Hebrews 11:35

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 11:35 powerfully illustrates the multifaceted nature of faith by presenting two contrasting yet equally profound demonstrations of trust in God. It first celebrates women who experienced miraculous, temporal restoration, seeing their deceased loved ones supernaturally brought back to earthly life. This is sharply juxtaposed with "others" who, facing extreme torture, steadfastly refused any form of escape or compromise, choosing instead to endure suffering and death, driven by an unwavering hope in a qualitatively superior, eternal resurrection. The verse thus highlights that faith is not merely about experiencing temporal miracles, but also about enduring immense hardship with an eschatological vision, valuing eternal glory over earthly preservation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within Hebrews chapter 11, often celebrated as the "Hall of Faith" or "Faith's Roll Call." The chapter begins with a foundational definition of faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - The Definition of Faith"). Following a long list of Old Testament heroes who demonstrated faith through various acts—from Abel's offering to Abraham's obedience and Moses's leadership—the author shifts the focus in verses 32-38. While earlier examples often highlighted faith leading to victory and tangible blessings (e.g., [conquering kingdoms or stopping the mouths of lions](/hebrews/11-33 "Hebrews 11:33 - Faith's Victories")), Hebrews 11:35-38 presents a stark counter-narrative. Here, faith is demonstrated not by deliverance *from* suffering, but by courageous endurance *through* it, even unto death. This transition is crucial for the original audience, Jewish Christians facing intense persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism, as it shows that true faith encompasses both miraculous intervention and steadfast suffering for a greater, unseen hope.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "women received their dead raised to life again" directly alludes to specific Old Testament narratives: the widow of Zarephath whose son was raised by Elijah ([1 Kings 17:17-24](/1_kings/17-17-24 "1 Kings 17:17-24 - Elijah Raises the Widow's Son")) and the Shunammite woman whose son was raised by Elisha ([2 Kings 4:32-37](/2_kings/4-32-37 "2 Kings 4:32-37 - Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son")). These accounts would have been well-known to the Jewish readers. The phrase "others were tortured, not accepting deliverance" most strongly points to the Maccabean period (circa 175-164 BC), a time of severe persecution of Jews under the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Historical accounts, particularly in 2 Maccabees (a deuterocanonical book, but historically significant), describe horrific tortures endured by Jewish martyrs who refused to abandon their faith or violate the Mosaic Law, often explicitly expressing their hope in a future resurrection as their motivation. Their refusal of "deliverance" (i.e., apostasy or compromise) was a profound act of faith rooted in their eschatological conviction.
* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 11:35 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Hebrews and the chapter itself. It profoundly reshapes the understanding of **the nature of faith**, demonstrating that faith is not merely a means to earthly blessing or escape from hardship, but a steadfast trust in God's ultimate promises, even when it leads to suffering and death. This verse underscores the critical distinction between **temporal and eternal resurrection**, highlighting the qualitative superiority of the "better resurrection" (eternal glory) over a mere return to mortal life. Furthermore, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **endurance and perseverance** in the face of adversity, a central exhortation throughout Hebrews, urging believers to fix their eyes on the unseen reward and run the race with endurance ([Hebrews 12:1-3](/hebrews/12-1-3 "Hebrews 12:1-3 - Running the Race with Endurance")). Ultimately, the verse champions the **hope beyond this life**, affirming that for those who believe, death is not an end but a gateway to a promised, glorious existence with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Women (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** This term, referring to a woman or wife, specifically calls to mind the faithful women of the Old Testament who experienced miraculous intervention. In the context of Hebrews 11, it points to the specific instances of the widow of Zarephath and the Shunammite woman, whose faith was honored by God through the raising of their sons. The use of "women" rather than naming the prophets emphasizes the recipient of the miracle and their faith.
* **Tortured (Greek, _tympanízō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "drum," this verb describes a particularly gruesome method of execution or torture where a victim was stretched on an instrument resembling a drum (like a rack) and then beaten to death. This vivid and brutal term underscores the extreme suffering endured by these martyrs, emphasizing the immense cost of their faithfulness and the severity of their refusal to compromise.
* **Better (Greek, _kreíttōn'_):** This comparative adjective means "stronger," "superior," or "more excellent." When applied to "resurrection" in this verse, it signifies that the resurrection hoped for by these martyrs was not merely a return to earthly life (like those raised by Elijah and Elisha), but a qualitatively superior, eternal, and glorious resurrection into God's presence, free from the limitations and suffering of mortal existence. It highlights the ultimate value and eschatological hope that drove their endurance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Women received their dead raised to life again:"** This clause opens with an affirmation of God's miraculous power demonstrated through the faith of specific women in the Old Testament. It refers to instances where individuals were brought back from death to their earthly lives, serving as a testament to God's ability to overcome death, albeit temporarily. This sets up the first category of faith-demonstration: receiving tangible, temporal blessings and restorations.
* **"and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance;"** This clause introduces a stark contrast. The conjunction "and others" immediately shifts the focus to a different group whose faith was expressed through enduring extreme suffering rather than receiving temporal relief. "Tortured" vividly depicts their horrific ordeal, while "not accepting deliverance" highlights their conscious, faith-driven refusal to compromise their beliefs, even when an escape from suffering was offered, implying apostasy or denial of God would have saved them. Their choice underscores a profound commitment to God over physical preservation.
* **"that they might obtain a better resurrection:"** This final clause reveals the profound motivation behind the martyrs' unwavering endurance. Their refusal to accept deliverance was purposeful, driven by a hope for something far greater than earthly life or temporary restoration. The "better resurrection" signifies an eternal, glorious, and incorruptible life with God, qualitatively superior to any earthly existence or temporary resuscitation. It is the ultimate, eschatological reward that made their immense suffering worthwhile.

