Hebrews 11:35

Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

Women {G1135} received {G2983} their {G846} dead {G3498} raised to life again {G1537}{G386}: and {G1161} others {G243} were tortured {G5178}, not {G3756} accepting {G4327} deliverance {G629}; that {G2443} they might obtain {G5177} a better {G2909} resurrection {G386}:

Women received back their dead resurrected; other people were stretched on the rack and beaten to death, refusing to be ransomed, so that they would gain a better resurrection.

Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection.

Women received their dead by a resurrection: and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

Commentary

Hebrews 11:35 presents a powerful dichotomy within the grand "hall of faith," showcasing two distinct yet equally profound demonstrations of trust in God. It first highlights those who experienced miraculous, temporal restoration โ€“ specifically, women who received their dead loved ones raised to life again, as seen in the ministries of prophets like Elijah and Elisha. This contrasts sharply with "others [who] were tortured, not accepting deliverance," choosing immense suffering and death over compromise, driven by the hope of a superior, eternal reward: "that they might obtain a better resurrection."

Context

This verse is part of Hebrews chapter 11, often called the "Faith Hall of Fame," which enumerates numerous Old Testament figures who exemplified faith. The chapter begins by defining faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). After listing figures who received promises or saw God's power in their lives, the author shifts to those whose faith was demonstrated not by deliverance from suffering, but by enduring it for a greater, eternal hope. This serves to encourage the original Jewish Christian readers, who were facing persecution and temptation to abandon their faith, to persevere with their eyes fixed on the ultimate prize.

Historical and Cultural Insights

  • Women Receiving Their Dead: The specific examples are the widow of Zarephath whose son was raised by Elijah (1 Kings 17) and the Shunammite woman whose son was raised by Elisha (2 Kings 4). These accounts demonstrate God's power to restore life, a foreshadowing of the ultimate resurrection.
  • Others Tortured, Not Accepting Deliverance: This likely refers to martyrs from the Maccabean period (roughly 175-164 BC), a time of intense persecution under Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Jewish tradition, particularly in 2 Maccabees (a book not in the Protestant canon but historically significant), describes individuals who endured horrific tortures and death rather than deny their God or violate the Law, explicitly stating their hope in a future resurrection. Their refusal of "deliverance" (i.e., apostasy or compromise) was a profound act of faith.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Nature of Faith: Faith is not solely about experiencing immediate miracles or escaping hardship, but also about enduring suffering with an eternal perspective.
  • Temporary vs. Eternal Resurrection: The verse draws a stark contrast between temporal resurrections (a return to mortal life) and a "better resurrection," which signifies the ultimate, eternal resurrection to glory with God. This highlights the superior value of eternal life over temporal comfort or even life itself.
  • Endurance and Perseverance: True faith enables believers to withstand extreme adversity, even unto death, because their hope is fixed on an imperishable reward. This theme resonates throughout Hebrews, encouraging steadfastness (Hebrews 10:36).
  • Hope Beyond This Life: The martyrs' choice emphasizes that for the faithful, death is not the end but a gateway to a superior existence promised by God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "better resurrection" translates from the Greek anastaseos kreittonos (แผ€ฮฝฮฑฯƒฯ„ฮฌฯƒฮตฯ‰ฯ‚ ฮบฯฮตฮฏฯ„ฯ„ฮฟฮฝฮฟฯ‚). The word kreittonos means "better," "superior," or "more excellent." This isn't just any resurrection; it's one that is qualitatively superior to a mere return to earthly life. It points to the glorious, incorruptible, and eternal life that awaits believers, as extensively discussed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 and alluded to in Daniel 12:2.

Practical Application

Hebrews 11:35 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Eternal Perspective: It challenges us to evaluate our priorities. Are we living for temporary comfort and earthly deliverance, or are we willing to endure hardships for the sake of an eternal reward and a "better resurrection"?
  • Courage in Adversity: The example of the martyrs inspires courage and steadfastness in the face of trials, reminding us that our faith may require significant sacrifice.
  • Hope in Death: For those grieving or facing their own mortality, this verse provides immense comfort. It underscores the Christian hope that death is not the final word, but a transition to a glorious, eternal life with God, where there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain.
  • The Value of Faith: Ultimately, the verse demonstrates that faith is not only powerful enough for miracles in this life but also strong enough to face death itself, trusting in God's ultimate promise of resurrection and eternal glory.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 4:27

    And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul [is] vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid [it] from me, and hath not told me.

  • 2 Kings 4:37

    Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out.

  • 1 Kings 17:22

    And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.

  • 1 Kings 17:24

    And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou [art] a man of God, [and] that the word of the LORD in thy mouth [is] truth.

  • Philippians 3:11

    If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

  • Acts 9:41

    And he gave her [his] hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

  • Acts 24:15

    And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.