grounds the abstract concept of faith's power in a memorable narrative. The verse also uses **Synecdoche** in "stopped the mouths of lions," where "mouths" stands for the entire, dangerous animals, emphasizing the direct and immediate threat that was neutralized. Furthermore, the rapid succession of achievements ("subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions") creates a sense of **Accumulation** or **Climax**, building a powerful picture of faith's diverse and profound impact. The implied repetition of "through faith" before each action, though not explicitly stated, functions as a form of **Anaphora**, reinforcing the central theme that faith is the enabling force behind all these accomplishments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 11:33 profoundly connects to the overarching biblical narrative of God's faithfulness and humanity's response of trust. It underscores that God actively works through His people, empowering them to participate in His redemptive purposes, whether through establishing justice, overcoming opposition, or receiving promised blessings. The verse highlights the active, transformative nature of genuine faith, demonstrating that it is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic force that shapes character, enables obedience, and facilitates divine intervention. This passage teaches us that God honors and responds to faith, often in extraordinary ways that transcend human capability, revealing His sovereignty and unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

* [Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed") - "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."
* [James 2:22](/james/2-22 "James 2:22 - Faith and Works") - "Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?"
* [1 John 5:4](/1_john/5-4 "1 John 5:4 - Victory Over the World") - "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 11:33 serves as a profound wellspring of encouragement for believers navigating the complexities and challenges of contemporary life. It reminds us that the same God who empowered ancient heroes to subdue kingdoms and stop the mouths of lions is actively at work today, offering His strength, protection, and guidance to those who trust Him. This verse challenges us to move beyond passive belief to an active, dynamic faith that engages with the world, strives for righteousness, and confidently awaits the fulfillment of God's promises. Whether we face spiritual battles, ethical dilemmas in a broken world, or personal trials that feel overwhelming, this passage assures us that our faith, however small, can be the conduit for God's extraordinary power. It calls us to persevere, to live righteously, and to trust that God is faithful to deliver and sustain us, just as He did for those who have gone before.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to exercise a more active, conquering faith?**
* **How does your faith manifest in "wrought righteousness" in your daily interactions and decisions?**
* **What specific promises of God are you currently waiting to "obtain," and how are you demonstrating faith in that waiting?**
* **Are there "lions" (overwhelming fears, threats, or challenges) in your life that you need to trust God to "stop the mouths of"?**

### FAQ

**What does "subdued kingdoms" mean in a practical sense for believers today?**

Answer: While believers today may not literally engage in military conquests, "subdued kingdoms" can be understood metaphorically as overcoming powerful societal systems, cultural norms, or spiritual strongholds that oppose God's will. Through faith, Christians are called to influence their spheres of influence—family, workplace, community, and even national policies—with biblical principles of justice and righteousness. This can involve advocating for the vulnerable, challenging corruption, or transforming communities through the gospel, all empowered by a trust in God's sovereign authority over all earthly powers, as seen in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare").

**Is the phrase "stopped the mouths of lions" meant to be taken literally, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: In the context of Hebrews 11, which recounts historical events, "stopped the mouths of lions" is a direct and literal allusion to the miraculous preservation of Daniel in the lions' den, as recorded in [Daniel 6:22](/daniel/6-22 "Daniel 6:22 - Daniel's Deliverance"). However, its inclusion in this collective summary also gives it symbolic weight, representing God's supernatural protection and deliverance from any mortal danger or overwhelming threat that seems insurmountable to human strength. It assures believers that God can intervene in seemingly impossible situations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 11:33, while celebrating the faith of Old Testament saints, ultimately finds its supreme fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate one "who through faith" (His perfect obedience and trust in the Father) truly "subdued kingdoms"—not just earthly ones, but the kingdom of darkness, sin, and death, triumphing over them decisively through His crucifixion and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Jesus perfectly "wrought righteousness" not only in His sinless life but also by providing the very righteousness that is imputed to believers, making them acceptable before God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). He is the one who "obtained promises," being the "Yes" and "Amen" to all of God's promises, fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant and ushering in the new covenant through His blood ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). And most profoundly, Jesus "stopped the mouths of lions" in His victory over Satan, the "roaring lion seeking whom he may devour" ([1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - The Adversary, the Devil")), disarming him and securing eternal deliverance for all who believe. The faith of the Old Testament heroes points forward to Christ, the "author and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith")), through whom believers now participate in His victory, righteousness, and the fulfillment of God's ultimate promises.

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 144:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Blessed [be] the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, [and] my fingers to fight:

Psalms 144:2

My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and [he] in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.

Hebrews 10:36

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Hebrews 6:12

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 6:15

And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained 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.

Hebrews 11:8

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.