Hebrews 11:40

KJV

God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

KJV (with Strong's)

God {G2316} having provided {G4265} some {G5100} better {G2909} thing {G5100} for {G4012} us {G2257}, that {G3363} they {G5048} without {G5565} us {G2257} should {G5048} not {G3363} be made perfect {G5048}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because God had planned something better that would involve us, so that only with us would they be brought to the goal.

Berean Standard Bible

God had planned something better for us, so that together with us they would be made perfect.

American Standard Version

God having provided some better thing concerning us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 11:40 serves as the profound climax to the "faith chapter," revealing God's overarching redemptive design that intricately links the destiny of Old Testament saints with that of New Testament believers. It asserts that God, in His sovereign wisdom, had prepared a superior reality in Christ for "us" (New Covenant believers), ensuring that the faithful of old would not attain their ultimate consummation or "perfection" apart from the full unfolding of His plan, which includes the Church. This verse underscores the unity of God's people across all ages, all converging on Christ as the source of their ultimate hope and inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 11 is a monumental "hall of faith," meticulously cataloging a diverse array of Old Testament figures who exemplified unwavering trust in God's promises, even when those promises remained unfulfilled in their lifetime. The chapter builds a powerful cumulative argument, showcasing faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Verse 40 acts as the grand theological summation, explaining *why* these heroes, despite their extraordinary faith, did not receive the "promised thing" (Hebrews 11:39) in its full, perfected form. It bridges the gap between their anticipatory faith and the ultimate fulfillment found in the New Covenant, setting the stage for the exhortation in [Hebrews 12:1-2](/hebrews/12-1-2 "Hebrews 12:1-2 - The Cloud of Witnesses and Jesus"). The verse emphasizes that God's plan is a unified whole, culminating in Christ, and that the "perfection" of the Old Testament saints is inextricably linked to the "better thing" provided for New Testament believers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were likely facing persecution and social pressure, tempting them to revert to the familiar practices and perceived security of Judaism. The author's primary aim is to demonstrate the absolute superiority of Christ and the New Covenant over the Old Covenant, its priesthood, sacrifices, and institutions. By highlighting the faith of Old Testament figures, the author shows that even their covenant, though divinely ordained, was a shadow pointing to a greater reality. Verse 40 directly addresses this by stating that God had "provided some better thing for us," unequivocally positioning the New Covenant as the ultimate and complete revelation of God's redemptive work. This would have served as a powerful encouragement for the original audience to persevere in their new faith, understanding that even their revered ancestors awaited the same ultimate consummation in Christ that they now experienced.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hebrews. Firstly, it reinforces the **Superiority of the New Covenant**, a central argument of the epistle. The "better thing" (Greek: _kreíttōn_) for "us" directly points to the new and living way inaugurated by Jesus Christ, offering a more complete and lasting salvation than the temporary provisions of the Old Covenant (cf. [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")). Secondly, it highlights the **Unity of God's Redemptive Plan**, emphasizing that all believers, from Abraham to the present day, are part of a single, unfolding story of salvation. The Old Testament saints' ultimate "perfection" (Greek: _teleióō_) is not independent but rather interconnected with the New Testament church, demonstrating that God's plan is one grand, continuous narrative centered on Christ. Finally, the verse speaks to **Future Perfection and Consummation**, indicating that the ultimate state of blessedness, the full inheritance, and the final glorification for all God's people await the gathering of the entire body of Christ. This collective consummation underscores a shared destiny, where no part of God's family is made complete without the other, all finding their ultimate fulfillment in the work of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **provided (Greek, _problépō'_):** This word (G4265) means "to look out beforehand, i.e., furnish in advance." It emphasizes God's sovereign foresight and purposeful planning. Before the Old Testament saints lived and died, God had already "looked out beforehand" and "furnished in advance" a superior reality—the New Covenant in Christ—knowing that it would be the means by which all His people, past and present, would ultimately be perfected. This speaks to the eternal nature of God's redemptive decree.
