Hebrews 11:33

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

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},

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

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

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

Commentary on Hebrews 11:33 (KJV)

Hebrews 11:33 is a powerful verse from the "Hall of Faith" chapter, summarizing the incredible achievements of Old Testament believers who acted on their trust in God. Following a detailed list of individuals like Abraham, Moses, and Rahab, this verse shifts to a more collective portrayal, highlighting the diverse ways faith empowers God's people to overcome monumental challenges and live righteously.

Context

This verse is part of Hebrews chapter 11, famously known as the "faith chapter." The author of Hebrews, writing to a community of Jewish Christians who were likely facing persecution and temptation to abandon their faith, uses a historical panorama of biblical heroes to illustrate the enduring power and necessity of faith. After detailing individual examples of faith from Abel to the prophets, verses 32-34 offer a rapid-fire summary of further accomplishments, demonstrating that faith is not merely a passive belief but an active principle that enables believers to perform extraordinary feats and endure extreme suffering for God's glory. The ultimate goal is to encourage perseverance and steadfastness in their own walk of faith.

Key Themes

  • Faith's Victorious Power: The phrase "subdued kingdoms" speaks to military and political victories achieved not by human might alone, but by divine enablement through faith. This theme underscores God's ability to use His faithful servants to establish His will, even over powerful empires. Examples from Israel's history, such as Joshua's conquest of the land or David's triumphs, illustrate this aspect of faith.
  • Righteous Living and God's Approval: "Wrought righteousness" highlights that genuine faith always leads to ethical conduct and living in accordance with God's standards. It's not just about miraculous acts but also about consistent integrity and justice. This reflects a life aligned with God's character, which is pleasing in His sight and often brings His favor.
  • Divine Fulfillment and Protection: "Obtained promises" refers to the realization of God's specific assurances, whether it be the birth of a child, possession of land, or deliverance from enemies. The vivid image of "stopped the mouths of lions" is a direct allusion to the story of Daniel in the lions' den, symbolizing God's miraculous intervention and protection for His faithful servants in the face of mortal danger. This emphasizes God's faithfulness to deliver those who trust Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "subdued" is katagonizomai, which means "to contend against, to struggle against, to overcome." This implies that these victories were not effortless but involved active engagement and struggle, empowered by faith. "Wrought righteousness" comes from ergazomai dikaiosunen, meaning "to work righteousness" or "to practice justice," emphasizing active obedience and living out one's faith in daily conduct.

Practical Application

Hebrews 11:33 serves as a profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that faith is not passive but an active force that empowers us to face and overcome life's challenges. Whether we are contending with spiritual battles, striving to live righteously in a corrupt world, or waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled, this verse assures us that God is faithful to those who trust Him. It calls us to persevere, knowing that the same God who enabled these ancient heroes to subdue kingdoms and stop lions' mouths is still at work, offering His protection and guidance to His people.

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.

  • 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.
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