#### Literary Devices
Hebrews 11:35 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Juxtaposition** and **Contrast**, setting the experience of women who received their dead raised to life (a temporal miracle) against "others" who were tortured and refused deliverance for the sake of a "better resurrection" (an eternal hope). This stark contrast highlights the diverse ways faith manifests and the varying outcomes it may lead to in this life, while underscoring the superior value of eternal reward. The structure also exhibits **Parallelism** in presenting two distinct groups of faithful individuals, each demonstrating profound trust in God, albeit with different immediate results. The phrase "better resurrection" functions as a form of **Climax**, elevating the ultimate, eternal hope above the temporal miracles, serving as the pinnacle of faith's reward. Furthermore, the vivid description of being "tortured" serves as **Pathos**, evoking a strong emotional response and emphasizing the immense sacrifice made by these martyrs.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 11:35 offers a profound theological statement on the nature of faith and the Christian hope. It expands the definition of faith beyond merely receiving temporal blessings or miraculous interventions, asserting that true faith also encompasses the steadfast endurance of suffering and even death for the sake of an unseen, eternal reward. The verse distinguishes between a temporal return to life and a "better resurrection," emphasizing the eschatological hope that undergirds Christian perseverance. This "better resurrection" is not merely a resuscitation but a transformation into an incorruptible, glorious body, signifying ultimate victory over death and a permanent dwelling in God's presence. It challenges believers to cultivate an eternal perspective, valuing God's ultimate promises above all earthly comforts or even life itself.

* [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection to Everlasting Life or Contempt")
* [1 Corinthians 15:42-44](/1_corinthians/15-42-44 "1 Corinthians 15:42-44 - The Nature of the Resurrection Body")
* [Revelation 20:6](/revelation/20-6 "Revelation 20:6 - Blessed and Holy are Those Who Have Part in the First Resurrection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 11:35 offers profound and challenging lessons for believers in every age. It compels us to examine the depth and object of our faith. Are we primarily seeking God for temporal comforts, blessings, and deliverance from hardship, or is our hope fixed on the "better resurrection"—the ultimate, eternal life with Him? The example of the martyrs, who chose excruciating suffering and death over compromise, calls us to a radical commitment, reminding us that true faith may demand immense sacrifice and unwavering endurance in the face of adversity. This verse provides immense comfort and strength for those enduring trials, facing persecution, or grieving the loss of loved ones, assuring us that death is not the final word for the faithful. Our ultimate hope is not in avoiding suffering in this life, but in the glorious, incorruptible life that awaits us in Christ, where every tear will be wiped away and suffering will be no more. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, allowing the hope of future glory to shape our present choices and empower our perseverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "accept deliverance" (compromise my faith) to avoid discomfort or suffering in my life today?**
* **How does the concept of a "better resurrection" influence my perspective on trials, losses, and even death?**
* **Am I living with an eternal perspective, or am I primarily focused on temporal blessings and earthly comforts?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more enduring faith that trusts God even in the face of extreme adversity?**

### FAQ
**Does Hebrews 11:35 imply that miraculous healings or resurrections are less significant than enduring suffering?**

Answer: Not at all. Hebrews 11:35 does not diminish the significance or power of God's miraculous interventions, such as the raising of the dead. Rather, it expands our understanding of faith, demonstrating that it manifests in diverse ways. The verse highlights two distinct, yet equally valid, expressions of faith: one that experiences temporal restoration and another that endures suffering for an eternal hope. The point is not that one is "better" than the other in terms of God's power, but that the *object* of the martyrs' hope—a "better resurrection"—is qualitatively superior to a mere return to mortal life. It teaches that faith is robust enough to embrace both miraculous deliverance and steadfast endurance unto death, with an eye towards God's ultimate, eternal promises. Both demonstrate profound trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 11:35 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "better resurrection" that the Old Testament martyrs longed for is precisely what Christ accomplished through His own death and glorious resurrection. He is the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits"), inaugurating a new kind of resurrection—not a return to mortal life, but a transformation into an incorruptible, eternal existence. While the women in the verse received their dead back to a temporary earthly life, Jesus's resurrection was the definitive victory over death, securing an eternal future for all who believe in Him. His suffering and death, "not accepting deliverance" from the cross, were for the ultimate purpose of "obtaining a better resurrection" for humanity, conquering sin and death once and for all [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus's Victory Over Death"). Through His resurrection, Christ guarantees that those who die in faith will experience this "better resurrection," a glorious, eternal life in His presence, where death has no sting and the grave no victory [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death Through Christ"). He is the very embodiment and guarantor of the hope that sustained the martyrs, the one who brings the "better covenant" and a "better hope" [Hebrews 7:22](/hebrews/7-22 "Hebrews 7:22 - Jesus, the Guarantor of a Better Covenant") and [Hebrews 7:19](/hebrews/7-19 "Hebrews 7:19 - A Better Hope").

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

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.