Hebrews 11:37

They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

They were stoned {G3034}, they were sawn asunder {G4249}, were tempted {G3985}, were slain {G599} with {G1722} the sword {G5408}{G3162}: they wandered about {G4022} in {G1722} sheepskins {G3374} and {G1722} goatskins {G122}{G1192}; being destitute {G5302}, afflicted {G2346}, tormented {G2558};

They were stoned, sawed in two, murdered by the sword; they went about clothed in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted, mistreated,

They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated.

they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword: they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated

Hebrews 11:37 is a powerful and sobering verse within the renowned "Hall of Faith" chapter, which chronicles the exemplary faith of numerous Old Testament figures. Following a list of those who achieved great victories by faith, this verse abruptly shifts to describe the horrific sufferings endured by other faithful individuals.

Context of Hebrews 11:37

This verse is part of a longer passage (Hebrews 11:35-38) that highlights a different facet of faith: not the faith that delivers from suffering, but the faith that endures through it. It serves as a stark reminder that a life of profound faith does not always lead to earthly comfort or triumph, but often to intense persecution and martyrdom. The preceding verses celebrate those who "stopped the mouths of lions" or "quenched the violence of fire," while these verses honor those who faced death and deprivation for their unwavering trust in God. The author's aim is to show the comprehensive nature of faith and its enduring power, even unto death, and to encourage the readers (and us) to emulate their steadfastness, looking forward to a better, heavenly country.

Key Themes

  • Persecution and Suffering for Righteousness: The verse vividly details the extreme violence and destitution faced by these faithful individuals. It underscores that loyalty to God can come at an immense personal cost.
  • Unwavering Endurance: Despite torture and deprivation, these individuals remained faithful, demonstrating remarkable spiritual resilience. Their suffering serves as a testament to the strength of their conviction and their hope in God's promises.
  • The Cost of Discipleship: This verse illustrates that following God can lead to rejection and hardship from the world, echoing the words of Jesus about the world hating His disciples.

Linguistic and Historical Insights

  • "They were stoned": A common form of execution in ancient Israel for various offenses, including blasphemy and idolatry. Stephen, in the New Testament, is a prominent example (Acts 7:59).
  • "They were sawn asunder": This particularly gruesome method of execution, involving sawing a person in half, is not explicitly detailed in the Old Testament. However, Jewish tradition (e.g., in the Talmud) attributes this fate to the prophet Isaiah under King Manasseh, making it a powerful and widely recognized symbol of extreme martyrdom.
  • "Were tempted": While some modern translations render this as "were tortured" or "were tested," the KJV's "tempted" likely refers to attempts by their persecutors to induce them to abandon their faith or betray their God, rather than internal moral temptation.
  • "Slain with the sword": Another common method of execution, representing violent death at the hands of enemies of faith.
  • "Wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented": This imagery paints a picture of extreme poverty, homelessness, and constant suffering. It recalls the lives of prophets like Elijah, who lived a rugged, itinerant life (2 Kings 1:8), and highlights their rejection by society, despite their spiritual greatness. The terms "destitute, afflicted, tormented" convey a state of utter deprivation and intense distress.

Practical Application and Reflection

Hebrews 11:37 serves as a profound challenge and comfort. It reminds us that:

  • Faith is not a guarantee of worldly ease: True faith often involves suffering for righteousness' sake.
  • Our suffering has historical precedent: Believers throughout history have endured immense hardship, and we are part of a long line of those who have faithfully endured. This can provide solidarity and strength.
  • God values endurance: The inclusion of these suffering saints in the "Hall of Faith" emphasizes that their steadfastness in the face of persecution is as commendable as the mighty acts of faith.
  • Our hope transcends this life: The ultimate reward for these faithful ones, and for us, is not found in this world but in the eternal promises of God. This passage encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who also endured great suffering.
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.

  • 2 Chronicles 24:21

    And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 26:23

    And they fetched forth Urijah out of Egypt, and brought him unto Jehoiakim the king; who slew him with the sword, and cast his dead body into the graves of the common people.

  • 1 Kings 19:10

    And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

  • 1 Kings 21:13

    And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, [even] against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.

  • 1 Kings 21:15

    And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead.

  • 2 Kings 1:8

    And they answered him, [He was] an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It [is] Elijah the Tishbite.

  • Acts 7:52

    Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

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