* **better (Greek, _kreíttōn'_):** As a comparative form (G2909), this word means "stronger, i.e., nobler." Throughout Hebrews, _kreíttōn_ is used repeatedly to highlight the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant over the Old (e.g., better promises, better sacrifice, better hope). Here, the "better thing" refers to the full and final revelation of God's grace in Jesus, the complete forgiveness of sins, and direct access to God, which surpasses the shadows and temporary provisions of the Mosaic Law.
* **perfect (Greek, _teleióō'_):** This verb (G5048) means "to complete, to accomplish, or to consummate (in character)." In this context, it does not refer to moral flawlessness, but rather to the ultimate completion of salvation, the full realization of God's promises, and the reception of their eternal inheritance and reward in God's presence. The Old Testament saints were justified by faith, but their ultimate glorification and the full consummation of God's redemptive plan awaited the advent of Christ and the inclusion of the New Covenant believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"God having provided some better thing for us,"**: This clause establishes God's initiative and sovereign wisdom. The phrase "provided some better thing" (G4265 _problépō_ and G2909 _kreíttōn_) points to the New Covenant in Christ, which offers a superior and complete salvation compared to the Old Covenant. The "us" refers to New Testament believers, who are the beneficiaries of this ultimate provision. This highlights the fulfillment of God's plan in the person and work of Jesus.
* **"that they without us should not be made perfect."**: This is a purpose clause, explaining God's intention behind the "better thing." "They" refers to the Old Testament saints mentioned throughout Hebrews 11. The phrase "without us" signifies that their ultimate consummation or "perfection" (G5048 _teleióō_) is intrinsically linked to the New Testament believers. It means that the full realization of God's redemptive promises and the final state of glory for the Old Testament faithful would not occur in isolation, but only in conjunction with the full gathering of God's people from all ages, united in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
The author employs several literary devices in [Hebrews 11:40](/hebrews/11-40 "Hebrews 11:40 - God's Unified Plan"):
* **Antithesis:** There is an implicit **antithesis** between the "better thing for us" and the "perfection" of "them" (the Old Testament saints). While the Old Testament saints had faith, they did not receive the full "promised thing" (Hebrews 11:39), which contrasts with the "better thing" provided for New Testament believers through Christ. This highlights the qualitative difference and ultimate superiority of the New Covenant.
* **Teleological Statement:** The verse functions as a **teleological statement**, explaining the ultimate purpose or end goal of God's redemptive history. The phrase "that they without us should not be made perfect" reveals God's grand design for the collective perfection of all His people, emphasizing a unified eschatological destiny.
* **Inclusio (with Hebrews 12:1-2):** While not a direct inclusio within the verse itself, Hebrews 11:40 acts as a crucial bridge and thematic **inclusio** with the opening of [Hebrews 12:1-2](/hebrews/12-1-2 "Hebrews 12:1-2 - The Great Cloud of Witnesses"). The "they" who are "not made perfect without us" become the "great cloud of witnesses" who surround "us" as we run the race of faith, looking to Jesus, the "author and perfecter of our faith." This connection reinforces the continuity and unity of God's people through history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 11:40 is a profound theological statement on the unity and culmination of God's redemptive plan. It reveals that God's work of salvation is not fragmented across different eras but is a cohesive, unfolding narrative centered on Christ. The "better thing" provided for New Covenant believers is the full and final revelation of God's grace through Jesus, which retroactively and proactively encompasses all who believe. The "perfection" of the Old Testament saints is not a separate event but is inextricably linked to the consummation of the Church, the body of Christ. This means that the ultimate glorification and full inheritance for all God's people—past, present, and future—will occur collectively at the glorious return of Christ, when all are gathered into His presence. This shared destiny underscores the interconnectedness of the family of God and the singular focus on Christ as the source of all salvation and ultimate hope.

* [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")
* [Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9-10 "Ephesians 1:9-10 - God's Plan of Unification in Christ")
* [1 Peter 1:10-12](/1_peter/1-10-12 "1 Peter 1:10-12 - Prophets and Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers immense comfort and profound insight for believers today, reminding us that we are not isolated in our faith journey but are part of a grand, eternal story that spans generations. Just as the Old Testament saints persevered by faith, trusting in promises they did not fully see fulfilled in their lifetime, we too are called to patient endurance, knowing that God will bring all His promises to their perfect consummation. Our hope is not in our own efforts or in a fragmented plan, but in the unified, Christ-centered work of God that guarantees a shared destiny of ultimate perfection for all His people. This truth should inspire us to live with a forward-looking hope, recognizing that our present struggles are temporary, and our ultimate reward is secure in Christ, shared with a vast company of faithful witnesses who have gone before us. It encourages us to live in light of eternity, contributing to the ongoing story of God's redemption, knowing that our ultimate completion is intertwined with the glorious gathering of all God's saints.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of a "better thing" in Christ deepen your appreciation for the New Covenant and its implications for your daily life?**
* **In what ways does knowing that Old Testament saints are "not made perfect without us" encourage you in your own faith journey and sense of belonging within God's family?**
* **How does this verse challenge you to persevere in faith, even when you don't see the full fulfillment of God's promises in your lifetime?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more consciously as part of God's unified redemptive plan, connecting with believers across time and cultures?**

### FAQ

**What does "made perfect" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Hebrews 11:40, "made perfect" (Greek: _teleióō_) does not refer to moral flawlessness or sinless perfection in this life. Instead, it signifies the ultimate completion, consummation, or glorification of God's people. For the Old Testament saints, it means the full realization of God's promises to them, their reception of their eternal inheritance, and their final state of blessedness and glory in God's presence. This ultimate perfection is achieved through Christ's work and will be fully realized when all believers, Old and New Testament, are finally gathered together in Him at the consummation of all things, as described in [Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God with His People").

**Why couldn't the Old Testament saints be made perfect without "us"?**

Answer: The phrase "without us" refers to New Testament believers, the Church, who are part of the "better thing" God provided through Christ. The Old Testament was a shadow, a preparation for the coming of the Messiah. The full and final revelation of God's redemptive plan, the establishment of the New Covenant, and the ultimate sacrifice for sins occurred through Jesus Christ. Therefore, the ultimate glorification and full inheritance for the Old Testament saints could not be fully realized until Christ's work was complete and His body, the Church, began to be formed. Their perfection is intrinsically linked to the full unfolding of God's plan, which includes the entire company of the redeemed, united in Christ. This emphasizes the singular, unified nature of God's redemptive history, culminating in the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 11:40 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the "better thing" that God provided for "us." The Old Testament saints, though commended for their faith, lived in anticipation of a Messiah, a future hope. Their sacrifices were temporary, their covenant preparatory, and their access to God mediated. It was only through the advent of Christ, His perfect life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection, that the "better covenant" (as described in [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")) was inaugurated. Jesus is the one who "perfected forever those who are being sanctified" ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Perfected Forever")). His finished work on the cross is the singular ground for the "perfection" of all believers, past, present, and future. The Old Testament saints could not be "made perfect" (consummated in glory) apart from the New Covenant believers because Christ's redemptive work is a unified whole, gathering all His people into one body ([Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9-10 "Ephesians 1:9-10 - God's Plan of Unification in Christ")). He is the "author and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith")), the one who brings all God's promises to their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). Thus, all who believe, from Abel to the last saint, are perfected together in Him, awaiting the glorious day of His return when all God's children will be fully glorified and united in His presence ([1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Lord's Return")).

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

Revelation 6:11

And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled.

Hebrews 7:19

For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope [did]; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

Hebrews 10:11

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

Hebrews 10:14

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Hebrews 8:6

¶ But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Hebrews 9:23

¶ [It was] therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

Hebrews 5:9

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;